Weird misfire
#1
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Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
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From: Ct
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Weird misfire
Hi guys was wondering if you could help me out.
My 04 WJ 4.0 has this weird misfire it started about a week ago when I start it the engine will misfire and shake but if I hit the gas pedal and be fine the rest of the time I drive it? It's done it to me about 4 times since last week.
Any thoughts?
My 04 WJ 4.0 has this weird misfire it started about a week ago when I start it the engine will misfire and shake but if I hit the gas pedal and be fine the rest of the time I drive it? It's done it to me about 4 times since last week.
Any thoughts?
#2
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 38
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From: Colorado
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L V8
Any of your plugs really fouled? When I first got my truck it would shake violently when started and when at about 45 miles an hour. One of my plugs was extremely fouled and nasty so I replaced it with a new plug and that fixed it. Amazing what that one chuggy cylinder would do. Maybe it could just be a cheap plug? One could hope.
#3
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 730
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
That's really odd! I just put a new set of Champions in my 4.0 about 5000 miles ago and I'd gotten an occasional misfire under heavy load, like bad plugs. It got steadily worse until it set a code P0303, misfire cylinder #3. I pulled all of them out and changed them with NGKs. 5 looked good, but #3 had a heavy coating of light brown carbon on it, so I chipped it away to find the center insulator had a crack in it. It must have had a fine hairline crack in it when I put it in and I didn't notice it. This may have been caused by rough handling before I got it, but my confidence in Champion was shattered. I'll let you know how the NGKs work out. So far I have about 1000 on them. Running smooth as silk.
#4
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Ct
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok so driving around been fine I went to advanced auto use the scanner and I have a pending code for misfire cylinder 3. Hoping it's the spark plugs be use I've had my WJ for about 7 months and never changed them and who knows the last time the PO changed them
#5
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
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From: Ct
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
That's really odd! I just put a new set of Champions in my 4.0 about 5000 miles ago and I'd gotten an occasional misfire under heavy load, like bad plugs. It got steadily worse until it set a code P0303, misfire cylinder #3. I pulled all of them out and changed them with NGKs. 5 looked good, but #3 had a heavy coating of light brown carbon on it, so I chipped it away to find the center insulator had a crack in it. It must have had a fine hairline crack in it when I put it in and I didn't notice it. This may have been caused by rough handling before I got it, but my confidence in Champion was shattered. I'll let you know how the NGKs work out. So far I have about 1000 on them. Running smooth as silk.
#6
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 40
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From: Washington state
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm also going through a misfire issue right now. I have no symptoms except for a check engine light! your symptoms sound like a crankshaft position sensor or carbon build up on the exhaust valves. have you done a compression check of that cylinder? should do that before you put a new plug in there!
#7
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Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
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From: Ct
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm also going through a misfire issue right now. I have no symptoms except for a check engine light! your symptoms sound like a crankshaft position sensor or carbon build up on the exhaust valves. have you done a compression check of that cylinder? should do that before you put a new plug in there!
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#8
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
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From: Ct
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok so I replaced the the spark plugs with Champion coppers from the dealer and I also replaced the cam sensor also from the dealer. The spark plugs looked worn so I'm hoping those were the problem it's been 3 days and hasn't done it yet so fingers crossed!
#9
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 63
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From: Dutchess county NY
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7
I am also having a problem with a misfire ...just purchased a 2004 WJ 4.7 from a mechanic who said it was from a customer who had serviced there...after I purchased it ( last week ) my engine light came on for a code 0302...misfire in cylinder 2...i brought it back to him today...he thought it might be a bad aftermarket coil that he had just recently replaced but decided that it might be carbon buildup on the valve...he fogged the intake system and I've driven it for about 70 miles so far....hopefully tomorrow the light won't come back on...I would appreciate any other help if someone has other ideas
#10
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 730
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
There is a Factory Service Bulletin about misfires cause by carbon buildup on the valves. Check it out.
#12
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 730
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
JMHO, but that looks pretty much normal. Just make sure you don't overtorque those plugs and change them at regular intervals. One of the other guys that deliver newspapers with me just had a plug blow out of the head, taking all the threads and the coil with it! It left a sizable dent in the hood.