Jeep Cherokee 1988 Quick Start Manual page 12

1) If all components have been checked and/or repaired, but
a system failure or problem still exists, the ECU may be at fault.
However, the ECU is a very reliable unit and must always be the final
component replaced if a doubt exists concerning the cause of a system
failure.
2) The only way to confirm an ECU malfunction is to take the
unit to an AMC dealer to have it tested. This is the only sure way to
avoid replacing a good ECU.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
Be sure fuel is actually reaching the injector. Make sure no
air is entering the intake or exhaust system above the catalytic
converter. Before assuming an engine control system malfunction,
inspect the following systems to ensure components are in good
condition and are operating properly.
* All support systems and wiring.
* Battery connections and specific gravity.
* Electrical and vacuum connections on components and sensors.
* Emission control devices.
* Ignition system.
* Vacuum hoses.
CAUTION: Never connect or disconnect a component without turning the
ignition switch off. Never apply more than 12 volts or AC
voltage to system terminals. Disconnect battery cables
before charging it. Remove ECU if temperatures are expected
to exceed 176 F (80 C), such as in a paint shop bake oven.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST CHARTS
Following are 6 different diagnostic test flow charts,
providing the shortest means of testing the system. These include:
* Ignition Switch "OFF" Chart - Tests system power for ECU
memory keep-alive voltage.
* Ignition Switch "ON" Power Chart - Tests system power
function and fuel pump power function.
* Ignition Switch "ON" Input Chart - Tests closed throttle
(idle) switch, wide open throttle (WOT) switch, manifold
absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, park/neutral switch, coolant
temperature sensor (CTS), manifold air/fuel temperature (MAT)
sensor and the respective switch or sensor circuits.
* System Operational Chart - Tests engine start-up and fuel
injector circuits, plus function of closed loop air/fuel
mixture, coolant temperature sensor, manifold air/fuel
temperature sensor, knock sensor and closed loop ignition
retard/advance, EGR valve and canister purge solenoid, idle
speed actuator, and A/C control.
* Basic Engine Chart - Indicates possible failures within other
engine related components.
* Man. Trans. Up-shift Chart - Tests up-shift indicator lamp
function on manual transmission vehicles.