That's a great idea with the pin and alligator clip.

Well I replaced the crank sensor today and now it won't start at all. It'll sputter and almost catch but then stall. So is there a trick to installing that crank sensor that I didn't do or could it be a bad sensor out of the box. It's a cheapy value one from Pep Boys for $20. Or it could be the wires that I disturbed while trying to fit that %$#$@%^ sensor in with my arms. Ouch that was hard.

Anyhow now what do I do? Can I test my old crank sensor off the car?

 

Id have to look up the crank sensor test but I do not believe so. As for it not starting. Did you disconnect the battery afterwords? As for the sensor...I have seen way too many write ups about not using mopar parts for electronic items so I personally stay away from aftermarket parts.

 

At first I did not disconnect battery because I wanted to see the check engine light go out by itself like last time. After it didnt start, then I disconnected for a 30 minutes or so but it did not change situation.

 

A real quick look right now says that a bad cam sensor will cause a crank sensor issue. The suggestion here to to wiggle the harnesses and also lightly tap the cam sensor.

 

Pm me an email address and I'll send you the trouble shooting for the codes. This is from a different book. Ignore highlighting.

 

Thanks for those pages, I have the same Haynes manual. So here is what I did yesterday. After the new cheapo crank sensor didn't even allow the car to start, I did this. Tried again to start it to make sure things didn't change over night and it did not start. Took out the new crank sensor and put back the old one and it started right up! It did burp a bit and then stall after a few minutes but I was wiggling wires everywhere. So who knows. Went to the dealer and got a MOPAR OEM crank sensor for $75 and put that in and it started right up and has been good on three mini errands so far. So hopefully it's not a wiring issue but only time will tell. If all is good then here's another case of don't buy cheap aftermarket parts.

I was albe to just reach the sensor from above the engine for lifting it out after bolt loosened. I had to kneel on hood frame but it might help some people with 1996 models. Most was still from underneath and yes lots of colorful words.

 

Clear your codes and let's see what happens. Did the cheapo have the spacer? I wasn't aware you already had the book. The other stuff I'll try to send later. Keep in mind it will be for an 04 but should be somewhat similar for troubleshooting. Let's hope you don't need it!

 

Hi Tadtv
I would strongly suggest checking the crank shaft sensor! These model Cherokees are known to have failures of this sensor which set a P0340 (cam shaft sensor) code instead of the crankshaft position sensor trouble code, resulting in maddening confusion for mechanics and owners alike.
Before checking the crankshaft sensor, check the voltage supply and ground circuits coming from the PCM.
I'd need more engine specifics to tell you were to look for the sensor. Let me know how it turns out...

 

The CPS is located on the bellhousing (transmission housing) on the upper half. The 4.0 (I6) is located on the driver's side and the V8s are on the passenger's side behind the head, sometimes requiring the starter to be removed for access.

 

So it's been two weeks and everything is working. It was the crank shaft sensor and only the OEM MOPAR worked. Scan tool read P0340 "Cam shaft sensor" but it was actually crank shaft sensor on the transmission bell housing. The forum was correct in stating that happens a lot and that only MOPAR will work.

 

Kudos