Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle
Usp:
Renowned for its off-road capability, robust build, and relatively simple mechanicals, making it a favorite for enthusiasts and practical users alike.
Competitors 1998:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero
Offroad Prowess:
Solid front axle (early XJs, though phased out by 1998, the capability remained), advanced 4WD systems (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), short wheelbase for maneuverability.
Durability:
Legendary Jeep toughness, often referred to as the 'Cherokee Chief' of the compact SUV era due to its robust construction.
Practicality:
Spacious interior for its size, versatile cargo capacity, suitable for daily driving and adventurous excursions.
Engine Coverage:
4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (High Output) OHV, 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder (High Output) OHV
Transmission Coverage:
AX-15 5-Speed Manual, NV3550 5-Speed Manual, AW-4 4-Speed Automatic, 42RE 4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (Full-Time Command-Trac, Part-Time Selec-Trac)
Body Coverage:
All body styles (2-door, 4-door)
Electrical Coverage:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and component locations
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmissions, transfer cases, drive shafts, axles, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, control arms), steering gear, power steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical Charging Starting:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, charging system diagnostics
Lighting Accessories:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horns
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, exterior panels, doors, glass, body seals
Chassis Frame:
Frame construction and inspection
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems, including power distribution and component routing
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required special tools for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Searchable:
Yes (fully text-searchable PDF)
Printable:
Yes (designed for printing specific sections or the entire manual)
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding:
Digital PDF (no physical binding, suitable for electronic device viewing or home printing)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder (I6), Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 181 hp @ 4,600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder (I4), Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 123 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 140 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Type:
NV3550 5-Speed Manual Transmission (often standard on 4-cyl and some 6-cyl models)
Type 1:
AW-4 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (common on 4.0L models)
Type 2:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (later update to AW-4, common on 4.0L models)
Type 3:
AX-15 5-Speed Manual Transmission (earlier manual, may still be found or serviced)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac (NV242) 2-speed part-time, Selec-Trac (NV242) 2-speed full-time/part-time selectable
Wheelbase:
103.4 inches (2626 mm)
Length 2 Door:
167.1 inches (4244 mm)
Length 4 Door:
176.3 inches (4478 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
64.1 inches (1628 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg), varies by configuration
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg), with proper equipment
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (typical for SUVs of this era, prone to rollovers)
ABS:
Available (standard on some higher trims, optional on others)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard)
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, front seat pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe service), 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service, with synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (OEM spec, iridium plugs may extend this)
Engine Oil 4.0L:
API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 (check owner's manual for seasonal variations)
Engine Oil 2.5L:
API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for seasonal variations)
Transmission Fluid Aw4/42Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602, or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Nv3550/Ax15:
MS-9224 manual transmission fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV242 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, compatible with Mopar OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT)
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially on early 4.0L engines, though improvements were made by '98).
Common Issue 2:
Headlight switch failure, often leading to intermittent or inoperative headlights/taillights.
Common Issue 3:
Leaf spring wear and potential breakage, especially in heavily used or off-road vehicles.
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump leaks and worn bushings.
Common Issue 5:
Radiator leaks and failure, typically plastic end tanks.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness, off-road capability, and utility dating back to its military origins.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was revolutionary when introduced in 1984, being the first mass-produced compact SUV with a unibody construction, rather than body-on-frame.
Xj Lifespan:
Produced from 1984 to 2001, the XJ is one of the longest-produced Jeep models and is highly regarded by enthusiasts for its core design.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Ownership Period 1998:
Chrysler Corporation (acquired AMC in 1987)