2002 Jeep Wrangler - Instrument Cluster Engine Warning Signal?

Question

Okay, here's the deal - I have a 2002 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0 straight six banger. I maintain it regularly including changing the oil, plugs, etc. At 50,400 miles (2 days ago), the engine warning light (thing that is yellow and looks kinda like an engine with a flywheel at the rear?) came on. I checked the manual and do not find anything wrong with the engine: Oil level, tranny fluid, coolant, gas, belts, power steering fluid, gas cap, heck everything seem to check out okay. The gauges are all in their normal range during driving, from charging to oil pressure, to water temp. Anyone have an idea why the light is now coming (and staying) on???? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Called a check engine light or malfunction indicator light. It illuminates when any emission related things go wrong. Your next job is get it tested at Auto-Zone and report back to us. Could be as cheep as tightening up a loose gas cap P0455 code or expensive as a P0420, P0430 Bank one and bank two cat converter code. Newer Wrangler's have two cats 3 Oxygen sensors. So getting the code is important also write down the freeze frame data too.

Answer 2

1. If you have good oil pressure, the oil pump is fine. 2. Jeep 4.0s don't have a timing belt The ticking noise is probably from one of three areas: lifters, an exhaust leak, or something touching one of the belt accessories. Did the ticking start soon after the oil change? Most shops use very thin synthetic oil like 0W20. Check the oil level first and make sure it is topped off. Then run the motor with the hood up and listen closely for a directional source of the noise. Is it on the exhaust manifold side or near the front of the motor or inside the motor. Those 4.0L engines are an older design and generally run better with 10w30 or thicker oil. I have a 95 jeep cherokee and just turned 250,000 miles on it - still runs 100% with plain 10w30 or 10w40 motor oil changed every 10,000 miles.