1997 Cherokee starting issue
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
That's odd. My '97 has one.
Well, no, come to think of it... Parts store jockeys not having a clue is NOT odd at all. It's routine. So routine, in fact, that you should pretty much ignore almost anything they say.
As for the other code, here's a little trick for getting code info.
Trust me, it's much better than asking the people at Autozone.
Well, no, come to think of it... Parts store jockeys not having a clue is NOT odd at all. It's routine. So routine, in fact, that you should pretty much ignore almost anything they say.
As for the other code, here's a little trick for getting code info.
Trust me, it's much better than asking the people at Autozone.Where is it located? Rock auto does not give a part for the cam sensor on a 1997 but it does on a 2000. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
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Model: Cherokee
BlueRidgeMark- Disregard I found it’s on the distributor. Guess I should start using google lol still shows that a 1997 shouldn’t have one from what I have found… or at least can purchase off of various auto parts websites searching by year and model.
Jake92- Thanks for the tip. I will dive into the harness I suppose. Wiring is not something I feel comfortable about at all but dread taking it to a shop to figure it out.
Jake92- Thanks for the tip. I will dive into the harness I suppose. Wiring is not something I feel comfortable about at all but dread taking it to a shop to figure it out.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 797
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Look up a wiring diagram and how to voltage drop test using a voltmeter. Just relax and learn. It's not hard and will help resolve all electrical issues that you may have in the future.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
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Model: Cherokee
Question.... The metal ring on the flywheel that's tied to the crank sensor. Are these rings different throughout the years or all the same? I didn't swap the flywheels over. If for some reason motor was of a different year could this be an issue? Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 797
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Possibly if the engine was maybe a 95 or an 01 and not a 97. Best bet is to look for the tag on the engine and know exactly what year this engine is. Until we know for sure what year the engine is, we can assume everything and we all know about assuming.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
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Model: Cherokee
Engine is officially from 1998. I was told by a local repair shop that the rectifier ring on the flywheel is different between 97 and 98 but can't find anything to fully support or disprove that. I guess at this point it wouldn't hurt to out the one off the old motor in and see what happens.
Does anyone know if there is indeed a difference? It would explain the terrible run and flooding condition.
Does anyone know if there is indeed a difference? It would explain the terrible run and flooding condition.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Thanks! Going to swap them out this weekend and see if that solves the problem. I’m I correct to assume they can only go on one way? Or do I need to put both engines on TDC and mark it?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 32
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Model: Cherokee
Successful day! She runs! And like a dream! I wish I had taken a comparison picture of the two flywheels but the rings were completely different. Substantially so. Slid the tranny back just enough to swap them out. Hooked everything back up and she fired right up. I wanted to post the solution and also thank everyone on here that gave advice!
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 338
From: PA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
BTW, nice looking XJ. Dont see many with those wheels anymore.