I replaced the CPS and pick-up coil. When i got them, i got them for a 98. However the motor is a 96. The part numbers between the years are different: is this my problem?

 

Have you adjusted the TPS at all?

 

Didnt exactly want to mess anything up too bad...so no. Should I? Volts?

 

The TPS is not adjustable on 1991 and up.

 

Check engine light? Trouble codes? A vacuum leak could trigger a P0171 code. You can use a can of ether (starting fluid) to help find a vacuum leak. Give quick shots around the intake manifold gasket, TB gasket or brake booster hose. If the engine revs up, you've found your leak. Use caution and check with a cold motor if you value your eyebrows. The stuff is quite flammable.

 

Have done the spray test. Nothing. One trouble code is p1391, which just became readable. No tail lights, only left low beam, only right high beam, dies when going up hill or shifting into 4th or when torque converter engages. Have cleaned and greased all connections. Going to go over all grounds next. Then wires. Going to open up ECM and check her up.

 

What are you referring to as a 'pick-up coil'? The Camsfaft Position Sensor?

Did you retain the '96 distributor?

The '96 distributor is different from the '98 distributor (by part number) and the PCM may be having a hard time recognizing the Cam Sensor signals.

If you installed a '98 Cam Sensor in the '96 distributor there may be a problem. I'm not sure but the pluse ring in the '96 distributor may not be compatible with a '98 Cam Sensor.

The DTC code P1391 may be the clue to your problem.

 

I love the way needed information is left out until many posts later, and non important info is sprinkled in. It makes for a good mystery, but sucks when trying to diagnose a problem.

 

It is a 96 distributor, and I still have the 96 camshaft position sensor (pick-up). I will change them out and see if there is a difference. Forgive me for being flustered. While I guess the slight difference in the sensors (96 v. 98) could make a difference timing wise, could it make so much of a problem as my symptoms suggest? It wouldnt neccesarily cause my electrical issues right? Im trying to be as helpful and studious as possible

 

Try installing the '98 distributor with the '98 Cam Sensor in it. I think the PCM will be happy to see it back in the fold.

As stated above, the '96 distributor Cam Sensor pulse ring (part of the distributor shaft) may not be compatible with a '98 Cam Sensor.

The Cam Sensor does play a roll in the ignition system, as well as the fuel injection system. The flexplate has three sets of slots that trigger the CPS as to which set of cylinders are in line for firing. The Cam Sensor signals the PCM as to exactly which cylinder is in firing position, so the PCM fires the ignition coil at the right time and activates the fuel injector at the right time.

I'd have to review your electrical issues to see if I could help.

 

What jungle of wiring? Has someone put in an aftermarket remote start, radio, or security system?

You said you checked the grounds. How did you check all the grounds in the engine bay? Detach all wire ring terminals and clean them?

Have you had issues with getting water in the right front passenger footwell? Has your Jeep been for a swim?

The headlamp issues may be corroded bulb contacts or the front lighting connector below the air filter box is internally corroded.

If all three brake lamps are inop the brake lamp switch may be defective. A defective brake lamp switch may also affect the trans TC Lock-Up.

 

No aftermarket wiring. Just factory.

I removed all grounds I could get to, degreased, scrubbed, and lubed them up, tightened them real good.

The water in the right front passenger footwell is a YES. When I bought it, it had snowed and the owner left the window down. A puddle had formed. I dried it the best I could. Why? What am I looking at? That was not really a jeep swim, but pneumonia.

I will check bulbs and contacts and lighting connector. Airbox pops right out? I just figured headlights wouldnt work at all, not vice-versa, dim v. high.

I figured on the brake switch. That could affect the TC? Never heard that. How? If that is so, Im excited for a possible light and TC fix for $20.

I really do appreciate all of this. Work is more fun when I learn.

 

The speedo/brakes issue could be a ground issue. See my comment about the ground connections.

 

Oh.....okay...well, it sounds like a TPS problem. Maybe it needs replacing. As I understand it, a faulty TPS won't always throw a fault code. Should be able to check it with an analog volt/ohm meter as it's opened and closed to see that the voltage (or resistance) changes uniformly, with no bad or flat spots.

 

Brake light switch replaced. Shifter moves great, brake lights work.

TPS was replaced, and checked out ok. Ran jeep and no change.

Ive kept the old OEM parts. I am going to change out the new pick-up and CPS with the old ones, one at a time and then both at a time, to check on the p1391.

Ordered upstream o2 sensor, on its way.

Not going to change the IAC or MAP yet. Hoping my problem will be fixed with my old pick-up and CPS.

Going to check grounds, wires, bulbs, and connections to headlights and speedo tomorrow.

Did I mention that whenever the engine is revved, it comes back down (after a second) awfully slowly?