Help with Crank Position Sensor - 89 Jeep Cherokee LTD

Hi Guys:

I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....

I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.

I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?

I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?

Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly to
the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?

Thanks for any advice.



--

The plug is usually the issue. I use a good clean with contact cleaner
and then use dielectric grease on the plug seal skirts to keep it good.

You can just cut out the plug and solder and heat shrink the
connection. The newer double walled automotive heat shrink comes with
glue inside to waterproof it.

And even with a new one, my 88 doesn't start any faster. It still seems
like it cranks a long time but starts every time. It is the nature of
the beast. I find a clean on the TPS plug and socket seemed to speed up
starting, well maybe....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

NT wrote:
>
> Hi Guys:
>
> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
>
> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
>
> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
>
> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
>
> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly to
> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> --
>

Hi Mike:

Thanks for your note.

Maybe you can help clarify.....

On some posts, there has been reference to the connector being above the
brake booster - on my 89 - I don't have any connectors in that area. I
can't see where the CPS wires are routed, although I can see the sensor with
the harness heading off to the passenger side of the bell housing - then I
loose it. How do I locate the connector in question?

Thanks for your help.

--

"Mike Romain" > wrote in message
...
> The plug is usually the issue. I use a good clean with contact cleaner
> and then use dielectric grease on the plug seal skirts to keep it good.
>
> You can just cut out the plug and solder and heat shrink the
> connection. The newer double walled automotive heat shrink comes with
> glue inside to waterproof it.
>
> And even with a new one, my 88 doesn't start any faster. It still seems
> like it cranks a long time but starts every time. It is the nature of
> the beast. I find a clean on the TPS plug and socket seemed to speed up
> starting, well maybe....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>
> NT wrote:
>>
>> Hi Guys:
>>
>> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
>>
>> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
>>
>> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
>> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
>> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
>> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
>>
>> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
>> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
>>
>> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
>> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly
>> to
>> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
>>
>> Thanks for any advice.
>>
>> --
>>

NT did pass the time by typing:
> Hi Guys:
>
> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
>
> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
>
> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?

Lots of cranking usually indicated a no/low fuel pressure problem
in fuel injected vepickles.

> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?

Yea.. The number is printed on the CPS tang right next to the bolt that
holds it in.. way up where you of course can't see it. :/
There might be a paper tag somewhere on the harness.

> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly to
> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?

There are kits to move the CPS up front to the harmonic balancer, but no
bypass kits that I'm aware of.

Dunno if this helps, but for the ZJ.
http://members.cox.net/wilsond/Fixes...tml#CPSdetails
http://members.cox.net/wilsond/cps/

--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!

On my neighbor's '96 XJ we found the CPS to be on the driver's side and the
connector was connected on a bracket held on by a bolt on the rear of the
intake manifold

--
..
(remove SPAM)
2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
..
"DougW" > wrote in message
news:XM2Ye.3839$P34.1381@okepread07...
> NT did pass the time by typing:
>> Hi Guys:
>>
>> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
>>
>> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
>>
>> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
>> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
>> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
>> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
>
> Lots of cranking usually indicated a no/low fuel pressure problem
> in fuel injected vepickles.
>
>> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
>> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
>
> Yea.. The number is printed on the CPS tang right next to the bolt that
> holds it in.. way up where you of course can't see it. :/
> There might be a paper tag somewhere on the harness.
>
>> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
>> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly
>> to
>> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
>
> There are kits to move the CPS up front to the harmonic balancer, but no
> bypass kits that I'm aware of.
>
> Dunno if this helps, but for the ZJ.
> http://members.cox.net/wilsond/Fixes...tml#CPSdetails
> http://members.cox.net/wilsond/cps/
>
> --
> -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
> HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
> Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
> Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
>

They put it in a sweet spot.... right on top of the back of the exhaust
manifold behind the TB where it gets nice and warm....

It is a 3 pronged plug with two wires in it. Red and white I believe.

