Hello, everyone. I have a 96 4.0L 5 speed Cherokee in need of a new CPS. I was driving home when I got a loud backfire and it stalled out. I had no spark, so I checked the timing and it was fine. Tested the CPS resistance and it wasn't even close to zero (I think it was like 6.98). Needless to say, I need to change out the CPS. What's the best way to do this, because it doesn't look like much fun from the top. Any tip or tricks would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

 

Long exstension or combination of exstensions,universial with a little duct tape to keep it from flopping around and someone to help hold the socket on if possible.
Also alot of patience and if you have kids make sure they are inside,there teacher will not be calling you asking where they learned all the new colorful words.

 

It's not difficult, just a frig of a deal.
Skinny wrists arms is nice for this job.
I did mine the first time in about 15min's. ... but I took about that much time feeling around and looking with an inspection mirror to get aquainted with the task.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've got some pretty skinny arms, it just doesn't look like there's too much room to maneuver down there, though. I'm gonna try the duct tape trick when I do this. I have no way to the parts store right now, so I'll probably wait till Christmas to do it since I'm stuck working tomorrow and the day after till the evening. Thanks again for the help. Merry Christmas.

 

I did one screw from the top and one from the bottom and it also took about 15 Min's...Tj

 

Wow, I figured it would take a lot longer than that. It looks like it's a PITA to get to and to get a wrench on. I guess I'll get the part ASAP and let everyone know how the install goes and if it solves my 'no spark' problem. I sure hope it does.

 

Get the bolts out with extensions from the bottom, run the extensions up beside the tranny (from way back by the tcase...)..

 

Found this in the xj tech writeup section on this site. Theres alot of good info there.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/je...-sensor-17310/

 

As much as I'd like to do it from below, I can't. It's parked in a foot and a half of snow in the grass and I can't move it from there till it runs. So, I have to make my way through the top. I just got the new CPS from Pepboys for $62, which was surprising. I usually never go to Pepboys becasue they are usually more expensive than AutoZone, but this time they were cheaper by $25.

 

its gonna be a bee-ach from the top. i did it in 5 from underneath. just the two bolts and the plug. its a snap. you will fight it from the top. all the guys here will attest i'm sure.

 

ya a car lift helps a lot but get a long extention and a swivle or a u joint. oh ya and if you go from the bottom you can unhook where the shifter goes into the tranny for more room, but either way its a PITA. HAVE FUN!

 

Hmm, maybe I'll just dress real warm and take a dive into the snow to get this one done quicker. Or I can smash the snow down with a piece of plywood and lay on it. I guess I'll see how it works out tomorrow and let everyone know how it goes.

 

ya yoy really dont want to do it from the top it sucks bottoms way simpler.

 

Alrighty then, bottom it is. As long as it makes my Jeep run again. It's only been down since Saturday, but it feels like it's been a lifetime.

 

haha i know the feeling mine went out and i had withdraws but i fixed her and it was all better.