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.

Flashing Check engine light 2000 XJ

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-04-2016, 02:02 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Joe Zugg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default Flashing Check engine light 2000 XJ

I have a 2000 Xj, all stock. Out of the blue the check engine light started flashing, and it will buck. If its cold, it runs fine. Once it warms up it begins this all over again. Ideas please......
Old 07-04-2016, 02:03 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
s346k's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: central IN
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 0
Received 15 Likes on 11 Posts
Year: 1997
Engine: 4.0
Default

have the code read at a parts store like autozone. then post up what code it is.
Old 07-04-2016, 02:59 PM
  #3  
CF Veteran
 
Bustedback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 0
Received 19 Likes on 18 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Default

A flashing check engine light means the catalytic converter is in danger of being destroyed. Don't drive around with a flashing check engine light.
Old 07-04-2016, 03:03 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Joe Zugg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

can i hollow out?
Old 07-04-2016, 04:30 PM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
Bustedback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 0
Received 19 Likes on 18 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Default

Originally Posted by Joe Zugg
can i hollow out?
NO!!!!!
Old 07-05-2016, 12:48 AM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
fb97xj1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: PA
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 0
Received 333 Likes on 277 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

It is flashing because the engine is misfiring. You need the exact trouble code to find out why, which can be for any number of reasons. Gutting the cat is pointless here as you will still have the misfire, so forget gutting the cat. I would not recommend it anyway as the dust it creates is very bad for you. It is also very time consuming, and in my experience typically results in a loss of low end torque to some degree. You need codes in order to figure this out. If this just started the cat may be ok, but dont keep driving it with a flashing CEL or the cat will go bad.


If you plan on keeping it for a long time, i suggest buying a scanner if you have not already as having to drive to the local auto parts store is not always an option. The Actron cp9670 is a good one.
Old 07-05-2016, 08:25 AM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
tjwalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the middle of Minnesota!
Posts: 5,805
Received 99 Likes on 88 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

As others have mentioned, a "flashing" CEL indicates a serious misfire, which if not resolved immediately, will trash your catalytic converter.

The strategy for any CEL is always the same. Retrieve codes, research them and post the exact codes here, determine root cause, and resolve.
Old 07-05-2016, 09:03 AM
  #8  
::CF Administrator::
 
Rogue4x4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Blunt, South Dakota
Posts: 14,465
Received 770 Likes on 524 Posts
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.6 stroker
Default

Talk of modifying emissions equipment is against federal law, and the site's rules. Please refrain from discussing it from this point. Thank you.
Old 07-05-2016, 10:50 AM
  #9  
IJM
CF Veteran
 
IJM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: District of Columbia
Posts: 1,287
Received 274 Likes on 205 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Joe Zugg
I have a 2000 Xj, all stock. Out of the blue the check engine light started flashing, and it will buck. If its cold, it runs fine. Once it warms up it begins this all over again. Ideas please......
As others have stated above, you have a misfire, which means the fuel in one or more cylinders isn't igniting. Raw fuel will quickly degrade the exhaust catalyst , hence why the ECU is programmed to get your attention right away by a flashing CEL when it detects more than just a random misfire.

It's most likely due to a problem with your ignition system, probably something like a bad coil pack. It could also be a bad sensor (crankshaft position sensor?). The first step is to get it scanned either with your own tool (inexpensive ones are available online) or by your local auto parts store.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rnovak55
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
05-10-2016 07:27 AM
GaiaXJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
04-27-2016 11:15 AM
Malikzion
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
5
04-21-2016 06:11 PM
6stringer
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
2
04-17-2016 02:15 PM
Sergio07
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
1
04-08-2016 07:57 PM

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


Quick Reply: Flashing Check engine light 2000 XJ



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:11 AM.