Rich,rough idle, and falls on its face randomly
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: GC, Michigan
Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok winter is here and this **** would happen now! I have a 98 xj 4.0. So here is what's been happening, I start it up and start driving down the street and then it has no power, rpms jump around and boggs down but stays running! It backfires sometime too to me it seems like it is in the intake. Sometimes when its parked the idle it does the same thing sounds like its going to die and then jumps up and back down. I have replaced the idle control valve, coolent temp sensor, and downstream o2. Upstream o2 is only like a year old. I did have the cat cut out a few weeks ago and installed a straight pipe. I know the upstream o2 is saying ritch from a code reader from the shop down the street.
Please winter is here for me and I want it running in top shape, so any info would help! I am kinda new to all this stuff so I am still learning.
Please winter is here for me and I want it running in top shape, so any info would help! I am kinda new to all this stuff so I am still learning.
☠ CF Sheriff ☠

Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 18
From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
sounds like a malfunctioning throttle position sensor issue - it's one of the things that controls timing and fuel.
Test it first before replacing:

TESTING PROCEDURE 1991 – 2001 4.0L H.O. engines
1. Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring harness.
2. Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C (SEE Image). Ohmmeter should be set to 1K-to-1OK scale for this test.
3. The meter reading should be open (infinite resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indicated.
Test it first before replacing:

TESTING PROCEDURE 1991 – 2001 4.0L H.O. engines
1. Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring harness.
2. Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C (SEE Image). Ohmmeter should be set to 1K-to-1OK scale for this test.
3. The meter reading should be open (infinite resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indicated.
☠ CF Sheriff ☠

Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 18
From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
map sensor only affects engine operation in open loop mode before the engine/o2 sensor warm up, and above 80% WOT. It does not affect anything at idle or moderate acceleration once the engine switches to closed loop mode.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: GC, Michigan
Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by dukie564
sounds like a malfunctioning throttle position sensor issue - it's one of the things that controls timing and fuel.
Test it first before replacing:
TESTING PROCEDURE 1991 - 2001 4.0L H.O. engines
1. Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring harness.
2. Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C (SEE Image). Ohmmeter should be set to 1K-to-1OK scale for this test.
3. The meter reading should be open (infinite resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indicated.
Test it first before replacing:
TESTING PROCEDURE 1991 - 2001 4.0L H.O. engines
1. Near the rear of intake manifold, disconnect sensor pigtail harness connector from main wiring harness.
2. Place an ohmmeter across terminals B and C (SEE Image). Ohmmeter should be set to 1K-to-1OK scale for this test.
3. The meter reading should be open (infinite resistance). Replace sensor if a low resistance is indicated.
This looks like the diagram for testing the cps! Am I wrong?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: GC, Michigan
Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Changed the tps with just another one didnt do anything! the rough idle is all the time but it gets worse after running for like 10 min after start up. its running rich as hell too!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: slidell, LA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L inline 6 cylinder
get some electrical cleaner in the can and clean all those plugs on the inside i did it
also you could take your throttle body off and clean that really good with a toothbrush and some dish soap
also you could take your throttle body off and clean that really good with a toothbrush and some dish soap
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tcq192
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
11
Dec 30, 2025 02:21 PM
Calikingcrawler
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
Sep 7, 2021 07:14 AM
Jamesmon4
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
1
Aug 16, 2016 09:04 PM
riderjay253
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
Sep 16, 2015 11:31 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)



