Symptoms
The engine dies when hot and restarts after cooling. No spark, and fuel pressure checks out but fuel doesn't reach the injectors. Sometimes the gauges go dead or 'no bus' shows on the odometer. NAXJA members call thermal failure 'pretty common'.
The fix, step by step
- Test it hot, right after it fails, because a bad sensor often tests fine cold.
- On 1991–2001 4.0 HO engines, unplug the sensor pigtail near the rear of the intake manifold and measure across terminals B and C on the 1K–10K ohm scale.
- It should read open (infinite).
- Low resistance means replace it.
- Fit the sensor for your exact year: the part changed several times.
Tools & part numbers
- Multimeter
- long extensions and swivel
- flashlight
Where to buy the parts
Crown T0739789 crankshaft position sensor, 1987–90 XJ (Renix)Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown 56026882 crankshaft position sensor, 1993–96 XJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
OMIX 17220.13 crankshaft position sensor, 1997–04 TJ & 1999–2000 XJ (check fitment)Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown 56027866AE crankshaft position sensor, 2000–01 XJ 4.0LQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Cherokee XJ parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.