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XJ has start issues, erratic gauges, and shifting problems

Discussion in 'Cherokee' started by Jacob99xj, May 10, 2018.

  1. May 10, 2018 at 7:17 PM
    #1
    Jacob99xj

    Jacob99xj [OP] New Member

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    Hello! My names Jacob and I'm having a hell of a time trying to figure out what's happening to my 99 xj.
    Well for starters, it's a 4.0L straight 6 with 4x4.
    The first symptoms were when I tried to start it, it would start then immediately die. The check engine light would come on, along with the key symbol. When it does start sometimes the gauges don't work, and when I out it in drive, it revs and barely moves. So I'll put it in 12 then shift to 3. And at some point it will bog down a little, the the cluster starts to work, but along with that the check engine light comes on with the key symbol. I just replaced the PCM after I had it diagnosed. Which I replaced today. Drove perfect for about 2 hours. Then when I went to start it again, the cluster didn't turn work, and it was reving somewhat high when in park, when I shifted to drive or any other gear, it went to normal idle. But in drive it wouldn't go anywhere, but would on 12, and 3. Why is this happening to me and has anyone delt with the same problem. Could it be the DTM? Or bcm? Also to add so far I've had to replace the ignition coil, front wheel hubs, abs tone sensor rings, leaf springs, front u joints, had to do some sodering to get my window to work, crank shaft position sensor. Well that's all I can think of. I hope someone can help me. Thanks!
     
  2. May 11, 2018 at 6:48 AM
    #2
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    Check engine light? What codes are you getting?
     
  3. May 11, 2018 at 7:31 AM
    #3
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    Jacob, welcome to Jeeps.net.
    The 99 XJ is regarded as being one of if not the best year for XJs.... I know it doesn't seem that way to you right now though.

    Have you had the check engine light checked? The code might help point you in the right direction. Most parts stores will scan for free or you can get a dongle on ebay/Amazon and read/clear codes yourself using an app like Torque. If it's a transmission code you will likely have to take it to a shop to get it read.

    The starting and then shutting off sounds like it could be a transponder key issue. Do you have a grey key or a black key? Grey should have the transponder (RFID chip). Do you have another key you could use instead?

    As far as the trans it sounds like it could be going into limp mode. Could be the TCM or sensor. Hard to tell for sure exactly what the problem is without further testing.

    The gauges have a common issue with the connector on the back of the cluster loosing connection. Sometimes you can push on the corner of the gauge cluster or smack the top of the dash and it will come back to life. Sometimes you have to take the cluster out, clean the connection and re-seat it.
     
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    #3
  4. May 11, 2018 at 1:01 PM
    #4
    Jacob99xj

    Jacob99xj [OP] New Member

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    For codes, the last time I had it checked a buddy of my came over with his reader and he said it was the drive train module. And I have a grey key, and I use both.
     
  5. May 11, 2018 at 1:05 PM
    #5
    Jacob99xj

    Jacob99xj [OP] New Member

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    I also just replaced the PCM on it too. Which I've heard is the same as the tcm.
     
  6. May 11, 2018 at 7:53 PM
    #6
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    If you can get the code number or numbers. That will go a long way into helping you figure out what's going on.
     
  7. May 11, 2018 at 8:05 PM
    #7
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    PCM (aka ECM/ECU) on the driver's side inner fender.
    The TCM is under the driver side of the dash, bolted to the side of the transmission tunnel
     
  8. May 12, 2018 at 7:18 AM
    #8
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    Why did you change PCM?

    Did you do any programming on new PCM? Maybe CVs, SKIM, Mileage, as applicable. not always plug and play.

    Use a scanner - check the usually P codes and check B series also.
     
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