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Help with RPM jumping issue - 99 cherokee

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Old 02-21-2018, 01:31 PM
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Default Help with RPM jumping issue - 99 cherokee

AS OF March 27th 2018 this has been RESOLVED - Issue was o2 sensor (Upstream) read on for the fun times!

I'm having some trouble and could use some help with where to look next.

I'm new to working on vehicles but enjoy the learning process and the wealth of info out there. What I've done so far: New Mopar TPS and CPS, New Plugs/Wires/distributor rotor and cap, new IAC valve, cleaned the throttle body completely.

The vehicle is my 99 Cherokee XJ, 148k miles. I cant drive it right now because of this issue.

The problem: when I accelerate from a stop sign the RPM's start to jump up and down like crazy.. this causes the vehicle to start bucking/jumping.

Here's a video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ywsr4owjgl...51.11.mov?dl=0

If you watch the RPM's they are moving around like crazy. This actually makes the whole vehicle jump or buck forward and backward. The problem lasts for awhile and sometimes I hear a loud pop noise and it starts to drive smoothly. Other times I have to pull over completely and wait a bit, then I can drive again and the issue is gone.

Any ideas for me?

Last edited by sotu; 03-27-2018 at 07:29 PM.
Old 02-21-2018, 01:33 PM
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My first post here, long time lurker :-) finally connected and created an account as I cant figure this out! thank you
Old 02-21-2018, 01:50 PM
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Not an expert but the first place I would look is the Idle Air Control valve.
Old 02-21-2018, 01:58 PM
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Let's clarify - does this seem like it's the engine out of whack or the transmission can't figure itself out? It kind of appears transmission related from the description and video. If you pop it into neutral when it's happening, does it stop?
Old 02-21-2018, 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by PatHenry
Let's clarify - does this seem like it's the engine out of whack or the transmission can't figure itself out? It kind of appears transmission related from the description and video. If you pop it into neutral when it's happening, does it stop?
Putting it into neutral stops it but that's also because I am no longer trying to accelerate. Taking my foot off the gas also stops the rpm's jumping.

I'm not sure how to pinpoint engine or transmission as the source. It doesn't feel like a "shifting" issue because it starts from stopped - I'd assume that means it's in first gear the whole time, but maybe it's trouble going between 1 and 2?
Old 02-21-2018, 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Gunmetal Pearl XJ
Not an expert but the first place I would look is the Idle Air Control valve.
IAC Valve was replaced this weekend - symptoms persisted after.
Old 02-21-2018, 03:00 PM
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When you are having the issue, and you put it in N, if you give it gas does it smoothly increase or is it choppy?

I'm no expert, especially of Automatic Jeeps (all of mine were or are manual), but it seems suspiciously like an issue with the shift solenoids (I think one is for 1 & 2 which would be suspect 1) or TCU where the tranny can't figure out where to change gears... especially if it's bad in 1 & 2 and drives normally in 3 or 4.
Old 02-21-2018, 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by PatHenry
When you are having the issue, and you put it in N, if you give it gas does it smoothly increase or is it choppy?

I'm no expert, especially of Automatic Jeeps (all of mine were or are manual), but it seems suspiciously like an issue with the shift solenoids (I think one is for 1 & 2 which would be suspect 1) or TCU where the tranny can't figure out where to change gears... especially if it's bad in 1 & 2 and drives normally in 3 or 4.
If I put it into N and apply gas, things seem normal. It just drives the RPM's up as one would expect it to. I started looking into Shift solenoids via youtube, lots of comments in the video descriptions sound similar to the issue I am experiencing!! Great idea.. going to check out buying them now and will replace this right away as I haven't heard/tried that yet.

Dang, just went on RockAuto and saw these are 100+ each? It looks like there's different ones for different shifting points.. looks like I can test it following this thread

Last edited by sotu; 02-21-2018 at 03:51 PM.
Old 02-21-2018, 07:52 PM
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Definitely test them. IIRC a lot of folks use the ebay ones that are significantly cheaper.
Old 02-21-2018, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Mario Tarabbia
What I've done so far: New Mopar TPS and CPS, New Plugs/Wires/distributor rotor and cap, new IAC valve, cleaned the throttle body completely.
Before or after the driveability issue?
Old 02-21-2018, 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbo X_J
Before or after the driveability issue?
All of this has been after, while trying to remedy the situation.
Old 02-21-2018, 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by PatHenry
Definitely test them. IIRC a lot of folks use the ebay ones that are significantly cheaper.
Thank goodness - I'll test it first. Definitely ok shoveling out cash to fix the issue but would love a bargain if it can be had without sacrificing part quality
Old 02-21-2018, 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Mario Tarabbia


All of this has been after, while trying to remedy the situation.
What are the codes?
What is the fuel pressure in psi?
Have you performed a compression test?
Old 02-21-2018, 11:36 PM
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Have you tried pumping the pedal a few quick times and then stepping on it? If it clears up and takes off like a bat out of hell then it could be an O2 sensor problem.
Old 02-22-2018, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbo X_J
What are the codes?
What is the fuel pressure in psi?
Have you performed a compression test?
1. There's no trouble codes. Also no CEL on. I hooked up OBD2 reader this morning to double check and can confirm no codes.
2. I dont know this but I will check
3. I have not but will check this also.

How do you recommend I check #2 and 3? (will look on youtube)

My next steps:
Test Shift solenoids with Multimeter and if bad replace the ones that are bad.
Test Fuel Pressure.
Compression Test

Last edited by sotu; 02-22-2018 at 09:55 AM. Reason: update with next steps


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