Distributor not connected, engine still running

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May 21, 2015 | 09:21 AM

maxxtreme

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: Córdoba Ver. México

Year: 1997

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

Distributor not connected, engine still running

Hi guys, i am not new at this forum, i used to have an XJ but recently i got a 97 ZJ laredo 4.0l, and everything was just fine ´till i realized that when i disconected the hall effect sensor, engine was still running

.....mmmmm "that´s impossible" i thought, tried to find the cause but no luck, then i searched in the web and i found nothing even similar, and here i am asking for your help, what could it be???......thank you very much for your time and i will really apreciate your ideas...cheers!!

May 21, 2015 | 09:27 AM

Bustedback

CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 12,367

Likes: 23

From: Oroville, CA

Year: 1995

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter

The ECM is using the crank shaft sensor as a reference.

May 21, 2015 | 09:42 AM

maxxtreme

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: Córdoba Ver. México

Year: 1997

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

ok, and why can this be happening??

May 28, 2015 | 06:30 PM

maxxtreme

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: Córdoba Ver. México

Year: 1997

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

Thank´s Bustedback for your reply, it was very helpful!. Now as a conclusion we can say that the ECM uses the crank shaft sensor as a reference because the Hall sensor (cam sensor), it´s just a pick-up coil and it is not required to run.
I was surprised because i used to own a 94 XJ and if you disconected the Hall sensor, then the engine stalls, this makes sense because 97 ZJ and 94 XJ have different ECM. Thank´s again and cheers!!!