Mike

NT wrote:
>
> Hi Mike:
>
> Thanks for your note.
>
> Maybe you can help clarify.....
>
> On some posts, there has been reference to the connector being above the
> brake booster - on my 89 - I don't have any connectors in that area. I
> can't see where the CPS wires are routed, although I can see the sensor with
> the harness heading off to the passenger side of the bell housing - then I
> loose it. How do I locate the connector in question?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> --
>
> "Mike Romain" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The plug is usually the issue. I use a good clean with contact cleaner
> > and then use dielectric grease on the plug seal skirts to keep it good.
> >
> > You can just cut out the plug and solder and heat shrink the
> > connection. The newer double walled automotive heat shrink comes with
> > glue inside to waterproof it.
> >
> > And even with a new one, my 88 doesn't start any faster. It still seems
> > like it cranks a long time but starts every time. It is the nature of
> > the beast. I find a clean on the TPS plug and socket seemed to speed up
> > starting, well maybe....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >
> > NT wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Guys:
> >>
> >> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
> >>
> >> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
> >>
> >> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
> >> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
> >> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
> >> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
> >>
> >> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
> >> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
> >>
> >> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
> >> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly
> >> to
> >> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
> >>
> >> Thanks for any advice.
> >>
> >> --
> >>

Yep, and if you forget to tie the wire back it is positioned where it
will happily nestle up against the exhaust and melt (don't ask!).

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:15:00 UTC Mike Romain >
wrote:

> They put it in a sweet spot.... right on top of the back of the exhaust
> manifold behind the TB where it gets nice and warm....
>
> It is a 3 pronged plug with two wires in it. Red and white I believe.
>
> Mike
>
> NT wrote:
> >
> > Hi Mike:
> >
> > Thanks for your note.
> >
> > Maybe you can help clarify.....
> >
> > On some posts, there has been reference to the connector being above the
> > brake booster - on my 89 - I don't have any connectors in that area. I
> > can't see where the CPS wires are routed, although I can see the sensor with
> > the harness heading off to the passenger side of the bell housing - then I
> > loose it. How do I locate the connector in question?
> >
> > Thanks for your help.
> >
> > --
> >
> > "Mike Romain" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > The plug is usually the issue. I use a good clean with contact cleaner
> > > and then use dielectric grease on the plug seal skirts to keep it good.
> > >
> > > You can just cut out the plug and solder and heat shrink the
> > > connection. The newer double walled automotive heat shrink comes with
> > > glue inside to waterproof it.
> > >
> > > And even with a new one, my 88 doesn't start any faster. It still seems
> > > like it cranks a long time but starts every time. It is the nature of
> > > the beast. I find a clean on the TPS plug and socket seemed to speed up
> > > starting, well maybe....
> > >
> > > Mike
> > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > >
> > > NT wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi Guys:
> > >>
> > >> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
> > >>
> > >> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
> > >>
> > >> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
> > >> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
> > >> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
> > >> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
> > >>
> > >> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
> > >> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
> > >>
> > >> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the wiring
> > >> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly
> > >> to
> > >> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
> > >>
> > >> Thanks for any advice.
> > >>
> > >> --
> > >>


--
Will Honea

I used to have an `89 Cherokee with the 4.0L engine. The CPS connector
was on the driver's side, hard up against the firewall, just above the
intake manifold.

My brother-the-mechanic once told me that the manufacturer was aware
that there were problems with the 4.0L CPS and had issued a repair kit,
that didn't really do any good.

You might find this interesting:
<URL:http://autorepair.about.com/cs/faqs/l/bl557h.htm>
It seems that some CPS units were made to stand too far from the
flywheel, giving a weak or faulty signal, causing hard starting or no
starts. This, of course, doesn't explain why unplugging and replugging
the CPS connector can cure a "no start" condition.


NT wrote:
> Hi Mike:
>
> Thanks for your note.
>
> Maybe you can help clarify.....
>
> On some posts, there has been reference to the connector being above the
> brake booster - on my 89 - I don't have any connectors in that area. I
> can't see where the CPS wires are routed, although I can see the sensor with
> the harness heading off to the passenger side of the bell housing - then I
> loose it. How do I locate the connector in question?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>

Hi Guys:

Thanks for the tips. I was able to locate the connector (I think). On my
89, the connector is one of the 'water tight' variety. I opened it up and
took a look - the inside looked brand new - clean as a whistle - I guess all
that sealing really does work - on this connector anyway.

