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2017 JEEP CHEROKEE

2.4L I44WDAUTOMATICgas
6 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs0Labor1030Torque7844Fluid18DTC1844Battery0Maintenance0Recalls6
P1390critical severityPowertrain

Timing Belt Skipped One Tooth Or More

on 2017 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L I4 · 4WD

What this code means

The PCM has detected that the timing belt or chain has skipped one or more teeth, causing the camshaft and crankshaft to lose synchronization. This is a critical condition that can lead to severe engine damage on interference engines.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Rough running or misfiring
  • Loss of power
  • Engine will not start
  • Unusual engine noise
  • Backfiring

Common causes

  • Worn or stretched timing belt or chain
  • Failed timing belt tensioner
  • Broken timing chain guide
  • Incorrect timing belt installation
  • Worn timing chain sprockets

Diagnostic steps

  1. Compare CKP and CMP sensor signals on oscilloscope for timing correlation
  2. Perform timing belt or chain inspection
  3. Check timing belt tensioner condition
  4. Verify valve timing marks alignment
  5. Check for bent valves if interference engine

Repair notes

Replace the timing belt or chain and all tensioners and guides immediately to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

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