Just rebuilt 2002 3.7 Liberty sport and won't start :(

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
Hey all! So here's the low down... I just finished putting everything back together on my wife's 2002 liberty sport. It's getting spark to both banks and fuel as well. When I tore the engine apart I did not replace any of the timing chains. Before removing any cams I sent everything to top dead center by aligning TDC mark with the notch on the crank pulley and then making sure both cam shaft gear V-6 marks were at 12 o'clock. I then put a screw driver in the cylinder 1 intake and rotated the crank 2 times around watching the screwdriver rise completely, drop and then rise again to ensure TDC. After removing both cams I did not touch the crank . When I put everything back together I made sure the cam gears were set with the V-6 mark at 12 once again and the crank was still at TDC Mark. I then rotated the crank a full cycle (2 times) and repeated at least 5 cycles to ensure the timing V-6 marks always came to 12 at the same time. I believe the timing was set up correctly but I can't think of anything else that would keep it from running . Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
 
Last edited:

TwoBobsKJ

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
2,637
Reaction score
21
Location
Northern Ohio
Did you rebuild your original engine or swap in one from another model year? An incorrect cam sprocket and crankshaft reluctor ring will prevent starting.

Give us details on the swap/rebuild.

Bob
 

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
Ok, so the cylinder 2 valve seat pulled out(was told very common on the Chrysler 3.7 by the head shop) and so I had the valves and heads rebuilt. I replaced all the gaskets, plugs, oil, filters, fluids and fan shroud. Basically the only thing I didn't touch was th primary timing chain and both secondary's except to remove from the cam sprockets. Here are a few photos to go with the rebuild:
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    20.5 KB · Views: 34

ltd02

Comfortably numb
KJ Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
2,723
Reaction score
251
Location
North Central Maryland
It is cranking but not starting, right? Given your description of the protocol you followed to set the timing I'd say that isn't it. I wasn't that careful when I did my headgaskets last year and had no problems. If all sensors are plugged in and functional then they aren't to blame. You said you had spark and fuel so ASD relay in PDC seems unlikely. Might be worth pulling it and plugging it back in just for kicks. Doubtful but there is a fuse in the fuse block that is related to the ASD (#15 I think). Have you tried to scan for codes?

Any aftermarket alarm/security system?
 

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
I have not cleared/reset the codes. I'm not sure exactly where the PDC or ASd is though. I'll do some research. Thanks for the suggestions :)
 

ltd02

Comfortably numb
KJ Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
2,723
Reaction score
251
Location
North Central Maryland
I have not cleared/reset the codes. I'm not sure exactly where the PDC or ASd is though. I'll do some research. Thanks for the suggestions :)

The ASD (auto-shutdown relay) is in the (PDC) power distribution center under the hood. Just google fuse diagram for an 02 KJ and you'll get the PDC and interior fuse diagrams.

I'd definitely check the codes. Key trick for accessing codes is in the link in the previous post.

Please update when possible. :favorites13:
 

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
Hey thanks for the link, I will try the key codes trick when I get off work today. Every bit of help is great so thanks so much. I have done a rebuild very similar to my 99 f-150 and so the physical rebuild wasn't too bad, but the electronics are a bit different. Wish the electrical was as easy as my 1971 Honda CB350 build lol. Like 5 wires :)
 

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
Well the cam sensor looks good but is there a way to check it?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    13.7 KB · Views: 11

ltd02

Comfortably numb
KJ Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
2,723
Reaction score
251
Location
North Central Maryland
Well the cam sensor looks good but is there a way to check it?

This seems like a decent description (first part):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvuzZJqQDf4

I'd recommend getting an inexpensive code reader. I have an Actron Pocket scan that was about 30 bucks a few years ago. I have some other toys too but if you just want a quick read of the CEL this will work for most common codes.
 

TwoBobsKJ

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
2,637
Reaction score
21
Location
Northern Ohio
Using the key trick to get the codes, turn the key on and off three times, leaving it in the On position the third time. That will give you codes if any are present. The process you used holding down the trip odometer button cycles the dashboard lights and gauges so you can see if they're all working. The CEL flashing is part of that process.

That battery you hooked to isn't really giving you enough juice though it should be enough to get the rig started. I also believe the problem lies in the cam and/or crank sensor - doesn't seem like there's any spark getting to the engine. And no need to pump the throttle - with electronic fuel injection you're not actually pumping any more fuel through the injectors. You're just wearing out your foot ;)

Try the key trick again. Let's see if you're getting any codes.

Bob
 

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
I haven't tried the key trick yet but when I get off work I will. I did however remove and check ALL 6 plugs for spark by laying each one individually/one at a time on the head(aka grounding them) and turning it over. Each has strong spark. Also side note when I removed each one it was wet with gas.
 

Bp.designs

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Missouri
Ok so I'm getting the P0523 code which says:
P0523 Jeep - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Voltage

Repair Importance Level: 3/3
Repair Difficulty Level: 3/3 What does this mean?
Possible causes
- Low oil level or motor mechanical fault
- Faulty Oil Pressure sensor
- Oil Pressure Sensor harness is open or shorted
- Oil Pressure Sensor circuit poor electrical connection


Read more: http://engine-codes.com/p0523_jeep.html#ixzz3o1GFScmD
 

ltd02

Comfortably numb
KJ Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
2,723
Reaction score
251
Location
North Central Maryland
I doubt that would cause the no start. Could be a defective sensor but might just be a bad connection. I'd pull the connector off and make sure it's clean and secure. I'm assuming there is oil in there. :gr_grin:
 

Latest posts

Members online

Top