jaycbrf4

Hey, I just managed to diagnose/fix my 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 Sport 4x4 with a quick easy $21 fix from Napa.

On Wed I was driving home from work and noticed that the temp gauge was not working. I though nothing of it until the Jeep started to sputter on acceleration.

I work at a Nissan/Kia/Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership so I thought I'd have someone at work take a look on thursday.

Thursday morning the check engine light was on and it took a minute to start. I made it about 3 miles from home when it began to sputter and it stalled at a red light. Would not start, just cranked and cranked. I managed to push it into a parking lot and got a ride home.

I pulled a P0118 code and a P0344 "Cam Position sensor" code. After clearing the codes, it started and got me just to the base of my driveway before it stalled out again and wouldn't start.

Now, the only code was a P0118 - Engine Coolant Temp Sensor. The mechanic I asked said to replace the Cam Position Sensor. I shelled out $55 for one at Autozone. Busted a knuckle getting the old one loose. Put in the new one and still no start. The mechanic then said to change the Crank Position Sensor also, they should be done as a pair... I read somewhere that the ECT sensor will cause a no start condition if the computer thinks the Jeep overheated.

I also had a false P0344 Cam Position Sensor code when the clock-spring was damaged replacing the steering gear. Go figure.

I cleaned the old Cam Position Sensor with alcohol and put it back. unplugged the ECT sensor and it started and ran enough to get me up the driveway.

Went to Napa and got a new Engine Coolant Temp Sensor for $21, put it in and all is good...

f i s h e r

Glad you got it running! What happens when the ect sensor fails is that it will fail in the negative effect of usually -40* below. This will cause a no start issue when the computer is out of closed loop and not taking primary info from the upstream o2 sensor and map sensor etc.. The computer, seeing negative 40 on a cold start will flood the engine with fuel thinking it needs it when it doesn't! Oh yeah... Technology!!!