Thanks again.

--

"Billy Ray" > wrote in message
...
> On my neighbor's '96 XJ we found the CPS to be on the driver's side and
> the connector was connected on a bracket held on by a bolt on the rear of
> the intake manifold
>
> --
> .
> (remove SPAM)
> 2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
> Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
> .
> "DougW" > wrote in message
> news:XM2Ye.3839$P34.1381@okepread07...
>> NT did pass the time by typing:
>>> Hi Guys:
>>>
>>> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
>>>
>>> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
>>>
>>> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
>>> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
>>> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
>>> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
>>
>> Lots of cranking usually indicated a no/low fuel pressure problem
>> in fuel injected vepickles.
>>
>>> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
>>> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
>>
>> Yea.. The number is printed on the CPS tang right next to the bolt that
>> holds it in.. way up where you of course can't see it. :/
>> There might be a paper tag somewhere on the harness.
>>
>>> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the
>>> wiring
>>> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected directly
>>> to
>>> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
>>
>> There are kits to move the CPS up front to the harmonic balancer, but no
>> bypass kits that I'm aware of.
>>
>> Dunno if this helps, but for the ZJ.
>> http://members.cox.net/wilsond/Fixes...tml#CPSdetails
>> http://members.cox.net/wilsond/cps/
>>
>> --
>> -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
>> HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
>> Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
>> Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
>>
>
>

I just took a few pix of the CPS Sensor and Connector on the driver's side
of Ed's '96 XJ.

Send me an e-mail to the address below (remove the SPAM) and I'll send them
to you

--
..
(remove SPAM)
2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
..
"NT" > wrote in message news:SgkYe.853$hW.0@tor-nn1...
> Hi Guys:
>
> Thanks for the tips. I was able to locate the connector (I think). On my
> 89, the connector is one of the 'water tight' variety. I opened it up and
> took a look - the inside looked brand new - clean as a whistle - I guess
> all that sealing really does work - on this connector anyway.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> --
>
> "Billy Ray" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On my neighbor's '96 XJ we found the CPS to be on the driver's side and
>> the connector was connected on a bracket held on by a bolt on the rear of
>> the intake manifold
>>
>> --
>> .
>> (remove SPAM)
>> 2002 Jeep WJ 4 Liter Automatic
>> Sharing is why we are all here....... or should be.
>> .
>> "DougW" > wrote in message
>> news:XM2Ye.3839$P34.1381@okepread07...
>>> NT did pass the time by typing:
>>>> Hi Guys:
>>>>
>>>> I'm hoping that someone can offer advice on this....
>>>>
>>>> I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee LTD.
>>>>
>>>> I've often wondered if the CPS is weak. I know that there are regular
>>>> reports of faulty CPS that lead to a no-start condition in jeeps of the
>>>> above vintage, but is a symptom of a faulty CPS just poor starting
>>>> conditions (my truck always starts, it just takes lots of cranking)?
>>>
>>> Lots of cranking usually indicated a no/low fuel pressure problem
>>> in fuel injected vepickles.
>>>
>>>> I there a way to tell by just looking if I have the newer CPS that
>>>> supposedly corrects the problem that was apparent with earlier units?
>>>
>>> Yea.. The number is printed on the CPS tang right next to the bolt that
>>> holds it in.. way up where you of course can't see it. :/
>>> There might be a paper tag somewhere on the harness.
>>>
>>>> Does anyone know of a kit that supposedly replaces the CPS and the
>>>> wiring
>>>> harness so as to bypass an intermediate connector and connected
>>>> directly to
>>>> the ECU? If so, do you have a link to an online source?
>>>
>>> There are kits to move the CPS up front to the harmonic balancer, but no
>>> bypass kits that I'm aware of.
>>>
>>> Dunno if this helps, but for the ZJ.
>>> http://members.cox.net/wilsond/Fixes...tml#CPSdetails
>>> http://members.cox.net/wilsond/cps/
>>>
>>> --
>>> -- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
>>> HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
>>> Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors
>>> Banks Header - and BEER, in the fridge!
>>>
>>
>>
>
>