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.

Indecisive Check Engine Light

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-22-2012, 04:42 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
HudsonTheStudson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Easley/Piedmont SC
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default Indecisive Check Engine Light

I drove my jeep out to the city today (around a 35 minute ride one-way) and noticed on my way there that the Check Engine light was on. Decided some fluids were probably a little low, so when I got home, I popped her hood up as my dad pulled up the driveway. He asked me what was up and I told him the lights on. He told me to show him, and I started her up and it was off. Any ideas what could cause it? If you need any more info, I'll be glad to give it. Im going to run some Seafoam through her system (on empty now, gonna fill up tomorrow a.m.) and see if maybe its flow is restricted, but other than that, nothing seems wrong. Thanks in advance.
Old 06-22-2012, 04:56 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
Gee oh Dee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 21,168
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Year: 1987
Engine: Check
Default

Get the codes. They wil be stored even if the CEL isnt on.
Old 06-22-2012, 07:16 PM
  #3  
CF Veteran
 
ZINGGG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Seal Beach, CA
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Default

^this

And it can be done at any auto parts store for free (at least I think most will do it for free, or for a small fee)
Old 06-22-2012, 07:17 PM
  #4  
CF Veteran
 
tjwalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: In the middle of Minnesota!
Posts: 5,804
Received 99 Likes on 88 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Gee oh Dee
Get the codes. They wil be stored even if the CEL isnt on.
This.

While you can retrieve the 2 digit codes with the key-on, key-off technique on SOME 1997 XJs (not all), it is way better to get the full PXXXX code by using a scan tool, a code reader, or by taking your XJ to a parts store like Autozone that will read your codes for free.

The strategy for this is always the same. Use the technology provided to you by your Jeep with your OBD codes. Interpreting codes is not always straight forward, but it is darn accurate at pointing you to the offending circuit.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Old 06-22-2012, 09:26 PM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
djb383's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: The Republic of TEXAS
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Don't think any "low fluid level" will set a CEL.
Old 06-22-2012, 10:19 PM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
Gee oh Dee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 21,168
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Year: 1987
Engine: Check
Default

On my wifes 98 wrangler a check gauges light pops when there is low fluids. Its a separate light from check engine.

I am very familiar with this as her oil pressure gauge is garbage and fluxuates more than the rpm gauge.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
clark40
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
7
08-28-2015 03:08 PM
clark40
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
08-28-2015 07:11 AM
Kevin Icenhour
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
08-21-2015 08:22 PM
CCKen
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
08-20-2015 08:07 PM
cbowl
Cherokee Chat
2
08-19-2015 09:14 PM

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


Quick Reply: Indecisive Check Engine Light



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:48 PM.