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XJ Ask the Question Thread
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 6
From: Mercer County, NJ
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
Originally Posted by Uhrinator
Maybe this thread should be changed to "Ask Dukie Thread" lol.
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CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 0
From: Rocket Country MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
when's the last time you did a full tune up? (plugs, wires, cap/rotor, air filter, etc). This would be my first step.
What link of MPG we talking? I'd expect a rig with your specs to run about 13-15mpg in good condition.
If it's really bad I would consider changing the pre-cat o2 sensor and see if that fixes your issue.
As far as your vibes go, with a sye you should have no transfer case drop. I'm assuming you have a double-cardan rear driveshaft as well, in which case your pinion should be about 0.5-1.0* below parallel with the drive shaft with the wheels on the ground to account for axle warp under acceleration.
if you don't have a DC driveshaft, pinion input needs to be parallel to the transfer case output.
What link of MPG we talking? I'd expect a rig with your specs to run about 13-15mpg in good condition.
If it's really bad I would consider changing the pre-cat o2 sensor and see if that fixes your issue.
As far as your vibes go, with a sye you should have no transfer case drop. I'm assuming you have a double-cardan rear driveshaft as well, in which case your pinion should be about 0.5-1.0* below parallel with the drive shaft with the wheels on the ground to account for axle warp under acceleration.
if you don't have a DC driveshaft, pinion input needs to be parallel to the transfer case output.
now only about 270-80 not being hard on it
as far as tune up i did everything mid july last year and regular oilchanges
i'm not throwing codes at all matter of fact a buddy works at advance and i have him run codes every other month just so we can go outside an bs when hes at work lol and ain't really justify throwing money at an o2 thats not bad ya know
dc ds yes, t case drop no, shims yes but could def use more after inspecting
i'll pull plugs soon to se how they look
any other ideas let me know
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6 cylinder
Originally Posted by Sideways99
i was gettin 310-325 out of a tank
now only about 270-80 not being hard on it
as far as tune up i did everything mid july last year and regular oilchanges
i'm not throwing codes at all matter of fact a buddy works at advance and i have him run codes every other month just so we can go outside an bs when hes at work lol and ain't really justify throwing money at an o2 thats not bad ya know
dc ds yes, t case drop no, shims yes but could def use more after inspecting
i'll pull plugs soon to se how they look
any other ideas let me know
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: bone, idaho
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I just bought a 90 xj, it has issues but the price was right.
The short version of my question is I am checking the sensors that feed the RENIX brain and some of the tests require checking terminals identified by letters. My chilton manual (the latest version) is not helpful in ID'ing which is which. Does any one have the appropriate pages from a service manual to help me figure out what I am doing? FYI I am also using the modified jabbathahutt write up on http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...iagnostics.htm to work through the sensors.
thanks, read on if you want to check my thought process/diagnossis
If it had a carb I would say it has choke issues. The idle is low (if the tach is to be trusted <400) when it is cold as it warms it gets worse at 200-210 F it dies.
It is undriveable as is.
When I first got the jeep friday night the idle was erratic jumping around between 50- 1500 rpm and was marginally drivable. The exhaust smelled like raw gas and it had a knock that occurred at about 2k ~3k rpm with a corresponding loss of power (for the time being I am assuming the knock sensor is ok for that reason.) After 3k the power would jump and by about 4.5K the power felt about 'right'.
A thorough going over of the vacuum system yielded a disconnected EGR solenoid (hose pluged w/ a screw), the CCV fitting on the manifold and the hose connecting it to the the valve cover gasket was a mess, and multiple cracked hoses were 'fixed' with electrical tape.
When I checked the plugs the ceramic insulators were black but not 'sooty' or oily. (it had texture but would not wipe off so it does not fit my definition of soot.) Also the Emiss Maint light is on which makes me think the problem is the motor running rich because a failed sensor is fighting a good one. My money is on a failed CTS fighting a good O2 sensor.
In addition the vacuum fixes, the plugs (champion copper), wires, distributor cap and roter, air filter, and coil were all replaced recently, and the cat is new within the last 1.5 years.
