my cherokee runs weird
 

Ok so I bought a 98 cherokee the other night, the guy told me it needs a o2 sensor. Well today I was doing some light wheeling and I wasn't on the gas very much cause I was coasting. But it almost seemed to want to stall and then giving it some gas it would rev high then fall again then be fine until going back to the creeping along again. What could this issue be so I can narrow things down, could it be the O2 sensor? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Darcie

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Did you check your codes out? One of them could be for a o2 sensor not reading properly.

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

I have 5 codes P1281, p0132 p0135 p0141 p0138, I know the last 4 are for the o2 sensor and the first one is for the engine staying cold to long. Not sure how to fix that issue

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

I believe it all has to do with the O2 sensor.Replace it first,clear the codes and retry.
Here's what I found...
1281 The engine is staying cold too long - check your thermostat.
the rest are O2 sensor codes.

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

If I recall correctly, there are two O2 sensors. Replace both at the same time.

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Do yourself a favor and don't buy the cheap Bosch sensors, get the NGK's. Best place is from the dealership they are more accurate than the Bosch.

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

thanks guys, so dad said that both need to be replaced anyway. and he also said that the first code could be the engine temp senor. i know where there is a junked grand cherokee at with a good 4l but i wouldnt take o2 sensors from that. any how i also noticed there is a clunk under my feet(on drivers side). the old fella seems to think i may have a bad tranny mount or a loose control arm bushing.

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Could also be the driveshaft or the balljoints. I'd check the balljoint first if it feels like it's right under your feet.

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

not saying im dumb i am mechaniclly inclined just wanted to know some general areas to look. hopefully ill be able to get everything in good working order. got a baby on the way and dont want my child traveling in a jeep that could break down and what not

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Hey all, I thought I fixed my running weird problem, it was running rough and almost stalling some times, so for the hell of it I said ill put out the plugs and if they are fouled up and by the jesus they were those cheap auto lites from canadian tire, well put in champion platinum plugs and new wires. Seemed to fix the problem well until it started cooling off, now have the same issue but on in the evenings due to the temp dropping. I also pulled the tb off and gave it a good cleaning same with iac and tps. Boy what a change in throttle response after that. Was gonna change out the fuel pump but after calling napa and them saying we don't carry those, left with no choice to all the dealer ship, and ill be god damned if I'm paying 130 for a F'IN filter and I know they have a regulator in them. I haven't put new o2 sensors but I have 2 ngks on order at napa and well the great discount I get so I shouldn't pay any more then 170 for the pair. Anyhow not sure what else to do about the weird running when cool out, and I did an inspection for the clunk under my feet, checked drive shafts and ball joints both are good and tight. Read the other night same issue from bad motor mounts and a bad tranny mount, any how rambled on enough any idea anyone?

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Did you check those motor mounts you read about?

Re: my cherokee runs weird
 

Yes I took a look today, been sick for a few days so I never had a chance. But any how they don't look like they are bad. I also got underneath today and decided to shake a few things looking for the problem. Well got to the trac bar and well noticed some play from side to side. And to shake and push up and down there was some movement. I don't have a lift so very weiry on what trac bar to replace with an adjustable one for when I do put a lift in would be nice but don't have any idea on where to start. Also maybe changing the steering stabilizer and control arm bushing's would be a good idea too. Only reason I say steering stabilizer is due to some light wheeling nothing to hard core, I've noticed a far amount of bump steer. Now about the suspension issues semi figured out will know for sure when I get paid and buy a few things, anyone have any ideas about running issue. Was at the gas station friday and it was pouring so went to a full serve where my uncle works and was talking to buddy working the pumps said he had one and ran weird as well. He said he replaced his distributor cap and rotor button and cured the problem. What's the odds this is my problem? Let me know your 2 cents worth. I appreciate any input. Cheers