Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

CEL misfire problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-17-2012 | 12:12 PM
  #1  
hshawn31's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: columbus
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Default CEL misfire problems

my 97 jeep country, 4x4 inline 6 cylinder, has a misfire...new plugs, wires, distributor checked, new map sensor, new tps, new ignition coil and starter. Theres no coolant loss. While idling it sounds like it is coming from drivers side somewhere. I cleaned the ccv valve and still no luck. Theres no vaccuum leaks, i have checked like 6 times and followed each line. It has been doing this for 3 weeks now...

PLs HELP!!!!!
Old 03-18-2012 | 02:39 PM
  #2  
hshawn31's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: columbus
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Default

nobody? i am thinking maybe the Crankshaft Position Sensor?....i took off the IAC and cleaned it, still has a slight miss but CEl doesnt come on right away anymore.
Old 03-18-2012 | 04:09 PM
  #3  
VTJeep's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 3
From: 802
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Ya, the the things I didn't see where new TPS, IAC, and both o2's. That's pretty much in order of $$$, the TPS and IAC are pretty much the same. Just go legit OEM parts, not like autopartswarehouse.com type stuff. Not to pick on them, it's nothing personal. But there's a lot less hassle going right thru an OEM source.

Edit- didn't they stop using the CPS in 94?
Old 03-18-2012 | 04:16 PM
  #4  
hshawn31's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: columbus
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Default

no, my 97 still has it. It in my haynes manual and all the things that could act up due to the sensor being faulty are what im experiencing. As for the o2 sensors, i dont have and codes for the o2 sensors being faulty, just the generice misfire in one or more cylinders.
i tried taking it to autozone and their reader wouldnt connect to the computer...
Old 03-18-2012 | 04:29 PM
  #5  
hshawn31's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: columbus
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Default

and it does have a new TPS, the IAC is about a year old and i can tell the downstream O2 sensor is about a year old....the upstream one is very dirty and oily...
Old 03-18-2012 | 06:44 PM
  #6  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,817
Likes: 105
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Always post the EXACT code number here for the most accurate replies. There are lots of codes that have a description close to another.

If it is is a P0300, start with verifying fuel pressure. For a 97, you should have 49 psi, plus or minus 5 psi.

Also perform a comprehensive search for a vacuum leak.

Last edited by tjwalker; 03-18-2012 at 07:36 PM.
Old 03-18-2012 | 07:12 PM
  #7  
hshawn31's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: columbus
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Default

sorry, it was a code 43, misfire in one or more cylinders. I just changed the upstream o2 sensor since i believe it was the original. ( Jeep has 263,000 miles) We will see tomorrow....
Old 03-18-2012 | 07:35 PM
  #8  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,817
Likes: 105
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by hshawn31
sorry, it was a code 43, misfire in one or more cylinders. I just changed the upstream o2 sensor since i believe it was the original. ( Jeep has 263,000 miles) We will see tomorrow....
A number of possibilities. I would start with getting a new distributor cap and rotor on there though to finish your tuneup. Don't want to chase your tail for $20 worth of parts. The ignition coil is another possibility here and certainly should be tested or replaced to eliminate that as a possibility.

I remember a weird valve spring issue on your vintage that can cause a code 43. Think it was caused by a bad batch of valve springs that got into a very limited quantity of 4.0 engines.

Here is a link to some threads on it (GOOGLE code 43 + Jeep)

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f5/chec...3-a-37718.html

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f5/chec...3-a-61955.html

http://www.playcircuit.com/help-96-c...ode-16117.html

Something to keep in mind if you can't find root cause with the usual suspects.

Last edited by tjwalker; 03-18-2012 at 07:43 PM.
Old 03-18-2012 | 07:55 PM
  #9  
Flash1034's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter
Default

Following this closely as my 97 is doing the same thing right now. Seems to come and go on a bi weekly basis...weird...I know.

Flash
Old 03-19-2012 | 01:06 AM
  #10  
Flash1034's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter
Default

Changed my plugs today to stock Champions...No difference. Guess Ill replace the coil next....Im running out of ideas?

Flash
Old 03-19-2012 | 12:51 PM
  #11  
Flash1034's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter
Default

Anybody else have any ideas?

Flash
Old 03-19-2012 | 07:51 PM
  #12  
hshawn31's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: columbus
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Straight 6
Default

my coil is a week old and it didnt help. This is what i have replace so far: TPS, IAC, PLUGS, CAP, IGNITION COIL, UPSTREAM O2 SENSOR, MAP SENSOR, oil pressure sending is about a year old, new alternator, and sprayed half a can of carb cleaner into her. All vacuum lines are checked and triple checked, all fine. No coolant or oil loss. I put a bottle of that compression loss stuff (dont rmbr name) but didnt help....


As for the valve thing. I read that was mainly on Wranglers. They have totally differant valves and springs than these. And if not, wouldnt mine have failed by now? Its been like this for 3 weeks now. i just want it back to normal
Old 03-19-2012 | 10:10 PM
  #13  
ball buster's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: crestview,FL
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

heat soak is an issue.. alot of folks dont think about the heat affecting the injectors but it does. my injectors were getting heat soaked after sitting for less than 5 min after shutdown and giving me missfire codes and i dont even have plug wires,cap&rotor. since i insulated my injectors I have not had a missfire code yet (knock on wood) im still in the testing stage. running all oe components with 107k mi except plugs. I changed them last week
Old 03-19-2012 | 10:30 PM
  #14  
Boost Happy's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 653
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

Sounds like you have a valve seat issue. This is very common issue for the trusty 4.0 on the exhaust side. The seats tend to warp. I recommend a cylinder leak down test, you should notice your leakage around 30-50%, Anything more than 20% is bad. This issue can be resolved with a simple reseating of the valves by a machine should, but in more extreme cases it may need machining of the seat or simply replacing the head with a reman. remans are $500 from napa btw
Old 03-19-2012 | 10:34 PM
  #15  
Boost Happy's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 653
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

Originally Posted by ball buster
heat soak is an issue.. alot of folks dont think about the heat affecting the injectors but it does. my injectors were getting heat soaked after sitting for less than 5 min after shutdown and giving me missfire codes and i dont even have plug wires,cap&rotor. since i insulated my injectors I have not had a missfire code yet (knock on wood) im still in the testing stage. running all oe components with 107k mi except plugs. I changed them last week
That was an issue for the 99-00 4.0l's There is actually a TSB on that. It is due to the cast manifold with conjunction of late style injectors



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:42 AM.