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1994 Jeep Cherokee XJ ECM Replacement

Replacement for an 1994 Jeep Cherokee XJ ECM....

iFixit Library 1994 Jeep Cherokee XJ ECM Easy 15 minutes Guide 162623

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Guide overview

Before you begin

Replacement for an 1994 Jeep Cherokee XJ ECM. The ECM is something that can stop the engine from engaging and can become fried when working on electrical work. These older vehicles have frayed wires which can become exposed and cause a short circuit resulting in the need to replace your ECM. In order to get this replacement ECM you will need to reach out to local auto parts shops and provide the Make/Model and 2 or 4 wheel drive and Manual vs Automatic Transmission so they can help locate a replacement that fixes your vehicle. This is a step by step process, that shows how to remove the old ECM and install the new ECM.

Step 1

Repair step

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Pull the hood latch towards you to release the hood.

Step 2

Repair step

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Relieve the pressure on the hood by pushing upward.
Using your other hand, slide the hook to the right so it releases from the latch on the frame.
Use the hood strut to hold the hood open.

Step 3

Repair step

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Disconnect the connections from battery terminals, starting with negative, circled in blue, then positive, circled in red.

Step 4

Repair step

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Remove the air filter in the first picture to have access to your ECM.
The air filter can be disconnected from the throttle body. The second picture shows where to loosen the gasket connected to the throttle body.
The third picture shows an 8mm socket being used to loosen the gasket connected to the throttle body. Remove the air filter connection and place in a safe spot.

Step 5

Repair step

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Loosen the bolt that tightens the gasket to the air intake

Step 6

Repair step

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The three bolts that were lubricated with WD-40 will need to be removed. (Marked with red circles)
The best angle to access the bolts will be from the driver/front tire side. (8mm socket)

Step 7

Repair step

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Remove all three bolts with an 8mm socket and place the bolts in a safe place.

Step 8

Repair step

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Remove the bolt from the wire harness using an 8mm socket so that the ECM is now free to replace.

Step 9

Repair step

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Do not attempt to remove the clips from the wiring harness. This will expose the wires and might damage them.

Step 10

Repair step

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Swap the ECM.

Step 11

Repair step

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Plug in the wiring harness to the ECM and tighten the bolt using an 8mm socket.

Step 12

Repair step

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Screw in all bolts to the frame of the vehicle.
Tighten the bolts till they are snug. Do not overtighten. The bolts will strip the frame and the frame is not replaceable.

Step 13

Repair step

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Place the air filter gasket back on the throttle body and tighten the bolt until snug. (8mm socket)

Step 14

Repair step

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Place cables back on terminals.
Make sure to place the positive terminal first (red circle) then the negative terminal (blue circle)

Step 15

Repair step

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Wait 10 minutes after reconnecting the battery to the cables. After 10 minutes, turn the key to the ignition.