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Tining Adjustments for Cherokee Sport (1997)

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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 01:43 PM
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Default Tining Adjustments for Cherokee Sport (1997)

My timing is way off and I am getting conflicting info on how to correct the problem! What is the first and /or best way to test and adjust? I 've been told the only adjustment is to replace the timing belt?????%
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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 03:18 PM
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You've been getting some bad info. The timing is controlled by the PCM. How do you know it's off?
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 09:35 AM
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The car idles very slow and also inconsistently.

I asked if it could be the O2 sensors and was told NO (what then do they do?)

I also asked about turning the distributor for adjustment and was told that that is possible and could be the needed approach with the proper tools.

Obviously I am NOT a mechanic, but trying to learn how to maintain my car properly without getting ripped off.
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Mojp
The car idles very slow and also inconsistently.

I asked if it could be the O2 sensors and was told NO (what then do they do?)

I also asked about turning the distributor for adjustment and was told that that is possible and could be the needed approach with the proper tools.

Obviously I am NOT a mechanic, but trying to learn how to maintain my car properly without getting ripped off.
First off, don't ask those people anything any more about Jeeps.

Are you getting a Check Engine light?

When's the last time the Jeep had a complete tune-up including plugs, wires, cap, and rotor along with a fuel filter and throttle body cleaning?
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 09:39 AM
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Step#1) Perform a very thorough cleaning of your throttle body, above and below the butterfly. Pay particular attention to the air passages for the Idle Air Control and the MAP Sensor.

Last edited by SeriousOffroad; Jul 15, 2012 at 09:44 AM.
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by SeriousOffroad
step#1) Perform a very thorough cleaning of your throttle body, above and below the butterfly. Pay particular attention to the air passages for the Idle Air Control and the MAP Sensor.
Simplest and easiest thing to do first. I think TJWalker has a nice write-up on it.

OP: Do it yourself and don't invite the guys who have been giving you advice over to help.
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 09:52 AM
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Sorry - there is no timing "belt." And timing is controlled by the computer.
Turning the distributor won't help, but it will cause other problems.
Oxygen sensors have a totally different function.

Try cleaning the IAC - Idle Air Control - look it up on here (search) or on the web. it's easy to do.

I suggest getting a factory service manual - a real one, not a parts house home version - they are too generic and often wrong. The real FSM's are on CD on ebay for about $30.
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
First off, don't ask those people anything any more about Jeeps.

Are you getting a Check Engine light?

When's the last time the Jeep had a complete tune-up including plugs, wires, cap, and rotor along with a fuel filter and throttle body cleaning?
Yes, to the engine light issue... thqt has been off and on for some time now and no one seems to hit the heart of the issue. Can this be a system electrical problem. I am totally frustrated by all the diffferent responses. IR Bag lightg also shows intermittently.
AAAGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
You've been getting some bad info. The timing is controlled by the PCM. How do you know it's off?
What is the PCM?
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 12:18 PM
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Powertrain Control Module

The computer.....
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