Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey fellers. I recently found a pond to swim the Jeep (Wrangler TJ '99) in, and after getting bailed out, the Jeep has been running a little queer. He idle's funny, blows some black smoke and the oil turned black in less than an hour, chews fuel more than usual and, cut's out when I turn corners or shift gears. I can get it to do a clutch start sometimes (kind of hairy getting a powerless Jeep safely around a Canberran roundabout). It also shudder's from lack of 'something' between 1500-2000 rpm when driving.

A mate reckons it's the ECU thats playing up, as it appears to be 'dumping fuel when it hits a certain rev'. Again, usually between 1500 and 2000. We've checked the disty as working (even after being full of water), and all the leads appear fine. Bad fuel can't be this bad? Any idea's on where to start? Thank's guys.

P.S. There's the usual TJ-crack in the exhaust manifold.

Hows the idle? Could be TPS (which is water sensitive) or CPS.
Have you tried checking the error codes?

Hey Wooders thanks for the advice. I've only just now had a chance to respond (and I can't view the forum from work because the site blocks me) I'll have a look at the TPS etc, tonight hopefully. I'm new to this and I'll be waxing technical with the assistance of the techie manual.

And how do I check the error codes on this thing? This naughty boy hasn't read all the owners manual yet.

Got the Jeep back to the state it was in prior to the 'deep wash'. Which means it only splutters now when it hits 2600-3000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd. But it's running again w00t! Mostly just gave a lot of the connectors another clean. Brakes are stiff, steerings crappier than ever, but he's still going!

stiiixy wrote:And how do I check the error codes on this thing? This naughty boy hasn't read all the owners manual yet.

Chrysler vehicles have a "limp in" mode which reverts to a pre-programmed "guessing map" for timing, fuel delivery, etc. when a critical sensor fails. Those who have been in other cars when their oxygen sensor failed can feel grateful for this feature, though it can be confusing - for example, in some (maybe all) models, the automatic transmission is limited to second gear! The engine light also turns itself on for two seconds every time the car is started so you will know the bulb still works.

The "engine light" may shut itself off if there are no problems for three consecutive trips, or three consecutives engine misfire or fuel system tests with no problems.

To get the codes, put the key into the ignition, push down the odometer reset button, then turn the key to RUN with your finger on the button - and then release the button. The odometer will go through 1111111 through 999999, then display the car's serial number, then show the error codes starting with P. I'm not sure what the other displays mean.

Here's the old method which may work if the first one doesn't: move the key from Run to Off to Run to Off to Run within five seconds. It does not always work the first time. (Run is JUST before Start). The code will show up in the odometer - thank your lucky stars for this, since the codes used to get blinked on the engine light. This could be frustrating since they sometimes seemed to pause in the wrong place...

You can also get the codes using an OBDC III scan tool. That's the best way to do it, but not everyone wants to spend the cash on these tools.


Not all codes are relevant to every vehicle.
Codes may start with a "P" in your odometer.

