Why is it hard to Start when Cold

[alexbrown64]

I started looking into crank sensors so that i could have a spare for my Jeep. Mine has done over 300k on the original and still going strong, but it would be nice to have one for the future.

Most people seem to be replacing them from underneath the Jeep with a series of extensions and knuckles on a socket.
I have also read of others replacing it from the top using a flexi head ratchet spanner (i think its 11mm).

I also looked at the crank sensors themselves. The cheap $20 units seem to be all made in China and i have heard numerous reports of failure. Not sure where the middle of the range units are made, but all the aftermarket units for the XJ's seem to have that 3rd hole in the mounting plate. The genuine brand new Mopar units seem to be made in Mexico now. I have seen pics of New Old Stock crank sensors in packets that say made in USA. These are obviously 20 years old but brand new. For me personally, i think i would choose a Mopar made in the USA unit, even though they are expensive. Its the type of component where you want OEM quality and only want to do the job once.

I hope the sensor replacement fixes your problem LuluBelle and it will be interesting to note what you think of your aftermarket unit. I know RockAuto sells several brands ranging from very cheap to very expensive.

Which brings me to a question. What sensors and spares do you think it would be wise to carry with you on a XJ?

Cheers,

[HamishW96]

I did mine under the car, with a bunch of extensions and uni joints on my ratchet. Wasnt too hard to be honest. I got a goss unit from bursons, was like $70 but had it in a day.

[awg]

Originally Posted by alexbrown64

the Jeep with a series of extensions and knuckles on a socket.
I have also read of others replacing it from the top using a flexi head ratchet spanner (i think its 11mm).

Which brings me to a question. What sensors and spares do you think it would be wise to carry with you on a XJ?

Cheers,

I have not tried, but if i can lay face down on the engine, reach my hand down, and touch the sensor bolts, its all over

been down this road before on other jobs, saved hours, guys with forearms like Popeye have to do it the slow way

Alex, I bought out a hardcore XJ off-road guys spares.
Fuel pump, new dizzy, TPS, starter motor, he had other stuff to.

I am lucky in having a complete running spare '96, just 59 digits off mine in VIN, so long as I am in my driveway, diagnosis should be much easier.

I also ordered a $8 Chinese CPS
A spare throttle body with sensors would be handy

A known working PCM also seems like an essential spare for these cars, as eventually it will probably fault, possibly leaving you badly stranded, instead of a quick fix

[LuluBelle]

I agree with awq a working numbers matching pcm on the shelf would be handy It wouldn't hurt to get all the sensors get the elcheapO ones.... so you can always get yourself out of trouble and get home then buy the mopar sensor to replace it... that way you don't have a lot of $ tied up in sensors you might never use (Touch Wood)
Towed the XJ out in reverse out of the sandy mudhole under the sails where it has sat for the last 6 weeks out on to the concrete driveway ready to change the sensor I have a set of those ratchet ring/open end spanners but might be too Popeye to get down the back of the engine
I just hope it starts as whats next?? Ritual Suicide.... Buy a Toyota!........ No No Please I have a Disability Don't make Me Jump in the Air .................!
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_.(o)_)__(o)_)--o-)_)

[heatlocke]

For those interested I have a quick update. Here are a few things from my US thread:

"Pulled the PCM and examined under a magnifier while probing each pin for a loose one that may indicate a bad solder inside. Put it back together and now no signal to the AC relay. Its just got to be the PCM. Got a free one today for a 97. Gonna try it tomorrow. Book says it won`t work and it may become a gift to my new friends down under. Found one for my 96 for $50."

And then this:

"I am happy to report that my $50, used PCM instantly solved my starting issue...….I was pretty sure I was on the right track when I wiggled all the pins on the PCM and caused an AC relay problem."

SOooo…. My prob is solved and I have an extra free 97 PCM to anyone who needs it. How much is freight from US ? It came out of a clunker in the boneyard marked on the windshield "runs good..smokes". I never tried it. Its an ugly one. PM me for details or a pic.

[LuluBelle]

cheers heatlocke I'm glad you got your 96 sorted
As for Me .....................
Fitted the crank sensor today tried to start but the battery was flat although it did make a promising cough I new it was going to go then ....... had to wait all day for the battery to charge pacing like a animal in a cage I knew it was going to Go!
6 Hrs on the battery charger later.......
I turned the key On... waited ... yes the Fuel Pump has turned off Check Engine light is still staying On?
Started right up first pop and ran smooth on idle Check Engine is still On?
Ran it for about a minute then turned it Off counted to 10 Hit the key and VHOOOoooMmmm! started right up the Check Engine light is still on But that's Nothing I will take it out for a drive tomorrow and check for codes after that
Never the less it has been a long hair pulling frustrating experience for my Dog He hasn't been roo chasing for about 6 weeks walks around the street don't cut it .....
I will let every one know what happens with the Check engine light situation .....
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/__l_l_,\____\,___
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_.(o)_)__(o)_)--o-)_) "IT RUNS"

[Jonny Jeep]

Good to know it runs after all the effort you've put into it. Did you try the key trick to see what OBDI codes show?