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.

p300 random miss fire

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 16, 2012 | 10:42 PM
  #1  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default p300 random miss fire

Ok so I just got up to speed (65) and my check eng light comes on and starts flashing got to where I was going and scanned it for codes and got the 5 codes random miss fire and it said 4 cylinders to.... I just put plugs and cap and rotor on it a week ago and she ran pretty good all week. Don't seem like theres any vacation leaks. It has just about 198 k on her to and she is a 97 xj with the 4.0. Im a lil lost any help would be great
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 05:46 AM
  #2  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

For a P0300, I would look for a major systemic problem, rather than anything specific to a cylinder.

The cause here is often something that upsets the engine's air/fuel mixture,

1. I usually start by performing a comprehensive search for a major vacuum leak.

2. Verify fuel pressure with a gauge; no shortcuts. For a 97, you should have 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi.

3. The MAP sensor can also be tested with a meter and a manual; be sure the vacuum line leading to the MAP is pulling good vacuum.

BTW, a flashing check engine indicates a serious misfire, which you already know. But continued driving your XJ with that light flashing will result in you destroying your catalytic converter in pretty short order.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 09:46 AM
  #3  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Ok I defeated the codes last night and just scanned it again and I for number 2 miss fire
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 12:41 PM
  #4  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by jeepin4fun97
Ok I defeated the codes last night and just scanned it again and I for number 2 miss fire
That random misfire code may return.

If it doesn't and it stays solid for one particular cylinder, I approach it in this order.

1. Spark plug
2. Spark plug wire
3. Distributor cap
4. Fuel injector
5. Internal condition of the misfiring cylinder

Good luck and keep us posted...
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 03:49 PM
  #5  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Does anyone know where the compression should be at my number 2 is at about 55 60 and 1 and 3 is at about 100 to 125
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 05:45 PM
  #6  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Compression spec for the 4.0 is 120-150 with no more than a 30 psi variation between cylinders.

You should add a bit of motor oil to cylinder #2 and re-do it. If the compression comes up with the addition of the oil, then you most likely have a problem with rings. If it doesn't change with the oil, the primary suspect are the valves.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 07:37 PM
  #7  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Ok thanks probly gonna have to wait rill next week now and park the beast
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2012 | 09:45 AM
  #8  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Well i put some hotter plugs in the jeep and she seems to be runnin ok now!
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2012 | 02:32 PM
  #9  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Its back!! Ran good most of the day but the it came back!
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2012 | 05:59 PM
  #10  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by jeepin4fun97
Its back!! Ran good most of the day but the it came back!
Your compression test data indicates a problem internal to the engine.

Compression spec for the 4.0 is 120-150, with no more than a 30 psi variation between cylinders.

You mention low numbers between cylinders 1 and 2. Could be a head gasket failure.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2012 | 06:02 PM
  #11  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Im not losing any coolant. It still be a head gasket
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2012 | 06:11 PM
  #12  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Re-do your compression test on those two cylinders. If they are still low, add a tablespoon of oil and do it again. If the compression comes up, your rings are shot. If the compression remains low with oil, that cylinder head is going to have to come off.
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:53 AM
  #13  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Im thinking its time to just overhaul it! Now that i got my full cluster in the oil pressure is real low
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:57 AM
  #14  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

p300 random miss fire-forumrunner_20120303_075713.jpg



p300 random miss fire-forumrunner_20120303_075732.jpg
Reply
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:58 AM
  #15  
jeepin4fun97's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa Iowa 52577
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

First pic with some gas and sec idleing
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:56 AM.