Code What it means
30 Sensor heater relay problem
36 Sensor heater relay problem
106 MAP sensor voltage out of range detected at startup
107 MAP sensor voltage too low
108 MAP sensor voltage too high
112 Intake air temperature sensor voltage low
113 Intake air (charge) temperature sensor voltage high
116 Coolant temparature sensor reading doesn't make sense
117 Engine coolant temperature sensor voltage low
118 Engine coolant temperature sensor voltage high
121 Throttle position sensor and MAP sensor disagree with each other
122 Throttle position sensor voltage low
123 Throttle position sensor voltage high
125 Taking too long to reach proper operating temparature and switch to energy-efficient mode
130 Sensor heater relay problem
131 Oxygen sensor seems to be shorted out or broken
147 Oxygen sensor heater element not working properly (this device helps to reduce emissions more quickly)
151 Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to ground?
152 Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to active 12V?
153 Oxygen sensor response too slow
154 Oxygen sensor does not show either a rich or lean condition - may need replacement
155 Oxygen sensor heater element not working properly (this device helps to reduce emissions more quickly)
157 Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to ground?
158 Oxygen sensor voltage problem - short circuit to active 12V?
159 Oxygen sensor response too slow
160 Oxygen sensor does not show either a rich or lean condition - may need replacement
161 Oxygen sensor heater element not working properly (this device helps to reduce emissions more quickly)
171 The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too lean (too much fuel is being added as a correction).
172 The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too rich (too much air is being added as a correction).
174 The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too lean (too much fuel is being added as a correction).
175 The oxygen sensor is saying that the system air/fuel mix is far too rich (too much air is being added as a correction).
176 Flex fuel sensor can't be seen
178 Flex fuel sensor problem
179 Flex fuel sensor problem
182 Compressed natural gas temperature sensor problem
183 Compressed natural gas temperature sensor problem
201 Injector #1 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
202 Injector #2 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
203 Injector #3 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
204 Injector #4 control circuit problem (open or shorted)
205 Injector #5 control circuit problem (open or shorted) (doesn't apply to PT Cruiser!)
206 Injector #6 control circuit problem (open or shorted) (doesn't apply to PT Cruiser!)
207 Injector #7 control circuit problem (open or shorted) (doesn't apply to PT Cruiser!)
208 Injector #8 control circuit problem (open or shorted) (doesn't apply to PT Cruiser!)
209 Injector #9 control circuit problem (open or shorted) (doesn't apply to PT Cruiser!)
210 Injector #10 control circuit problem (open or shorted) (doesn't apply to PT Cruiser!)
300 Misfire detected in multiple cylinders.
301 Misfire detected in cylinder #1.
302 Misfire detected in cylinder #2.
303 Misfire detected in cylinder #3.
304 Misfire detected in cylinder #4.
305 Misfire detected in cylinder #5. (Obviously not a problem for PT Cruisers)
306 Misfire detected in cylinder #6.
307 Misfire detected in cylinder #7
308 Misfire detected in cylinder #8.
309 Misfire detected in cylinder #9.
31 0 Misfire detected in cylinder #10.
320 Crankshaft position sensor reference signal cannot be found while the engine is cranking.
325 Knock sensor (#1) signal is wrong.
330 Knock sensor (#2) signal is wrong.
340 No camshaft signal being received by the computer
350 A coil is drawing too much current.
351 Coil #1 is not reaching peak current at the right time
352 Coil #2 is not reaching peak current at the right time
353 Coil #3 is not reaching peak current at the right time
354 Coil #4 is not reaching peak current at the right time
355 Coil #5 is not reaching peak current at the right time
356 Coil #6 is not reaching peak current at the right time
357 Coil #7 is not reaching peak current at the right time
358 Coil #8 is not reaching peak current at the right time
401 A required change in air/fuel mixture was not detected during diagnostic test.
403 An problem was detected in the EGR solenoid control circuit.
404 The EGR sensor's reported position makes no sense
405 EGR position sensor voltage wrong.
406 EGR position sensor voltage wrong.
412 The secondary air solenoid control circuit seems bad (this is used for the aspirator).
420 The catalyst seems inefficient (#1).
432 The catalyst seems inefficient (#2).
441 Evaporative purge flow system not working properly
442 A leak has been detected in the evaporative system!
443 Evaporative purge flow system solenoid not working properly
455 A large leak has been detected in the evaporative system!
456 A small leak has been detected in the evaporative system!
460 The fuel level sender is not reporting any change over a long distance. Something seems wrong.
461 The fuel level sender is not reporting any change over a long time. Something seems wrong.
462 Fuel level sender voltage wrong.
463 Fuel level sender voltage wrong.
500 Haven't heard from the speed sensor lately.
505 The idle speed air control motor doesn't seem to be working correctly.
522 Oil pressure sensor problems
523 Oil pressure sensor problems
551 The power steering switch may not be working. (Neons: high pressure is showing up at high speed)
600 Oh-oh! The coprocessors aren't talking to each other within the computer!
601 Internal computer error!
604 Internal computer error! (RAM check)
605 Internal computer error! (ROM)
615 Starter relay circuit problem
622 Generator field control problem
645 A/C clutch relay circuit problem.
700 The automatic transmission computer or Aisin computer has a problem - ask it what's going on. I don't know.
703 Brake switch circuit information seems wrong.
