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new guy needs help

frankrizzo

NAXJA Forum User
Location
illinois
ok i just bought a 99 xj 4.0. started doing the basic maintenance. replaced spark plugs with factory copper champions and wires but now when i rev the motor it takes a while for the idle to come down. any thought? its not throwing a check engine light either. another thing, the O2 sensor after the cat, just before the muffler is cut off. what would that do? shouldnt that be throwing a code?
 
1. For your idle issue, try cleaning the idle air control and throttle body. More on that below.

2. Yes, you should have a check engine light for no downstream oxygen sensor. You could simply scan the computer for codes with a code reader to confirm. Possible that the bulb is burned out for your CEL.

3. Why not finish your tuneup with a new distributor cap and rotor. That way, you have replaced all tuneup hardware at the same time and established a baseline for future maintenance.

Good luck and enjoy your 99. It is a VERY good year for the XJ!
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The Idle Air Control (IAC) is mounted on the back of the throttle body. (front for 87-90) The valve controls the idle speed of the engine by controlling the amount of air flowing through the air control passage. It consists of a stepper motor that moves a pintle shaped plunger in and out of the air control passage. When the valve plunger is moved in, the air control passage flows more air which raises the idle speed. When the valve plunger is moved out, the air control passage flows less air which lowers the idle speed. Over time and miles, the IAC can get carboned up which can have an adverse affect on idle quality. Cleaning the IAC may restore proper function and is an easy procedure to perform and good preventive maintenance so it is never a bad idea.

CLEANING THE JEEP 4.0 IDLE AIR CONTROL

Remove the air filter cover, associated hoses and the rubber boot that goes from the air filter cover to the throttle body. Remove the IAC with a torx driver (2 bolts; one can be kind of hard to get to)

“Gently” wiggle out the IAC from the throttle body. Gasket on the IAC can be re-used if it is not damaged

Clean the IAC with a spray can of throttle body cleaner; inexpensive and available at any place that sells auto parts. Throttle body cleaner is recommended rather than carburetor cleaner as it is less harsh, safe for throttle body coatings and is best for this task. Use cleaner, a rag and a toothbrush and or Q-Tips. Be gentle; don’t twist or pull on the pintle that protrudes from the IAC as it is fragile and you could damage it.

Thoroughly spray clean and flush where the IAC seats in the throttle body with the same spray cleaner

It is also a good idea to clean the entire throttle body itself, the butterfly valve inside of the throttle body and all associated linkage as long as you have things disassembled

Reinstall IAC and check idle quality
 
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