Common 4.0 Liter Jeep Engine Problems on the 1984 to 2001 Cherokee

While there is nothing inherently wrong with the 4.0-liter engine found in the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee and many other Jeep vehicles from this time period, it does have its common issues. Learn the top 4 4.0-liter Jeep engine problems owners have run into and their fixes and symptoms.

Top 4 Problems with the 4.0 Liter Engine in the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee

1A Auto mechanic Sue next to the 1984 to 2001 Cherokee and reviewing common 4.0 liter Jeep engine problems

1. Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Crank shaft position sensor on the 4.0L 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee engine

Signs of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

  • Engine cranks but won’t start the vehicle

Causes of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

The faulty crank sensor is the main reason for crankshaft position failure. The sensor may be from overheating from being placed between the bell housing and the engine block.

How to Fix Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

We recommend checking and testing the crank sensor first if the engine has these symptoms. It can be tedious to replace the crank sensor, so we recommend buying a quality one

2. Exhaust Manifold Cracking

Diagram of an exhaust manifold cracking, one of the top 4.0 L Jeep engine problems with the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee

Signs of Exhaust Manifold Cracking

Causes of Exhaust Manifold Cracks

The factory exhaust manifold has 6 outlets welded into sharp “V” points. The exhaust manifold’s weld eventually splits, so it was updated with two exhaust flex pipes on either end to extend its life. It may take a couple of hours to replace the manifold and gasket. When doing this repair, we recommend buying a metal gasket. The carbon gasket tends to deteriorate faster.

Read more on how to diagnose an exhaust manifold leak

3. Oil Leak

Rear main seal and oil pan: common place for oil leak problems on the 4.0 L engine in the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Rear main seal and oil pan: common place for oil leak problems on the 4.0 L engine in the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee

Signs of an Oil Leak

  • Oil leaking from the oil housing
  • Oil leaking from the rear main seal

How to Fix an Oil Leak

If the oil housing is leaking, replace the oil filter housing and gaskets.

If the rear main seal is defective, you’ll have to diagnose it. To diagnose it, run the vehicle, make sure you have a clean spot underneath, and as soon as the vehicle shuts off, there should be a drip from the rear main seal. The oil pan will leak when the vehicle is running, and it won’t leak as quickly as the rear main seal when the Cherokee is turned off.

4. Exhaust Valve Carbon Build-Up

Signs of an Exhaust Valve Carbon Build-Up

  • Misfire or feeling the engine shake
  • Ticking constantly at upper end of engine

How to Fix Exhaust Valve Carbon Build-Up

You might change the spark plugs under the appearance of a misfire and notice the problem is still occurring. A leak down test can confirm an exhaust valve leak.

There is a technical service bulletin for this issue. Steps to fix it include removing the valve cover, checking cylinder compression and valve timing, undoing the valve spring, and turning the exhaust valve 180 degrees then go on to next cylinder and do a carbon clean. Where the seat head meets is where carbon build up tends to occur.

Pro tip: This problem could be prevented with quality oil, regular oil changes, and a gas additive

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Common 4.0-Liter Jeep Engine Problems - 1984 to 2001 Cherokee - 1A Auto
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Common 4.0-Liter Jeep Engine Problems - 1984 to 2001 Cherokee - 1A Auto
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Learn the common 4.0-liter Jeep engine problems Cherokee owners experience as our experts review the top fixes and symptoms of the 4.0-liter found in the 1984 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee
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1A Auto
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