711 Based on the transmission temperature and its operations, it looks like the transmission temperature sensor's gone bad.
712 Transmission fluid temperature sensor voltage wrong.
713 Transmission fluid temperature sensor voltage wrong.
720 The Output Shaft Speed Sensor doesn't match the reported vehicle speed.
740 The engine's running faster than it should for these speeds, so I think thetorque convertor clutch lock-up system is bad
743 Torque converter clutch (part throttle unlock) solenoid circuit problem - shift solenoid C electrical fault
748 Governor Pressure Solenoid circuit problem (Transmission relay circuit problem in Jeep RE transmissions)
751 Overdrive override switch has been pressed for over five minutes. Just thought you should know.
753 Overdrive solenoid control circuit problem (transmission relay circuit in Jeep RE transmissions.)
756 Shift solenoid B (2-3) fault
783 The overdrive solenoid can't go from 3rd gear to the overdrive gear.
801 Transmission reverse gear lockout solenoid circuit problem!
833 Problem with the clutch-released switch circuit?
1192 Inlet air temperature sensor voltage is wrong
1193 Inlet air temperature sensor voltage is wrong
1194 Oxygen sensor heater performance is faulty
1195 Oxygen sensor is slow
1196 The oxygen sensor switched too slowly (bank 2).
1197 The oxygen sensor switched too slowly (bank 1).
1198 Radiator coolant temperature sensor voltage is wrong.
1199 Radiator coolant temperature sensor voltage is wrong.
1281 The engine is staying cold too long - check your thermostat.
1282 The fuel pump relay circuit seems to be having a problem.
1288 The intake manifold short runner tuning valve circuit seems to be having a problem.
1289 There's a problem in the manifold tuning valve solenoid control circuit.
1290 Compressed natural gas system pressure is too high
1291 The heated air intake sensor does not seem to be working.
1292 Natural gas pressure sensor issue
1293 Natural gas pressure sensor issue
1294 Can't get to target engine speed, check for vacuum leaks and idle speed motor issues.
1295 The throttle position sensor doesn't seem to be getting enough electricity.
1296 The MAP sensor doesn't seem to be getting enough electricity.
1297 The MAP sensor doesn't change its reading when the engine is running!
1298 During wide-open throttle, the engine runs lean.
1299 MAP Sensor and Throttle Position Sensor signals don't match, check for a vacuum leak.
1388 Auto shutdown relay circuit problems?
1389 No Z1 or Z2 voltage seen by the computer when the auto shutdown relay is used.
1390 Cam and crank signals don't match - did the timing belt skip a tooth?
1391 Sometimes, I can't see the crank or cam sensor signal.
1398 I can see the Crank Sensor's signal when I prepare for Misfire Diagnostics. Try replacing it.
1399 Problem in the Wait to Start Lamp circuit - (diesels only?)
1403 EGR position sensor not getting (enough) voltage.
1476 Too little secondary air injection during aspirator test.
1477 Too much secondary air injection during aspirator test.
1478 Battery temperature sensor voltage wrong.
1479 Transmission fan relay circuit problems?
1480 PCV solenoid circuit problems?
1481 Transmission RPM pulse generator signal for misfire detection seems wrong.
1482 Catalyst temperature sensor circuit shorted low.
1483 Catalyst temperature sensor circuit shorted high.
1484 The catalyst seems to be overheating!
1485 Air injection solenoid circuit problems.
1486 Pinched or blocked hose in the evaporative hose system.
1487 Control circuit of the #2 high-speed radiator fan control relay is having problems.
1488 Auxiliary 5-volt sensor feed is too low.
1489 High speed radiator fan control circuit problem.
1490 Low speed radiator fan control circuit problem.
1491 Radiator fan control circuit problem (may be solid state relays as well as other circuits).
1492 Ambient or battery temperature sensor voltage wrong
1493 Ambient or battery temperature sensor voltage wrong
1494 Leak Detection Pump (LDP) pressure switch problem - electrical or the pump itself.
1495 Leak Detection Pump (LDP) pressure switch problem - the solenoid circuit.
1496 Sensor feed is below an acceptable limit. (under 4v for 4 seconds - should be 5v).
1498 High speed radiator fan control circuit problem. (#3 control relay)
1594 Voltage too high in charging system.
1595 Speed control vacuum or vent solenoid control circuits shorted or lost.
1596 Speed control switch always high
1597 Speed control switch always low
1598 A/C pressure sensor voltage high
1599 A/C pressure sensor voltage low
1681 No messages received from the cluster control module (dashboard computer).
1682 Charging system doesn't seem to be working well. Check alternator, etc.
1683 Speed control servo power control circuit problem.
1684 The battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts.
1685 Invalid key received from the Smart Key Immobilizer Module.
1686 No messages received from the Smart Key Immobilizer Module.
1687 No messages received from the Mechanical Instrument Cluster module.
1 693 The companion engine control module has shown a fault.
1694 No messages received from the powertrain control module-Aisin transmission.
1695 No messages received from the body control module.
1696 Unsuccessful attempt to write to an EEPROM location!
1697 Unsuccessful attempt to update Service Reminder Indicator (SRI or EMR) mileage!
1698 No messages received from the electronic transmission control module or the Aisin transmission controller.
1719 Transmission 2-3 gear lockout solenoid control circuit problem.
1740 Either the tcc solenoid or overdrive solenoid systems doesn't seem to be making much sense.
1756 Transmission control pressure not equal to target. (Mid pressure problem)
1757 Transmission control pressure not equal to target. (Zero pressure problem)
1762 The Governor Pressure Sensor input was too high or too low for 3 consecutive park/neutral calibrations.
1763 The Governor Pressure Sensor input is too high
1764 The Governor Pressure Sensor input is too low.
1765 Open or short in the Transmission Relay control circuit.
1899 The Park/Neutral switch seems to be stuck!

