Thanks for the update.

 

Posting in case it helps anyone. I had the same issue on my 89 XJ, also difficulty starting (replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor arm, tested fuel pressure) so I replaced the Crank Position Sensor with an Autozone part as it's $50 and the MOPAR part is $160 and on back order for 4 weeks! this worked for 2 months then the problem started again. I also notice a chirping sound coming from the distributor so I googled "89 jeep xj chirping distributor" and of course got a bunch of hits. One guy on YouTube recommended using WD40 lol. Anyway I replaced the distributor with a reman from RockAuto. I wanted an OEM part but with new bearings not a cheaply molded replacement from China. It also came with a new sensor that some people call the camshaft position sensor, but its not according to Jeep. The distributor and rotor arm matched up perfectly with the positions I marked before removing the old one so I new the old distributor was not bad. Anyway now it starts up without delay. I drove 28 miles today with no issues. I suspect it was the sensor in the distributor rather than the distributor itself. Chirping is gone too.

 

I thought once the CPS goes it goes and you wouldn't be able to restart again with out replacing it. The symptoms you described sounds like there may be a ground in the wires to the CPS. My son's jeep had similar issues . It ran well until going over a bump then would die out.
He could restart and drive it but when hitting bumps it would die. Turned out his wire to CPS had rubbed and wore through the plastic coating with the wire starting to get cut into. Replaced the wires and was fixed

 

The crank sensor can fail a few different ways. It can become intermittent or just outright die. Yes, also check the wiring as it can fatigue, rub, or get melted on the exhaust.

 

Just chiming in to say I have 2 XJs (98 and 99). I replaced one with a Mopar when I could get it and replaced the other one with an Echlin. That was several years ago for both and the Echlin has been fine. I do agree to get Mopar for the sensors when possible, but if I can't get Mopar easily, Echlin has been my second choice.

 

Not so. They can get intermittent, especially with heat. You drive a while, and it dies, once it cools down, it's fine for a while. The intervals of running and not running get closer and closer together, and finally, it's all over and you ain't going nowhere.

 

An FYI about the Renix Jeeps.
They will run with the distributor sensor unplugged.

 

Hi All, just wanted to post an update to help. My Jeep died two days later with the P0320 code so I ordered the CPS from Jeep ($160) and was told there is a 4 week wait. In the mean time the replacement battery cables i ordered arrived from JeepCables.com so I took the opportunity to wire brush /spray with carb cleaner all the terminals (Battery + to Starter/Fuse Box/Alternator, Battery - to Engine/Wing, Engine to bulkhead) I actually drilled a new hole in the wing and attached the battery negative with a big bolt. Anyway the next day I thought I'd drive it just to see if it made any difference. It did. I'm happy to report I have been driving for exactly 1 week (40 miles per day) with no issues. I guess I'll be cancelling that $160 CPS from Jeep.

 

Nice job!!!!
I wish more folks would follow your example.

 

AutoZone Duralast CPS for Jeep is made by NGK.

 

That's good to know , Thanks

 

How do you know that?

 

How do you order the CPS sensor from Jeep? I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee as well. I've googled but can not find the OEM Jeep one.

The only one I've found is for a 2001 Jeep. See link: https://www.moparpartswholesaledirec...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D

 

Have you tested yours? CRUISER'S MOSTLY RENIX TIPS

RENIX CPS TESTING AND ADJUSTING

OCTOBER 30, 2015 SALAD 125 COMMENTS EDIT



Renix CPSs have to put out a strong enough signal to the ECU so that it will provide spark.

Most tests for the CPS suggest checking it for an ohms value. This is unreliable and can cause some wasted time and aggravation in your diagnosis of a no-start issue as the CPS will test good when in fact it is bad.

The problem with the ohms test is you can have the correct amount of resistance through the CPS but it isn’t generating enough voltage to trigger the ECU to provide spark.

Unplug the harness connector from the CPS. Using your voltmeter set on AC volts and probing both wires in the connector going to the CPS itself as shown in Figure 2 as Connector A, crank the engine over. It won’t start with the CPS disconnected.

You should get a reading of .5 AC volts.

If you are down in the .35 AC volts range or lower on your meter reading, you can have intermittent crank/no-start conditions from your Renix Jeep. Some NEW CPSs (from the big box parts stores) have registered only .2 AC volts while reading the proper resistance!! That’s a definite no-start condition. Best to buy your CPS from NAPA or the dealer.

Sometimes on a manual transmission equipped Renix Jeep there is an accumulation of debris on the tip of the CPS. It’s worn off clutch material and since the CPS is a magnet, the metal sticks to the tip of the CPS causing a reduced voltage signal. You MAY get by with cleaning the tip of the CPS off.

A little trick for increasing the output of your CPS is to drill out the upper mounting hole to 3/8″ from the stock 5/16″, or slot it so the CPS bracket rests on the bell housing when pushed down. Then, when mounting it, hold the CPS down as close to the flywheel as you can while tightening the bolts.

Another little tip to save tons of aggravation is to stick a bit of electrical tape to your 11mm socket and then shove the bolt in after it. This reduces the chances of dropping that special bolt into the bell housing.

 

you seriously just referee to yourself as one of the most respected members on the forums. You’re an idiot! Contact me. I’ll give you my address. You are as ignorant as cruiser! Both of you are as stupid as stupid gets! You never solve a ****ing thing. Neither of you! People always say “or didn’t fox the issue, but I could feel the difference!” You’re a ****ing idiot!