Changed the plugs and now it won't start

I have a 2000 XJ that was running fine except for an occasional stumble when idling or driving slowly for a long period of time.

I changed the plugs, but I did have some trouble getting the coil pack connector off (yes, I did push the red retainer into the release position).

I eventually gave up trying and was able to remove the coil rail and change the plugs. It went on a lot easier than it came off. The jeep started up right away and was running smooth as silk.

Until the following day.

Now when I tried to start it, it coughed and spit and eventually threw a code. I believe it was a P0340. I took the sensor off and there was "stuff" inside, (I though it was filings, but it might have been plastic) but it cleaned up with a little air and I put it back on.

It started once, after some coaxing, but when I tried again, the symptoms remained and she still won't start. I also noticed when it did start is that the oil pressure gauge went to the top, almost on the pin. Before I changed the plugs, it was fine.

I bought a new sensor, but there was no change.

I finally got the coil rail connector off and at the same time, I re-seated it, the oil pressure sensor, and the cam position sensor.

Now, not only does it not start, but no spit and sputter or codes being thrown.

I don't know what I did, but I am not liking it.

Any help will be appreciated.

Dave

I'd have to look really hard at the wires going to the coil rail connector -- it's tough to get at back there -- you could have easily pulled a wire out of the connector

Heavyopp said:

I'd have to look really hard at the wires going to the coil rail connector -- it's tough to get at back there -- you could have easily pulled a wire out of the connector

Click to expand...

Yep, at first glance they appear to be ok, but I have the shop manual and will be doing a continuity test between the rail connector and the PCM as soon as I get the time. I am really hoping for a broken wire, because a new connector is fairly cheap and I wield a mean soldering gun.

If it turns out you need to fix that connector you might want to look at the viper coil mod and just get rid of that coil rail -- I did mine, well under $100 -- more like $50

Just need to build a mounting point for the coil -- here's a link to the thread all about it:

https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1066869&highlight=coil+mod