• NAXJA is having its 18th annual March Membership Drive!!!
    Everyone who joins or renews during March will be entered into a drawing!
    More Information - Join/Renew
  • Welcome to the new NAXJA Forum! If your password does not work, please use "Forgot your password?" link on the log-in page. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if we can provide any assistance.

1996 CPS question

sdspearo

NAXJA Member
NAXJA Member
Location
Encinitas, Ca
So apparently sometime in 1996 models the CPS connector changed from an oval shape with round pins to a rectangular shape with flat pins.* Did the actual sensor change as well?* Pics of each look similar except for an extra hole on the mounting bracket.**

My '96 has the rectangular connector and I'm trying to source a Mopar/OEM spare.* Every p/n search for this year shows the CPS with the oval connector.* The CPS for a '97 shows the rectangular connector I'm looking for...if the sensor is the same I should be good to go but trying to verify first before springing for a $90 spare that may not work when needed.

Mopar CPS with oval connector... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006EFUDV6/?coliid=IIG72BJX40SQJ&colid=1X5UKNQA4CBR2&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Mopar CPS with rectangular connector... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006EFUF2I/?coliid=I3FLTOQN2ZVADL&colid=1X5UKNQA4CBR2&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
 
1996 was the bastard year when Jeep changed from OBD-I to OBD-II, in stages, during production. I have never owned one, but some 1996 Cherokee owners report having to ask the parts guys to pull a 95 and 97 OBD part for physical comparison to what is on the engine. A CPS with the correct connector should have the correct sensor on the other end.
 
I just looked at my 96 -- I also have the newer rectangular connector -- I am of no help with the original question but will be following along for the results -- I'll get a look at my 2000 tomorrow and see if the connector is the same as the 96

I also have a 97 parts donor rig -- I did run the 97 CPS in the 2000 for a few weeks when my 2000 cps decided to quit -- I can confirm that the 97 will work in a 2000

my guess is that if the plugs are the same it will work but that is just a guess


So just did a little digging -- Rock auto says it's the same part from 94 -2000 -- Now I don't think thats right but stands to reason that a 96 with the rectangular connector should be able to use the later years

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...0314,ignition,crankshaft+position+sensor,7196
 
Last edited:
My 96 has the older style oval connector, and a build date of 4-96. (April)

From all I can gather, the rectangular plugs are identified as being
"Updated OBD II plugs". The sensors themselves should be identical.

Mine is both OBD I and II, with an OBD port under the steering wheel.
 
Thanks for confirming my thoughts. I figured the sensors were the same but wasn't 100% sure.
 
Back
Top