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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
I replaced my plugs, wires, cap, and rotor within the last month or so. I also replaced my CPS within the same timeframe.
I can't be certain when the issue first began occuring, however, I've thought it may have had to do with the newly installed items listed above. I replaced the CPS after my car began stuttering like it is now, but it was also throwing a code at that time. My jeep is not throwing a code at this point other than P0740 which has been on the computer since I got the vehicle.
I have added seafoam high mileage to the oil as well as to the fuel tank. I also added some octane booster in hopes that maybe I just got some bad gas. This was a couple days ago and the stuttering still occurs.
I have removed and gapped the plugs according to spec. I re-greased the boots on the wires. I am planning to remove the cap and check connections today, but I am not confident that will be the cause.
I've heard fuel filter mentioned but I'd like to be absolutely certain that is the problem before replacing it as it involves dropping the fuel tank in '97 and up XJs.
The stutter feels very similar to when the CPS went out but since I'm not reading a code like I was before, I've ruled that out? Could the CPS still be the issue without a code?
TLDR - Chased a misfire for months, replaced the ignition coil and tightened the belt properly. Ignition coil solved the stuttering and belt tightening solved the erratic RPMs.
Last edited by RipPow99XJ; 10-07-2022 at 09:33 AM.
This exact symptom is usually due to a secondary ignition issue. If you recently replaced your plugs/wires/cap, see if you have plug wires running parallel to each other.
Secondary ignition includes the coil, plug wires, cap/rotor, and spark plugs.
This exact symptom is usually due to a secondary ignition issue. If you recently replaced your plugs/wires/cap, see if you have plug wires running parallel to each other.
Secondary ignition includes the coil, plug wires, cap/rotor, and spark plugs.
What is secondary ignition?
I do have wires running parallel to each other. There are wire holders that help route them better and I used them. They were in the same position before I replaced them.
I didn't think the XJ had a coil? EDIT: I don't have a coil pack.
Last edited by RipPow99XJ; 08-11-2022 at 01:30 AM.
It is a '99. I replaced the spark plugs and related parts. I did not see a coil pack. I looked up a video of a coil pack replacement and it looks like it would be right in the way of my spark plugs. Definitely not there
Ok, I can do that. By parallel, do you mean not touching at all or like a 2-3" segment of wire lying on top/touching one another?
EDIT: I opened up the cap, everything looked normal. I bent the little metal piece up a bit more to make sure it was making contact. I spread the wires out best I could. Took her on a test drive and same symptoms. I had the chance to clean the IAC yesterday, doesn't seem to have helped. I've included some pictures. I noticed a small crack on the housing for the coil(image 3). Not sure if that could cause these pproblemsI'm getting a replacement gasket for the throttle body today and will get that cleaned and put back together within the next day. I'll report back. Also in Park it revs to 2k rpms Wires Wires Small crack on the coil
Last edited by RipPow99XJ; 08-11-2022 at 05:58 PM.
Reason: Add info
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The stutter feels very similar to when the CPS went out but since I'm not reading a code like I was before, I've ruled that out? Could the CPS still be the issue without a code?
It's absolutely possible to have the CPS go out and not throw a code.
It's absolutely possible to have the CPS go out and not throw a code.
What brand did you put in?
Looks like it was an NTK EH0248 (Standard Replacement) from Rock Auto Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 56027866AB, 56027866AC, 56027866AD, 56027866AE
I just got back from a short trip where I had the Jeep in Park for maybe 2minutes, shifted to Drive and the engine immediately cut off. Started back up and got home, but she was stuttering a good bit
Yeah that's something I recognise from my CPS going out. Would stutter in drive and as soon as I put it in Neutral it would stop and run perfectly smooth, making me think it wasn't the CPS.
NTK is not bad, probably what I'd go with, given the fact that the OEM CPS are apparently increasingly hard to find.
Well, I ended up replacing the CPS for a Standard Ignition brand while I waited for a Mopar part from a local dealership. Started it up, same problem.
I removed and cleaned the throttle body, IAC, and two other parts which were connected to the throttle body. One was the TPS, not sure what the other was. Put all that back together, turned the key and she started right up! But I noticed my gas pedal was stuck to the floor.
I had forgotten to reconnect the cables on the throttle body. Once those were reconnected, she fired right back up with no stuttering!
I didn't think that little amount of buildup could cause such a problem, but what do I know? Cleaning all that up and reconnecting the parts seemed to do the job. Thanks for everyone's help.
08-09-2022, 12:04 PM
Stutter at light acceleration
