The spark plugs in your Jeep Cherokee are designed to provide optimum performance and fuel economy, coupled with a long service life. When vehicular problems such as hard starting and engine misses surface, the spark plugs are typically checked first. This is because their location offers easy accessibility and their role in ensuring proper combustion of the air to fuel mixture is vital. Jeep recommends that the spark plugs in your 2001 Cherokee be replaced every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first.
Measure the gap on the new spark plugs with the plug gap gauge and adjust if necessary. Check all of the new plugs at the same time. The proper plug gap is 0.035 inches on four-cylinder and inline-six models, and 0.045 inches on V6 models.
Remove the plug wire from one spark plug by pulling on the boot. Do not pull on the wire.
Remove the spark plug by turning it in a counterclockwise direction with the spark plug socket.
Thread the new plug into the plug hole by turning it clockwise with your fingers. Tighten the plug completely by turning it in a clockwise direction with the spark plug socket. If a torque wrench is available, tighten the plugs on the four-cylinder and inline-six models at 27-foot-pounds and the plugs in the V6 at 22-foot-pounds.
Replace the spark plug wire by pushing the boot back over the plug until it clicks into place. Replace the other plugs in the same manner. Replace one plug at a time to avoid mixing up the plug wires.
