Questions and Answers

Fixing Jeep Cherokee High Concerns Q. Dear Sir, I have a 1989 Jeep Cherokee and have found a few things out about the Cherokee that I hope will be of some help. The high idle problem is usually connected to the idle stepper motor on the 4.0 liter engine. I have found that for the last four years or so, a regular six month or so removal of this motor and cleaning of the plunger assembly and throttle body opening with an aerosol carburetor cleaner virtually eliminates the problem.

The buildup of junk around the plunger causes it to stick and thus the high idle. Also in a pinch you can turn the motor off and disconnect the idle stepper motor and reconnect it and this will bring the idle down long enough for you to get home.

I would suggest that anyone who has one of these gems should have at the least a Chiltons or Haynes manual for them and a digital multimeter is a must. Spinning wrenches in the back yard since 1963. Hope this has been of some help.

Bob
Rumford, Maine

A. That's good information and I know it'll help a lot of people who own a Jeep Cherokee. I always advise that a cleaning of the IACV and throttle chamber is a good first step before doing any other troubleshooting.

I have found that this alone solves about 80% of all idle speed complaints.