Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Jeep Commander 4WD V8-4.7LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Checking the PCM Power and Ground Circuits
*CHECKING THE PCM POWER AND GROUND CIRCUITS
For a complete wiring diagram Consult Diagrams/Electrical.
Diagnostic Test
1. PCM WIRING OR CONNECTORS
Turn the ignition off.
Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and each connector at the PCM.
Look for any chafed, pierced, pinched, or partially broken wires.
Look for broken, bent, pushed out or corroded terminals.
Were any problems found?
Yes
- Repair as necessary.
- Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Powertrain Verification Test.
No
- Go To 2
2. CHECKING THE PCM GROUND CIRCUITS
Turn the ignition off.
CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install Miller Special Tool #8815 to perform diagnosis.
Using a 12 volt test light connected to 12 volts, check the PCM ground circuits.
Wiggle test each circuit during the test to check for an intermittent open in the circuit.
NOTE: The test light should be illuminated and bright. Compare the brightness to that of a direct connection to the battery.
Is the test light illuminated and bright?
Yes
- Go To 3.
No
- Repair the PCM ground circuit(s) for an open circuit or high resistance.
- Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Powertrain Verification Test.
3. CHECKING THE PCM FUSED IGNITION CIRCUITS
CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install Miller Special Tool #8815 to perform diagnosis.
Turn the ignition on.
Using a 12 volt test light connected to ground, check the PCM Fused Ignition circuits.
Check each circuit with the ignition on, engine running position, and during cranking.
Wiggle test each circuit during the test to check for an intermittent open in the circuit.
NOTE: The test light should be illuminated and bright. Compare the brightness to that of a direct connection to the battery.
Is the test light illuminated and bright?
Yes
- Go To 4.
No
- Repair the open or short to ground in the PCM Fused Ignition circuits.
- Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Powertrain Verification Test.
4. CHECKING THE PCM FUSED B+ CIRCUITS
Turn the ignition off.
CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install Miller Special Tool #8815 to perform diagnosis.
Using a 12 volt test light connected to Ground, check the PCM Fused B+ circuits.
Wiggle test each circuit during the test to check for an intermittent open in the circuit.
NOTE: The test light should be illuminated and bright with the ignition on and not illuminated with the ignition off. Compare the brightness to that of a direct connection to the battery.
Is the test light illuminated as described above?
Yes
- Test complete.
No
- Repair the open or short to ground in the PCM Fused B+ circuit(s) for as necessary.
- Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. Powertrain Verification Test.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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