Low idle and weird noise coming from engine

[PNW Nick]

Hello! I have a 2001 Jeep TJ 4.0, I’ve been running into a recent idle problem when at stop lights or if I just turn it on to idle before I leave, it happens sometimes but more often than not. Also this noise developed in the past few days, I’m still new to diagnosing problems with my Jeep but it sounds like the alternator is making the noise

 

[PNW Nick]

Also It doesn’t seem that I can post videos from my phone, do I have to make it like a YouTube video?

 

[The IsARubicon]

Your video posted and I was able to view it.. No clue about the noise though.

 

[Imapepper]

get a piece of garden hose and put to your ear, pinpoint noise...
Check/clean IAC..idle air control valve poss dirty

 

[taylormade73]

Sounds like your camshaft synchroniser. Its called the OPDA on 05 and 06 and due to design change had inherent issues. Yours is making a noise similar what a failing OPDA makes, which is called the "laughing monkeys". 04 and prior typically didnt have problems, but a few people have been reporting it lately.

Edit: its the thing with the black cap to the right of your oil filter.

 

[Goatman]

The thing that looks like a distributor but missing all the plug wires.

 

[Hoser3388]

Had the same noise , sounds like a slight exhaust leak . Goatman is correct , distributor looking but its the cam sensor. I replaced it with an aftermarket from dorman . Problem solved.

 

[bromel]

Sounds like your camshaft synchroniser. Its called the OPDA on 05 and 06 and due to design change had inherent issues. Yours is making a noise similar what a failing OPDA makes, which is called the "laughing monkeys". 04 and prior typically didnt have problems, but a few people have been reporting it lately.

Edit: its the thing with the black cap to the right of your oil filter.

+1. I just did this the other day on my 2000. It didn't sound as bad as this, but you can easily pinpoint the noise by using a stethoscope on the camshaft position sensor cap.

 

[Hoser3388]

The distributor looking cam sensor is easy to replace . The whole unit removes just like a distributor. When you remove the cap , rock the position wheel . There should be excessive side to side movement to verify the problem.

 

[PNW Nick]

Thanks for all of the advice, got her back to idle and ready for use!