Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

CEL but no codes?????

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 22, 2025 | 12:16 PM
  #1  
sharp801's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Gilbert,AZ
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default CEL but no codes?????

Hi everyone, jeep cherokee 1997 4.0 has a check engine light on but no codes. Where do I go from here? Thanks
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2025 | 01:42 PM
  #2  
Saudade's Avatar
CF Veteran
5 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 576
From: SoCal
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

What scanner? Does it indicate the MIL is ON?
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2025 | 02:42 PM
  #3  
exasemech's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 970
Likes: 473
From: North East USA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Just for a place to start clear the light (with your scan tool, not the battery silliness) and see if the light comes back on and stores codes.
Reply
Old Nov 30, 2025 | 07:10 PM
  #4  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,839
Likes: 116
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Agree with the above, but if that doesn't work, be sure to try a different code reader or scan tool. I've seen this exact condition before and it was clearly the result of a failing scan tool. Good luck and keep us updated!
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2025 | 06:29 PM
  #5  
Jayson's Avatar
Junior Member
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 32
Likes: 11
From: Fiji
Default

Originally Posted by sharp801
Hi everyone, jeep cherokee 1997 4.0 has a check engine light on but no codes. Where do I go from here? Thanks
You need to use a proper OBD2 scanner, not just the key trick. The key trick often doesn't work for later 1996 and all 1997 models. Get a real code reader. If the light is on, a code is stored.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DMolyneaux141
KL Cherokee Tech
0
Jun 28, 2024 09:50 AM
XJwonders
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
15
Oct 21, 2013 08:00 PM
TJkiller98
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
Nov 26, 2011 05:04 PM
otpracer
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
Jan 18, 2011 07:24 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:41 AM.