P1390critical severityPowertrain
Timing Belt Skipped One Tooth Or More
on 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L I6 · AWD
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
- Compare CKP and CMP sensor signals on oscilloscope for timing correlation
- Perform timing belt or chain inspection
- Check timing belt tensioner condition
- Verify valve timing marks alignment
- 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.
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Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle
P0001
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open
P0002
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
P0003
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low
P0004
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High
P0010
Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
P0011
Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
P0012
Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
P0013
Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
P0014
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
P0015
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1