1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport, 4.0L, manual trans.

Ongoing problem: Tach drops to zero and engine cuts out when driving. Happens more when water splashes under engine or after engine compartment rinsed out.

Recently I tried zip-tying the plugs on my PCM, then read that one could damage the sockets that way. Good thing I didn't yank them as tight as Atlas with the pliers, they are just hand snug. Also, Jeep was still cutting out a couple of days later.

Sometime after that attempt, it threw the 11 code along with the 72. I checked the Crank Position Sensor plug (replaced that sensor, probably needlessly, about 7 years ago), refreshed the dielectric grease, the gasket seemed swollen and was difficult to jam the plug back together. Used a small zip-tie for insurance.

Hasn't cut out in about 1 week.

 

Water splash causing electrical shorting out is definitely a sign of some exposed wiring or connector issue.

As far as a CPS on a manual Jeep - with 3 manual Jeeps in my family (95 XJ, 94 XJ, 00 TJ) over more than 700,000 combined miles, none have ever needed a new CPS. My theory is the higher operating temp of the auto tranny is what causes CPS failure. It's just a theory, maybe we've just been lucky.

I would guess that moisture in your case in the connector for the CPS is your root cause considering what you've described.

Keep us posted - definitely helpful info here.

 

On my usual route to/from work, I made a point to hit the bumps that used to trigger the engine cutout problem. I had developed a habit of swerving away from certain manhole covers and bumps (as do other drivers on these roads). No problem now.

The water splashing mentioned earlier was usually associated with a bump in the road too. However, after I washed the engine after tinkering (cleaning up the accumulated crud and old spilled oil to find gasket leaks) I was getting random cutouts. Not getting those now, but everything under the hood has been dry for a while too. Debating tempting fate by opening and re greasing all connectors, since the seals seem to be difficult to press back into their sockets now.

 

you may have a damaged part of the metal contacts within the connector, usually the female part gets loose or pushed back

inspecting the parts under bright light and magnification, with a needle, will usually show

at the end of the day, it is possible to replace a connector, with new, junkyard, alternative, or even hardwire

 

Not sure what I damaged back into working well, lol.