Fuel Pump; Fuel Gauge Sending Unit; Fuel Filter/Fuel Pressure Regulator - Jeep cherokee 2000 Service Manual

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

FUEL PUMP

DESCRIPTION
The fuel pump is located inside of the fuel pump
module. A 12 volt, permanent magnet, electric motor
powers the fuel pump.
OPERATION
Voltage to operate the electric pump is supplied
through the fuel pump relay.
Fuel is drawn in through a filter at the bottom of
the module and pushed through the electric motor
gearset to the pump outlet.
Check Valve Operation: The pump outlet con-
tains a one-way check valve to prevent fuel flow back
into the tank and to maintain fuel supply line pres-
sure (engine warm) when pump is not operational. It
is also used to keep the fuel supply line full of gaso-
line when pump is not operational. After the vehicle
has cooled down, fuel pressure may drop to 0 psi
(cold fluid contracts), but liquid gasoline will remain
in fuel supply line between the check valve and fuel
injectors. Fuel pressure that has dropped to 0
psi on a cooled down vehicle (engine off) is a
normal condition. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Leak
Down Test for more information.

FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT

DESCRIPTION
The fuel gauge sending unit (fuel level sensor) is
attached to the side of the fuel pump module. The
sending unit consists of a float, an arm, and a vari-
able resistor track (card).
OPERATION
The fuel pump module has 4 different circuits
(wires). Two of these circuits are used for the fuel
gauge sending unit for fuel gauge operation, and for
certain OBD II emission requirements. The other 2
wires are used for electric fuel pump operation.
For Fuel Gauge Operation: A constant input
voltage source of about 12 volts (battery voltage) is
supplied to the resistor track on the fuel gauge send-
ing unit. This is fed directly from the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM). NOTE: For diagnostic pur-
poses, this 12V power source can only be veri-
fied with the circuit opened (fuel pump module
electrical connector unplugged). With the con-
nectors plugged, output voltages will vary from
about.6 volts at FULL, to about 8.6 volts at
EMPTY (about 8.6 volts at EMPTY for Jeep
models, and about 7.0 volts at EMPTY for
Dodge Truck models). The resistor track is used to
vary the voltage (resistance) depending on fuel tank
float level. As fuel level increases, the float and arm
move up, which decreases voltage. As fuel level
decreases, the float and arm move down, which
increases voltage. The varied voltage signal is
returned back to the PCM through the sensor return
circuit.
Both of the electrical circuits between the fuel
gauge sending unit and the PCM are hard-wired (not
multi-plexed). After the voltage signal is sent from
the resistor track, and back to the PCM, the PCM
will interpret the resistance (voltage) data and send
a message across the multi-plex bus circuits to the
instrument panel cluster. Here it is translated into
the appropriate fuel gauge level reading. Refer to
Instrument Panel for additional information.
For OBD II Emission Monitor Requirements:
The PCM will monitor the voltage output sent from
the resistor track on the sending unit to indicate fuel
level. The purpose of this feature is to prevent the
OBD II system from recording/setting false misfire
and fuel system monitor diagnostic trouble codes.
The feature is activated if the fuel level in the tank
is less than approximately 15 percent of its rated
capacity. If equipped with a Leak Detection Pump
(EVAP system monitor), this feature will also be acti-
vated if the fuel level in the tank is more than
approximately 85 percent of its rated capacity.

FUEL FILTER/FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR

DESCRIPTION
The combination fuel filter and fuel pressure regu-
lator is located on the top of fuel pump module (Fig.
1).
OPERATION
A combination fuel filter and fuel pressure regula-
tor is used on all engines. A separate frame mounted
fuel filter is not used with any engine.
Fuel Pressure Regulator Operation: The pres-
sure regulator is a mechanical device that is not con-
trolled by engine vacuum or the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM).
The regulator is calibrated to maintain fuel system
operating pressure of approximately 339 kPa
kPa (49.2 psi 5 psi) at the fuel injectors. It con-
tains a diaphragm, calibrated springs and a fuel
return valve. The internal fuel filter is also part of
the assembly.
Fuel is supplied to the filter/regulator by the elec-
tric fuel pump through an opening tube at the bot-
tom of filter/regulator (Fig. 3).
The regulator acts as a check valve to maintain
some fuel pressure when the engine is not operating.
This will help to start the engine. A second check
valve is located at the outlet end of the electric fuel
pump. Refer to Fuel Pump—Description and
FUEL SYSTEM 14 - 3
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