SureTrack Real Fix: A Different Kind of Tweet

With all the noise from social media these days you might not want to deal with it at the shop. Follow this Real Fix to see how a chirping noise on this Jeep Grand Cherokee was diagnosed and corrected.

Vehicle
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.0L

Title
Chirping noise heard, adjusted engine timing, replaced ignition distributor.

Complaint
The customer states chirping noise is heard from the engine compartment.

Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint chirping noise was heard from the engine compartment. With the engine running, used a stethoscope to pinpoint the chirping noise and found the chirping noise was coming from the ignition distributor. Removed the distributor cap for inspection and found the ignition distributor rotor had excessive axial play. Manually set the engine at top dead center, removed the ignition distributor for inspection and found the ignition distributor shaft had worn into the ignition distributor housing past the bushing. Replaced the ignition distributor using the alignment pin supplied with replacement distributor at the base of the distributor. Ensured distributor rotor aligned with No. 1 spark plug wire position on distributor cap. Connected scan tool to data link connector. Selected SET SYNC from scan tool menu. Observed scan tool display. If scan tool does not display IN RANGE, loosen distributor hold-down clamp bolt and rotate distributor until reading is as close to zero degrees as possible, and IN RANGE message is displayed. Tighten hold-down clamp bolt to 16.7 FT. Lbs. The results of these tests verified the ignition distributor was faulty.

Correction
Adjusted the engine timing, replaced the ignition distributor and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.