I'm not really having any issues with my Jeep, but after seeing a few threads, lately, about doing the key trick to get codes, figured I'd try it, just to see if there was anything other than a 55.

Its a '96 4.0 auto.

I ended up getting a code 12 : battery or power to the ECM disconnected within the last 50 start cycles.

Not sure why I would be getting that. I haven't had the battery disconnected in well over 150 starts, haven't needed a jump, and haven't noticed any issues with the charging system at all.

The only thing I can think... having never done the key trick before, I kept trying to get it to flash codes after 3 on/off cycles, but it wasn't doing anything. Remembered someone said that they had to set their e-brake, so tried that, and got nothing. The part of me that says, "Keep trying different things until you figure it out" said, try 4 on/off cycles. So I did, but got impatient and ended up just shutting it off and going back inside.

As I was looking up solutions to why it might not be flashing the codes, I read a thread that said on the '96 obd2, you did have to cycle the key four times. So, went out and tried it again, and after waiting the appropriate few seconds, it started flashing, and gave me the code 12 and then the 55 which I was expecting.

So, not having disconnected the battery recently, could that code have been from me not giving the computer enough time to read the codes from my earlier attempts? Or, is it indicating I might have an issue with the battery or ECM?

The battery is what came with the jeep when I bought it in January, but it has not given me any issues. Starts strong, even on the coldest Northern Michigan mornings. Haven't had time to hook a tester up to it today, but still seems weird to me that I would pull that code.

 

bump

 

Mine is a '96 to. First time I checked my codes (been a few yrs ago) I got 12 and 55. Was concerned with 12 so went and had my vehicle scanned. Same thing and was told code 12 is normal unless the CEL is on. Seems to me there was a thread about this but not sure on which forum. I can go check mine now and I'll get 12 and 55.

 

I'm not sure, but your '96 is OBDII. Just stop by an auto parts store and have them hook up their code reader.

 

I'm sure this is on here somewhere but..............

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoECUcodes.htm

 

12 and 55 are normal dont over think things ...DRIVE IT LIKE YA STOLE IT AND DONT LOOK BACK.

 

Appreciate the responses everyone.

 

Anytime ...