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Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: How to Replace Distributor

The distributor controls the firing of the spark plugs. It connects to a drive gear inside the engine that times it to the engine's firing order. Distributors contain many moving parts and high levels of voltage are transmitted inside. This creates wear, which can result in deteriorated performance over time.

By Weston Chadwick - September 1, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

The distributor houses the distributor cap, rotor, switching device, and a shaft with a drive gear. As the drive gear rotates the rotor inside the distributor cap, electrical contact is made with each cylinders' spark plug wire. Because the rotor is mechanically connected to the drive gear, it's always properly timed to the piston's movement. There is no direct connection between the rotor and spark plug wires. Instead, current arcs to the spark plug wire from the rotor. This arcing creates wear between the contacts. The constant rotation of the rotor and shaft create wear as well. Eventually, misfires can result due to corrosion buildup and component binding. This is most often seen as low engine power.

Materials Needed

  • 3/8" ratchet with extensions
  • Spark plug socket
  • Large 1/2" ratchet
  • Socket set (8mm-19mm)
  • Large socket (21mm-24mm) to turn the harmonic balancer
  • Large screwdriver
  • Flashlight
  • Distributor

Step 1 – Move cylinder number one to top dead center

Top dead center is the point at which the piston is at the top of its stroke inside the engine cylinder. Cylinder one is located in the front, closest to the harmonic balancer. You will need to remove the cylinder one's spark plug and use a flashlight while turning the harmonic balancer bolt with a large ratchet. A long screwdriver can be inserted into the spark plug and pushed against the piston to determine its position.

  • Figure 1. How to locate top dead center using the harmonic balancer.
  • Figure 2. The engine and distributor firing order.

Step 2 – Remove the spark plug wires from the distributor

Pull the spark plug wires from the distributor. Twist as you pull if they are hard to disconnect. Note the position of the wires on the distributor and use Figure 2 for reference.

Step 3 – Remove the distributor from the engine

First disconnect the electrical connector from the camshaft position sensor. Lift the flexible tab on the connector and separate the plug.

Figure 3. A diagram of the distributor.

One bolt holds the distributor to the engine block. The bolt is located at the three o'clock position next to the distributor shaft. The distributor can now be lifted up and out of the engine.

Figure 4. The red circle indicates the distributor mounting bolt.

Step 4 – Move gear inside the engine to correct position

Look down the distributor shaft hole with a flashlight. You will see a small gear that contains a slot the distributor shaft gear meshes with. If this slot is not at the eleven o'clock position, move the gear with a screwdriver.

Figure 5. Inside the red circle is the gear slot.

Step 5 – Install the new distributor

To have the distributor shaft gear correctly aligned with the gear in the engine, the distributor shaft must be slid into the engine correctly. The mounting bolt flange must start at the one o'clock position and move to the three o'clock position as the gears mesh. Once the mounting bolt flange correctly aligns with the hole, tighten the bolt down.

Connect the camshaft position sensor to the wiring harness and attach the spark plugs wires in the proper position.

Featured Video: Jeep Cherokee Distributor Install

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