Just pdf'd this and stuck it on my google docs so I have it everywhere for reference. Sthuper thanks.

Well, I finally got the correct TPS, slapped it in and nothing new to report. Jeep's still kangarooing and pumping in to much fuel. A mate reckons the O2 sensor might be playing up, especially with the big crack in my exhaust so there's something to test.

I also attempted to get a computer read-out, but after the 1111-9999 run-through it did not report anything. So off to the shop to have them hook up and do it properly.

Chapter Whatever of my ordeal:

Scuse the French, but ffs! I've put this thing through three mechanics (two mechs, and 1 auto-spark) now. Rolfe Motor's in Phillip told me it was finally working after replacing the spring coil in the steering column, then it dies about 20 k's out of town. Exact same problem and 700 bucks gone (can I do something about this legally?)

So after drinking myself stupid and playing games all day Christmas because I couldn't get to my family (oh, boo-hoo. Was the best Christmas EVER!! ), I disconnected the O2 sensor on the manifold and the Jeep is suddenly not blowing black smoke, throwing small wet clods of black 'something' and waves of fuel all out the exhaust, nor stuttering anywhere near as much as before. It appears the engine is misfiring a little, but it's better than the nothing I've had for three months. This may be a little pre-emptive as I've only driven it for a few laps around the bloke, but hey, a man can celebrate can't he!

So, if any body has any more clues as to what could possibly be going wrong, or any advice on servicing the car (that misfire), I'm now more keener than ever to do it myself. Learning cars is heaps good (being an IT grunt myself)