Hey guys my name is Brandie, I'm new to the forum and somewhat new to the Jeep thing so please excuse my ignorance. I am the proud owner of a 97 Cherokee Sport. I love my money pit of a truck but am very tired of paying other people to maintenance and maintain her, so I have decided to pop the hook and get my hands dirty. However, I am a bit of a beginner so I'm gonna have a few questions. This forum has been greatly informational so far so I haven't need to post any questions yet, but there's a first for everything right? So here's my dilemma, once again... my dear friend the check engine light has popped on. I took it to Auto Zone to get a diagnostic ran and the code came back saying something about a bad MAF sensor. I'm kind of confused because I've heard that 97 Cherokee's don't actually have an MAF sensor. I've tried to do my research but can't seem to find anything consistent. So here comes my newb question... Does a 97 Cherokee Sport have an MAF sensor? And if it does, where is it located? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

first of all welcome to the forum. second of all someone will soon correct me if this is inaccurate but rather than the MAF check the MAP and IAT sensors. you'll find loads of info here if you search these instead. a little vague, i know, but hope that points you in the right direction at least.
jeff

 

Welcome to the Forums! Good job taking the initiative to do it yourself.

The on board computer system vehicles use now (Called OBD II) is a great system; senses a problem, sets a check engine light. Problem is, every car manufacture's computer, sort of has its own language. Now really expensive scanners can read those specific languages for different makes, but the cheaper scanners read "Generic" codes, (think of it as reading a detailed Shakespeare book vs. the cliffnotes)

Generic codes are still useful, just not as detailed. So it said a MAF (mass airflow Sensor), but thats the computer being generic, not model specific. What it meant (I'm betting) is exactly what muddpigg posted, either MAP or IAT sensor. Same idea, just the computers a little retarded, lol.

Kinda wordy, but I hope that helps. Good luck!

 

Just confirming what was said about the computers. Bustedknuckles worded it well. I used to work at an AutoZone and I know the computers they use are pretty cheap. They don't have anything on the ones that a real maintainence shop has.

Additionally, you are correct, there is no mass airflow sensor on 97' cherokee, there is however a MAP sensor, which is probably the cause of your check engine light.

 

Welcome, from Wisconsin. Brandi! And.... X 2.. Bustedknuckles you did word it well. (I was impressed!)

 

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!! Don't be afraid to ask questions thats how ya learn, and don't worry about being flamed on this forum, here poeple really care! Have fun and good luck!

 

Thanks for all the advice. As for the MAP sensor i just had it replaced about a year ago. Could it really have taken a dump already? Ill check into the IAT sensor, I don't think that ones been replaced yet. It seems like every time she gets work done it trips a sensor so I've already replaced a few of them.