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Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L Engine P0351, P0352, P0353 Fault: Causes, Diagnosis & Solutions

Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee Fault Code: P0351 Posted: 2016-01-07 13:37

My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L inline-six engine is showing OBD-II fault codes P0351, P0352, and P0353. I've already replaced the ignition coils, spark plugs, crankshaft position sensor (CKP), camshaft position sensor, fuel injectors, and wiring harness. Despite these changes, the issue persists. The question remains: does the vehicle require an original factory ignition coil based on VIN? Is it necessary to use OEM parts specifically matched to the VIN? Additionally, I've noticed other related codes—P01391 (Loss of Camshaft/Crankshaft) and P01494—which appear intermittently. The scan tool shows random cylinder shutdowns during operation. I’ve taken it to two Chrysler dealerships and an independent shop with no resolution. My friend, a disabled mechanic, has helped me troubleshoot using a Snap-on scanner. All sensors have been tested and show normal resistance (ohm readings), but the problem is intermittent and appears under vibration or load conditions. Could this be due to chafing in the engine wiring harness behind the valve cover? I’ve heard that rubbing at cylinder head bolts can cause short circuits or open circuits in ignition and fuel control circuits. Is there a known fix for this common issue on 1999–2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L models?

Related fault codes
P0351P0352P0353
Comments (15)
Anonymous 2016-01-07 14:25

Are these the only fault codes present? All P035x codes typically relate to ignition coil issues—could this be a 1999–2004 model with stock components? This vehicle matches a known case at http://www.obd-codes.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13520. You asked about using an original VIN-matched ignition coil—is the year and full code list available? Aftermarket parts can sometimes cause intermittent faults, so clarity on exact codes and vehicle year is essential.

Anonymous 2016-01-07 17:21

This is a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with P0351, P0352, P0353, plus P01391 (Loss of Cam/Crank) and P01494. I replaced all injectors, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, and ignition coils—yet the issue remains.

Anonymous 2016-01-07 18:50

Are those the only codes? All parts listed are intended to fix P035x issues—is this a 1999–2004 model? This matches a known thread at http://www.obd-codes.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13520. The question about using an original VIN-matched ignition coil needs the vehicle year and full code list to be fully addressed. Aftermarket components may contribute to intermittent faults—let’s clarify before assuming root cause.

Anonymous 2016-01-08 08:30

Inspect the wiring harness behind the engine, especially near cylinder head bolts where it rubs against metal surfaces. This chafing can cause short circuits or open circuits in ignition and fuel control systems—common on 1999–2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L models. Many P035x issues stem from this area, even after replacing coils and sensors.

Anonymous 2016-01-08 16:03

The wiring harness behind the valve cover rubbing against a bolt is a known issue—my friend at Chrysler confirmed it during diagnostics. After fixing that rub, the P035x codes disappeared. The problem may not be in the coils or sensors but in the physical integrity of the harness under vibration.

Anonymous 2016-03-20 13:49

I recently repaired a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L with persistent stalling and P0351–P0353 codes after replacing crank and cam sensors. The issue was traced to the wiring harness behind the valve cover rubbing against a bolt. Once properly secured, all symptoms resolved—this is likely the same root cause in your case.

Anonymous 2017-05-01 22:11

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with P0351, P0352, and P0353. The scan tool shows random cylinder shutdowns. I’ve replaced the PCM, crank sensor, cam sensor, O2 sensors, and cooling system components. I even replaced the entire wiring harness. After two visits to Chrysler dealerships (at $106/hour) and an independent shop with no success, I’ve spent over $9,100 on repairs. I’m trying to get it running so I can sell it to pay off a bank loan—any help would be greatly appreciated.

Anonymous 2017-05-02 08:35

This is a stock Jeep with no modifications (no remote starters or added electronics). Only codes are P0351, P0352, and P0353. Are you using an OBD-II scanner? What type of harness did you replace—was it the original OEM or aftermarket? Was there any issue before the engine swap? Do all three P035x codes appear simultaneously or one at a time? All components (coils, plugs, sensors) are factory-original?

Anonymous 2017-05-15 14:40

Yes, I’m using a Snap-on scanner. I’m a disabled mechanic and my friend at an independent shop helped with diagnostics. The vehicle is stock—no modifications. A used OEM wiring harness was installed but didn’t resolve the issue. All three P035x codes appear intermittently, and even after replacing the PCM, the problem persists.

Anonymous 2017-05-15 14:44

I drove this Jeep for six months and added 18,000 miles before the fault appeared. In addition to P0351–P0353, I now see P01494 and P01391 codes.

Anonymous 2017-05-15 15:12

A reply is missing—let me search for it. I’ll review the new codes and respond once found.

Anonymous 2017-05-15 15:21

Check the engine wiring harness behind the valve cover—the area where it rubs against cylinder head bolts is a known failure point. When do the P035x codes appear—do all three show up simultaneously, or one at a time? This helps determine whether the issue is intermittent or circuit-related.

Anonymous 2017-05-16 14:00

All P035x codes plus P01494 and P01391 are present. The system has been tested and all components pass continuity checks (ohm readings).

Anonymous 2017-05-16 14:04

The resistance tests show normal values—components are within specification.

Anonymous 2017-05-16 15:15

Ohm readings are fine, but the issue is intermittent and requires a visual inspection. The harness must be checked under operating conditions—tugging or vibrating it to simulate real-world movement. When P035x codes appear, do they occur all at once or one by one? This helps determine whether the fault is mechanical (rubbing) or electronic.