2005 Jeep Wrangler misfires

2005X

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Joined
Mar 19, 2023
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5
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Ohio
I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I have a 2005 Jeep Wrangler with a 4.0. In December my state had a -8 day (I don’t have an engine block heater) and my Jeep did not start well on that day. Since then I experienced multiple issues, one being a cracked exhaust manifold (bank 1). I didn’t have time to fix it at the time and made the mistake of taking it to the stealership. When I picked up my Jeep, the intake manifold bolts were loose and one was missing, and the pre-cat on bank 1 exhaust manifold (the one replaced) was loose. (I didn’t find the missing bolt until later). Long story short: I discovered the head gasket blown (anti-freeze in oil, but no oil in anti-freeze). My Jeep was misfiring to were it would not start and sounded like explosions in the intake manifold. It turned over, but would not stay running. The plugs were soaked with gas. I assumed it was the head gasket causing the problem.

Jump to now: I changed the head gasket myself and cleaned everything thoroughly. Head was pressure tested and milled. Cylinders inspected by a professional and all look great. New bank 2 exhaust manifold and new bolts for both manifolds. Everything put back together to specs (I have the manual). Went to start the engine and getting same misfires and sounds like small explosions in intake then it dies. Pulled plugs: 1, 2, and 3 soaked with gas…so it’s flooding out again. 4, 5, and 6 were wet with gas but not soaked. No codes being thrown. Compression tested all cylinders and all within acceptable parameters. Replaced MAP and idle sensors on throttle body. Tried another computer….same results. Shorted out thermostat sensor….same results. I am at a loss and frustrated.

I tried to keep this short so someone would read it, but would be willing to communicate off-line to thoroughly explain in hopes to get good advice.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the forum!
Have you inspected your OPDA (oil pump drive assembly)? 05’s and 06’s have a thing where they go bad. Your timing comes from that so if it is broken or installed incorrectly by more than 7 degrees or if the camshaft position sensor (never use an aftermarket cam position sensor—buy a used one on eBay if you need one) is bad it will cause misfires.
Btw this is just one possible cause. You are probably going to have to continue trying one thing at a time until it works. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I’m sure others will chime in too.
 
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Welcome to the forum!
Have you inspected your OPDA (oil pump drive assembly)? 05’s and 06’s have a thing where they go bad. Your timing comes from that so if it is broken or installed incorrectly by more than 7 degrees or if the camshaft position sensor (never use an aftermarket cam position sensor—buy a used one on eBay if you need one) is bad it will cause misfires.
Btw this is just one possible cause. You are probably going to have to continue trying one thing at a time until it works. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I’m sure others will chime in too.
Thank you! I changed it out a couple years ago and kept my original sensor, but I’m going to inspect the OPDA tomorrow along with checking TDC. It’s just been very frustrating as it was running really good before the cold spell….and service at the stealership.
 
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To add: I also changed out the crankshaft position sensor last year (with a MOPAR part) and the stealership reset everything for me when they did the exhaust manifold.
 
Welcome to the forum!
Have you inspected your OPDA (oil pump drive assembly)? 05’s and 06’s have a thing where they go bad. Your timing comes from that so if it is broken or installed incorrectly by more than 7 degrees or if the camshaft position sensor (never use an aftermarket cam position sensor—buy a used one on eBay if you need one) is bad it will cause misfires.
Btw this is just one possible cause. You are probably going to have to continue trying one thing at a time until it works. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I’m sure others will chime in too.

Bro!!!!! You are a lifesaver!!!! I couldn’t wait until tomorrow and decided to do the work today. The OPDA was LOOSE!!! Pissed me off because the stealership was the last to touch it, so I was too trusting and didn’t check that first. I set TDC, realigned the OPDA….and she fired right up!!!! Thank you!!!
 
Bro!!!!! You are a lifesaver!!!! I couldn’t wait until tomorrow and decided to do the work today. The OPDA was LOOSE!!! Pissed me off because the stealership was the last to touch it, so I was too trusting and didn’t check that first. I set TDC, realigned the OPDA….and she fired right up!!!! Thank you!!!

I’m glad you found the problem and didn’t have to replace any more parts.