Thanks for all previous posts I never would have gotten this far without them. (i read about 120 pages on this thread alone)
The short version of my question is I am checking the sensors that feed the RENIX brain and some of the tests require checking terminals identified by letters. My chilton manual (the latest version) is not helpful in ID'ing which is which. Does any one have the appropriate pages from a service manual to help me figure out what I am doing? FYI I am also using the modified jabbathahutt write up on http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...iagnostics.htm to work through the sensors.
thanks, read on if you want to check my thought process/diagnossis
If it had a carb I would say it has choke issues. The idle is low (if the tach is to be trusted <400) when it is cold as it warms it gets worse at 200-210 F it dies.
It is undriveable as is.
When I first got the jeep friday night the idle was erratic jumping around between 50- 1500 rpm and was marginally drivable. The exhaust smelled like raw gas and it had a knock that occurred at about 2k ~3k rpm with a corresponding loss of power (for the time being I am assuming the knock sensor is ok for that reason.) After 3k the power would jump and by about 4.5K the power felt about 'right'.
A thorough going over of the vacuum system yielded a disconnected EGR solenoid (hose pluged w/ a screw), the CCV fitting on the manifold and the hose connecting it to the the valve cover gasket was a mess, and multiple cracked hoses were 'fixed' with electrical tape.
When I checked the plugs the ceramic insulators were black but not 'sooty' or oily. (it had texture but would not wipe off so it does not fit my definition of soot.) Also the Emiss Maint light is on which makes me think the problem is the motor running rich because a failed sensor is fighting a good one. My money is on a failed CTS fighting a good O2 sensor.
In addition the vacuum fixes, the plugs (champion copper), wires, distributor cap and roter, air filter, and coil were all replaced recently, and the cat is new within the last 1.5 years.
Thanks for all previous posts I never would have gotten this far without them. (i read about 120 pages on this thread alone)
Last edited by trug; Apr 13, 2011 at 03:43 AM. Reason: grammer
☠ 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
plenty good. I have a harbor freight d-ring receiver and it works great. Just make sure you have a class III hitch to put it in.
☠ 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
i was gettin 310-325 out of a tank
now only about 270-80 not being hard on it
as far as tune up i did everything mid july last year and regular oilchanges
i'm not throwing codes at all matter of fact a buddy works at advance and i have him run codes every other month just so we can go outside an bs when hes at work lol and ain't really justify throwing money at an o2 thats not bad ya know
dc ds yes, t case drop no, shims yes but could def use more after inspecting
i'll pull plugs soon to se how they look
any other ideas let me know
now only about 270-80 not being hard on it
as far as tune up i did everything mid july last year and regular oilchanges
i'm not throwing codes at all matter of fact a buddy works at advance and i have him run codes every other month just so we can go outside an bs when hes at work lol and ain't really justify throwing money at an o2 thats not bad ya know
dc ds yes, t case drop no, shims yes but could def use more after inspecting
i'll pull plugs soon to se how they look
any other ideas let me know
and o2 sensors usually will not throw a code when they stop being effective. It's definitely a small cost to replace if it gains back mileage.
But get some real mpg numbers - maybe run through 2 or more tanks to get a more accurate calculation (total cumulative mileage / total number of gallons used).
Different fuels (winter/summer blend), weather conditions, hwy/city all affect mpg so try to keep it as constant as possible.
☠ 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
I just bought a 90 xj, it has issues but the price was right.
The short version of my question is I am checking the sensors that feed the RENIX brain and some of the tests require checking terminals identified by letters. My chilton manual (the latest version) is not helpful in ID'ing which is which. Does any one have the appropriate pages from a service manual to help me figure out what I am doing? FYI I am also using the modified jabbathahutt write up on http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...iagnostics.htm to work through the sensors.
thanks, read on if you want to check my thought process/diagnossis
If it had a carb I would say it has choke issues. The idle is low (if the tach is to be trusted <400) when it is cold as it warms it gets worse at 200-210 F it dies.
It is undriveable as is.
When I first got the jeep friday night the idle was erratic jumping around between 50- 1500 rpm and was marginally drivable. The exhaust smelled like raw gas and it had a knock that occurred at about 2k ~3k rpm with a corresponding loss of power (for the time being I am assuming the knock sensor is ok for that reason.) After 3k the power would jump and by about 4.5K the power felt about 'right'.
