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P0320 Diagnostic and Repair Guide for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (4.0L Inline-6)

Model: 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Fault Code: P0320 Posted: 2016-12-28 16:23

I own a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with an automatic transmission and a 4.0L inline-six engine. The vehicle cranks but will not start, and my OBD-II scanner has detected fault code P0320 — indicating a missing crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal. I've reviewed multiple troubleshooting threads on this code, but the solutions remain unclear. I've also checked all available Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls, which do not list any relevant fixes for this issue. I originally purchased a Haynes repair manual, but due to memory and concentration challenges, I struggle to locate specific components in the book. The CKP sensor is located at the top of the bellhousing on the driver's side, as outlined in Section 8D of the OEM service manual. However, I'm having difficulty physically accessing it — especially given the tight space between the engine and the firewall. I've confirmed that this vehicle is not equipped with a Renix system (as it was produced in 1997 ZG model year), so the standard CKP sensor applies. My next steps are to replace the sensor, but I'm unsure of the best access method due to the engine's layout and limited visibility. Can anyone confirm the exact location or provide guidance on how to safely remove and replace this sensor? Any videos or step-by-step instructions would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes

P0320

Comments (6)

Anonymous 2016-12-28 17:44

The 4.0L inline-six engine in your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited uses a standard crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. Code P0320 typically points to a faulty CKP signal — and since this sensor is relatively inexpensive, replacement is often the most effective fix. The sensor is located at the top of the bellhousing on the driver's side. Refer to Section 8D in your OEM service manual for precise location details. Note: Some earlier models (Renix) have a different setup, but your 1997 ZG model does not use Renix — so standard CKP applies. If you're still having trouble locating it, the sensor sits just above the engine block, between the transmission and bellhousing, behind the firewall. Let me know what you find during your inspection.

Anonymous 2016-12-30 15:24

Thank you for the prompt response, kev2. I read your advice on December 28th and already took a bus to pick up the replacement CKP sensor yesterday. I plan to install it tomorrow if weather permits — today is too cold and rainy to work safely outside.

Anonymous 2016-12-31 14:43

I don't have access to the original OEM manual, only the Haynes repair guide. I found the section in Chapter 6–8, but the diagram shows it clearly — yet I still can't locate the sensor. It has numerous wiring connectors and is surrounded by other components. I've checked both the top (right and left sides) and underneath (front and sides), but nothing seems to match. My suspicion is that it's located at the top of the engine, between the engine block and the firewall — a very tight and hard-to-reach area. Is this a reasonable assumption? Any confirmation would be helpful.

Anonymous 2016-12-31 15:41

Try searching: 'Jeep CKP sensor replacement' on Google. There are several YouTube tutorials that walk through the removal and installation process, including how to access the mounting screw in the bellhousing from inside the vehicle. Some videos offer practical tips for navigating tight spaces — these can be very useful even if the manual seems confusing.

Anonymous 2016-12-31 18:13

Thank you, kev2! Your advice made a big difference. I followed your suggestion and searched YouTube — I found several helpful videos that clearly show how to access and replace the CKP sensor. Here's one with an in-vehicle method for reaching the mounting screw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q2Q4X-RP3s. I'm going to try this step-by-step guide today.

Anonymous 2016-12-31 18:41

For anyone else facing a P0320 issue on their 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited: I followed kev2's advice and found a detailed YouTube tutorial that walks through replacing the CKP sensor from within the vehicle. The video clearly shows how to access the mounting screw in the bellhousing — it’s much easier than expected. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q2Q4X-RP3s. I’m confident this will resolve my issue and may help others with similar problems.