Distributor - 2.5L Engine Description And Operation; Spark Plugs Description And Operation; Spark Plug Cables - 2.5L Engine Description And Operation - Jeep Cherokee 2000 Service Manual

8D - 2 IGNITION SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
• Crankshaft Position Sensor
• Camshaft Position Sensor
• The MAP, TPS, IAC and ECT also have an effect
on the control of the ignition system.
DISTRIBUTOR-2.5L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
The 2.5L engine is equipped with a camshaft
driven mechanical distributor (Fig. 1) containing a
shaft driven distributor rotor. The distributor is also
equipped with an internal camshaft position (fuel
sync) sensor (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Distributor and Camshaft Position Sensor-
2.5L Engine
1 – SYNC SIGNAL GENERATOR
2 – CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 – PULSE RING
4 – DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
The distributor does not have built in centrifugal
or vacuum assisted advance. Base ignition timing
and all timing advance is controlled by the Power-
train Control Module (PCM). Because ignition timing
is controlled by the PCM, base ignition timing is
not adjustable.
The distributor is locked in place by a fork with a
slot located on the distributor housing base. The dis-
tributor holddown clamp bolt passes through this slot
when installed. Because the distributor position is
locked when installed, its rotational position can not
be changed. Do not attempt to modify the dis-
tributor housing to get distributor rotation.
Distributor position will have no effect on igni-
tion timing. The position of the distributor will
determine fuel synchronization only.
All distributors contain an internal oil seal that
prevents oil from entering the distributor housing.
The seal is not serviceable.
SPARK PLUGS
DESCRIPTION
Resistor type spark plugs are used.
Spark plug resistance values range from 6,000 to
20,000 ohms (when checked with at least a 1000 volt
spark plug tester). Do not use an ohmmeter to
check the resistance values of the spark plugs.
Inaccurate readings will result.
OPERATION
To prevent possible pre-ignition and/or mechanical
engine damage, the correct type/heat range/number
spark plug must be used.
Always use the recommended torque when tighten-
ing spark plugs. Incorrect torque can distort the
spark plug and change plug gap. It can also pull the
plug threads and do possible damage to both the
spark plug and the cylinder head.
Remove the spark plugs and examine them for
burned electrodes and fouled, cracked or broken por-
celain insulators. Keep plugs arranged in the order
in which they were removed from the engine. A sin-
gle plug displaying an abnormal condition indicates
that a problem exists in the corresponding cylinder.
Replace spark plugs at the intervals recommended in
Group O, Lubrication and Maintenance
Spark plugs that have low mileage may be cleaned
and reused if not otherwise defective, carbon or oil
fouled. Also refer to Spark Plug Conditions.
CAUTION: Never use a motorized wire wheel brush
to clean the spark plugs. Metallic deposits will
remain on the spark plug insulator and will cause
plug misfire.
SPARK PLUG CABLES-2.5L ENGINE
DESCRIPTION
Spark plug cables are used only on the 2.5L
engine. They are sometimes referred to as secondary
ignition wires.
OPERATION
The spark plug cables transfer electrical current
from the ignition coil(s) and/or distributor, to individ-
ual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark
plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The
cables provide suppression of radio frequency emis-
sions from the ignition system.
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