A thorough going over of the vacuum system yielded a disconnected EGR solenoid (hose pluged w/ a screw), the CCV fitting on the manifold and the hose connecting it to the the valve cover gasket was a mess, and multiple cracked hoses were 'fixed' with electrical tape.
When I checked the plugs the ceramic insulators were black but not 'sooty' or oily. (it had texture but would not wipe off so it does not fit my definition of soot.) Also the Emiss Maint light is on which makes me think the problem is the motor running rich because a failed sensor is fighting a good one. My money is on a failed CTS fighting a good O2 sensor.
In addition the vacuum fixes, the plugs (champion copper), wires, distributor cap and roter, air filter, and coil were all replaced recently, and the cat is new within the last 1.5 years.
Thanks for all previous posts I never would have gotten this far without them. (i read about 120 pages on this thread alone)
The short version of my question is I am checking the sensors that feed the RENIX brain and some of the tests require checking terminals identified by letters. My chilton manual (the latest version) is not helpful in ID'ing which is which. Does any one have the appropriate pages from a service manual to help me figure out what I am doing? FYI I am also using the modified jabbathahutt write up on http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...iagnostics.htm to work through the sensors.
thanks, read on if you want to check my thought process/diagnossis
If it had a carb I would say it has choke issues. The idle is low (if the tach is to be trusted <400) when it is cold as it warms it gets worse at 200-210 F it dies.
It is undriveable as is.
When I first got the jeep friday night the idle was erratic jumping around between 50- 1500 rpm and was marginally drivable. The exhaust smelled like raw gas and it had a knock that occurred at about 2k ~3k rpm with a corresponding loss of power (for the time being I am assuming the knock sensor is ok for that reason.) After 3k the power would jump and by about 4.5K the power felt about 'right'.
A thorough going over of the vacuum system yielded a disconnected EGR solenoid (hose pluged w/ a screw), the CCV fitting on the manifold and the hose connecting it to the the valve cover gasket was a mess, and multiple cracked hoses were 'fixed' with electrical tape.
When I checked the plugs the ceramic insulators were black but not 'sooty' or oily. (it had texture but would not wipe off so it does not fit my definition of soot.) Also the Emiss Maint light is on which makes me think the problem is the motor running rich because a failed sensor is fighting a good one. My money is on a failed CTS fighting a good O2 sensor.
In addition the vacuum fixes, the plugs (champion copper), wires, distributor cap and roter, air filter, and coil were all replaced recently, and the cat is new within the last 1.5 years.
Thanks for all previous posts I never would have gotten this far without them. (i read about 120 pages on this thread alone)
My bet is on a faulty throttle position sensor.
You're off to a good start - You have a PM so check your inbox
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw, MI
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
I need to know what year grand cherokee steering gear I can put into my 91 cherokee that has that Inline 6, I have some play in my steering. or how to go about rebuilding mine. Thank you
☠ 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
Steering box out of a 98/99 V8 Dodge Durango w/o the plow package bolts right in.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...houghts-84046/
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 921
Likes: 1
From: havelock, nc
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
So...i see different jeep son here that have different random panels painted black. (I'm guessing some sort of bed liner paint?) But i was wondering what exactly someone has used, or someone they know has used...and if you just taped off the area and painted it over the vehicles paint?
I pretty much just like that look for some reason with like the front panel or rear panel painted black...
thanks
I pretty much just like that look for some reason with like the front panel or rear panel painted black...
thanks
My gf drives a 99 vw golf. Her car is always having battery problems n we thought we finally got it fixed. Now none of her gauges r working they r all off even while she is driving no heat reading no speed or rpm but it is driving normal. We have been told different things like the alternator is at high voltage not working properly and another place said it was wiring. Could this really b related the alternator? Does anyone kno wat could cause this?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw, MI
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
If you're going to replace it, may as well upgrade. The grand cherokee steering box is the same as the cherokee box.
Steering box out of a 98/99 V8 Dodge Durango w/o the plow package bolts right in.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...houghts-84046/
Steering box out of a 98/99 V8 Dodge Durango w/o the plow package bolts right in.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...houghts-84046/
Thank you very much Dukie564!
Seasoned Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by askingxforxit
Best decision I've made so far with my cb install next to the wilson antenna




