just replaced distributer, rotor, cap, wires, plugs, coil, and TPS. It seems like the timing it out just a little bit. Replaced parts because it would die after getting up to temp, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and it would be fine again. Had rough idle, misfire, hesitation on accel...
After replacing dist, rotor, etc, i no longer had the rough idle, or misfire. However, its sluggish until about 1100rpm, then it picks up a little, then around 1900, it picks up a LOT and smooths out a lot. It wont shift until 2500rpm or around there. Through all gears. No overdrive. No kickdown gear. Also, in certain spots, I will have almost what seems like a slight misfire, usually around 45 mph or 50mph, almost like a dead spot?

Im thinking maybe bad crank sensor??? I used to have a hard start problem, where it wouldnt start on the first crank, but always on the second. But it has since gone away (not sure why, maybe just a jeep thing.)

No CEL, previous owner took bulb out

Totally stumped on this one! Thanks for any help in advance!

 

What year is it?

 

sorry, it is a 1999, 4.0, auto trans, 4x4

 

Even though the CEL bulb is removed, there still should be engine codes stored. Plug it in and see what is says.

 

Its all good. Do you have a service manual? If so look up how to time it in there. I know how to time the older renix motors and am not sure if its the same process for the HO's.
But give me a few mins here and I will do some searching and might be able to help out with a previous post.

 

I will do the key trick in the morning before I go to work and write down any codes I get and report back. Thanks for the quick replies!

In the meantime, keep the suggestions coming!

 

Here is a link to timing the distributer on your motor if you still need it.

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/dist_index.html

 

99 ain't my piece of cake. Still learning my 90! I can say the PCM handles the timing and you are not going to change that. The key trick may not work as well. I hear after 96 or so ...it might do more minor stuff like the gauges..but not the sensors...No harm in trying! Some auto parts stores will check them free Btw.

People do get bad new parts. TPS might be suspect?

There is a procedure..voodoo..auto adjustment for the trany kick down cable. I solved Rubrics cube , but not that...I need a dime to adjust it. See photo. There is a button on the cable housing, I set mine with almost no play. Something to check!

 

You are correct Sir!
The PCM does control the timing and the Key trick will not work on a 99. Like you said it stopped working in late 95 or 96.

BTW, What kind of plugs did you put in and did you gap them at .035?

 

Sounds like a Throttle Position Sensor. The signals generated by TPS are also used by the TCM. Search the forum for TPS testing.

 

Already tested it, it's good.

 

I believe i got autolight plugs, i can remember off the top of my head, and im pretty sure they were pregapped to .035 if im not mistaken, no harm in checking which i will do.

However, i dont think that improperly gapped plugs would cause issues with my transmission not kicking down to pass someone or the shifting at 2500rpm. I mean, hell, it could I guess, but I just dont see that being my problem.

 

Whats the fuel pressure?

 

dont mean to hijack this thread, but, I have a 2000, with the coil pack. Even though I dont have a distributor, I still have the gear drive where it would have been with my camshaft position sensor at the top. I took that off to replace the gasket. If I mess with the position of that gear, will it mess up my timing?

 

I couldnt really do much today as it was super rainy once i got off work. I did adjust the TV cable with no change in symptoms.

I DID however unplug the TPS to see if it was any different, and it was NOT. Exact same.

With this year, the TPS is just slide it straight in, bolt er up, correct? I dont have to line up the shaft on the throttle valve so it catches the teeth on the TPS?

When installed straight, I have the symptoms stated above in the original post.
But when I line it up to catch the teeth, I have the same power issues (smoothing out around 1900rpm) except it wont shift until 4000 rpm.

Also when installed straight on, I don't get any voltage.
When installed with teeth catching, I have good voltage.

This is going to be the death of me, I swear. It is driving me crazy!!!