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XJ Ask the Question Thread
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,825
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Year: '99 and '91
Model: Cherokee
Maybe I'll wait to paint em until I get new tires on them. Also, I'm not 100% sure they're balanced right. I bought the wheels tires came with em, but they're decent.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, California
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hi I would appreciate any help with this problem.
I am in California and I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 220K.
I have to get smogged and it usually passes fine. However, it will automatically fail now with these 2 problems.
The air bag light is on and the check engine light comes on. Although the air bag light stays on the check engine light is another story. It mostly stays on but will go off for days at a time then back on again.
I have tried putting only high octane gas in it and it still does it.
Thanks
I am in California and I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 220K.
I have to get smogged and it usually passes fine. However, it will automatically fail now with these 2 problems.
The air bag light is on and the check engine light comes on. Although the air bag light stays on the check engine light is another story. It mostly stays on but will go off for days at a time then back on again.
I have tried putting only high octane gas in it and it still does it.
Thanks
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Hi I would appreciate any help with this problem.
I am in California and I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 220K.
I have to get smogged and it usually passes fine. However, it will automatically fail now with these 2 problems.
The air bag light is on and the check engine light comes on. Although the air bag light stays on the check engine light is another story. It mostly stays on but will go off for days at a time then back on again.
I have tried putting only high octane gas in it and it still does it.
Thanks
I am in California and I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 220K.
I have to get smogged and it usually passes fine. However, it will automatically fail now with these 2 problems.
The air bag light is on and the check engine light comes on. Although the air bag light stays on the check engine light is another story. It mostly stays on but will go off for days at a time then back on again.
I have tried putting only high octane gas in it and it still does it.
Thanks
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1
From: Carrollton, GA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6 4.0L High Output
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Hey guys, its been a while. Wife, kids and losing my job has gotten in the way
Anyway, I have a question, that I know has been answered before, but I'm in an area with limited internet access and can't search very well.
I have a friend with an 88 xj with a bad engine. He found a 98 that's been wrecked for $500. Will the short blocks swap out without any mods?
Anyway, I have a question, that I know has been answered before, but I'm in an area with limited internet access and can't search very well.
I have a friend with an 88 xj with a bad engine. He found a 98 that's been wrecked for $500. Will the short blocks swap out without any mods?
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Hey guys, its been a while. Wife, kids and losing my job has gotten in the way
Anyway, I have a question, that I know has been answered before, but I'm in an area with limited internet access and can't search very well.
I have a friend with an 88 xj with a bad engine. He found a 98 that's been wrecked for $500. Will the short blocks swap out without any mods?
Anyway, I have a question, that I know has been answered before, but I'm in an area with limited internet access and can't search very well.
I have a friend with an 88 xj with a bad engine. He found a 98 that's been wrecked for $500. Will the short blocks swap out without any mods?
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1999 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16” square drive or a modified 3/8” drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
Revised 03/28/13
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 2
From: Bentonville, AR
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0




