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Check Engine Light **HELP**

Old Jan 10, 2011 | 01:55 PM
  #1  
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Year: 2001
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Default Check Engine Light **HELP**

Hey guys I just finished changing my plugs on a 2001 4.0L to the E3 plugs and my check engine light came on?? Everything is running great but the light came on right after I fired her up.?? I feel like it is running better but??? Any ideas?
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:09 PM
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Take it to the local auto parts store to read the CEL code.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:15 PM
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In two Cherokees that I tried E3 plugs in, the engine started to stumble and idle poorly, especially at startup. One was immediately apparent, the other I noticed some time later as the connections and contact points of my Distributor cap and rotor were abnormally charred. Rumor has it that the E3's pull too much current or amperage from the stock ignition and it can't keep up. You're probably getting a lean or rich code because the E3's are burning more or less than your previous plugs. You can try resetting the code to teach the emissions system to "learn" the difference, but I would recommend staying away from the E3 plugs. Besides, they're $8 a plug.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by SamSissine2
Hey guys I just finished changing my plugs on a 2001 4.0L to the E3 plugs and my check engine light came on?? Everything is running great but the light came on right after I fired her up.?? I feel like it is running better but??? Any ideas?
Try to put a set of Champion Truck Plugs (4412)in there. 4.0's love those plugs
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:26 PM
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too bad they don't make them anymore....
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:26 PM
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Buy one of these and check out the codes yourself:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAUNCH-CReader...item2eb2529f7d

Such a tool is a must for any owner of a vehicle having OBD diagnostics – allowing you to determine if the check engine is due to a minor issue or something more serious (to get sorted now, not in 500 miles). [Can be a useful tool when considering purchasing a vehicle].

Note that the ‘post-it note’ states that petrol post 2001 and diesel post 2004 are compatible with the scanner. These are the dates this side of the pond by which OBD had to fitted to all vehicles. I believe that in the USA that year was 1996 (but I could be wrong).

Before purchasing any OBD scanner – check that the instrument protocols are compatible with the vehicle(s) you intend to use it on.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:29 PM
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x2 on getting codes run. We're taking shots in the dark without knowing what the code is.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by dukie564
too bad they don't make them anymore....
AZ and AA has them by me...Tj
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:35 PM
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our engine is very finniky about it's spark plugs. It pretty much hates anything except Champion (84-98 cherokees) or NGK (99-01 cherokees).

You may also have to reset the ECM and force the relearn procedure for the a/f trims. Search for how to do this.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by TrekkerJmm
AZ and AA has them by me...Tj
WHAT!?! No way! I searched for them for hours when it was time to change mine...but all i could find were reports of them being discontinued.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by dukie564
WHAT!?! No way! I searched for them for hours when it was time to change mine...but all i could find were reports of them being discontinued.
Just called both places here in NJ and both have them in stock. Maybe I should grab a few sets huh?
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:40 PM
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i just looked near me too...in stock

i guess they started making them again AFTER i changed my plugs?
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 02:44 PM
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Kool.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 03:30 PM
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Hey all thanks for the replies.

I pulled the cables on the battery and let it sit for a few minutes. When I started her back up everything was clear. I went ahead and took her around the block and still everything seemed fine. Went ahead and went over to Advance Auto to run a diagnostic and everything was clear 0 codes were thrown.

I asked them about it and they just pretty much confirmed what others had said in some of the review I had read on here from others.

The killer is the car runs I think a lot better with them in, smoother idle, more pick up, and I am hoping I may gain some efficiency in the MPG arena as well but we will see.

I will put NGK's in if I get another CEL but I think it was a fluke. Thanks for the advice on the Reader I will consider that or ask a friend if he still has one.


**on a side note, I am leaking coolant slowly not a lot from what it looks like the bottom of the overflow reservoir.?? its a slow trickle all the way down the wheel well onto the suspension arm and then the floor. Any ideas? is that a biggie could I be mistaken and it be coming from somewhere else?
Thanks!
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 05:00 PM
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Don't expect to see any gas mileage increase with the E3. They make the claim, but I haven't seen any "solid" data, just anecdotal.

From my experience, plain old Champion copper plugs for 84-99. NGK for 00-01.
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