🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians

Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder

Vehicle Strengths:

Legendary off-road capability, robust solid front axle (pre-1999, though XJ chassis often favored for this), reliable powertrains, durable construction, relatively simple mechanics

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, factory-level information for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle life.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Types:

4.0L Inline-6 (242 ci), 2.5L Inline-4 (150 ci)

Transmission Types:

4-speed Automatic (42RE), 5-speed Manual (AX-15/NV3550)

Drivetrain:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Authorized Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.5L, 4.0L), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (AX-15/NV3550), Automatic Transmission (42RE), Transfer Case (NP231, NP242)

Drivetrain:

Front Axle, Rear Axle, Driveshafts, Wheel Bearings

Suspension Steering:

Front Suspension (Solid Axle), Rear Suspension (Leaf Springs), Power Steering System, Steering Gear

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake System, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, Wiring Diagrams

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild/Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for OBD-II Systems

Installation:

Component Installation Procedures, Accessory Installation

Depth:

Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages

Printability:

Optimized for printing, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

242

Engine Description 1:

4.0L (3960cc) Inline-6 OHV 12V

Bore Stroke 1:

3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.7 mm)

Compression Ratio 1:

8.8:1

Horsepower 1:

190 hp @ 4,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

225 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

150

Engine Description 2:

2.5L (2462cc) Inline-4 OHV 8V (AMC 2.5L/150)

Bore Stroke 2:

3.88 in x 3.25 in (98.5 mm x 82.5 mm)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.8:1

Horsepower 2:

125 hp @ 4,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

150 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)

Engine Management:

OBD-II Compliant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (42RE)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual (AX-15/NV3550 – Note: NV3550 became more common in later years)

Overdrive:

4-speed Automatic with Overdrive (4th gear)

Transfer Case Options:

New Process (NP) 231 (Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD), NP 242 (Selec-Trac Full-Time 4WD with 2WD option)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (or equivalent specification from manual)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual)

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF+4 (or equivalent specification from manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.4 inches (4252 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

64.0 inches (1626 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8-10 inches (depending on tire size and suspension)

Curb Weight Est:

3,400 - 3,800 lbs (1542 - 1724 kg)

Towing Capacity Est:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with factory tow package and 4.0L engine

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33.5 cu ft (948 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1954 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

Not consistently rated for this year and vehicle class in modern formats; anecdotal reports suggest moderate protection.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Not extensively tested by IIHS in its early years; later models of similar design had varied results.

ABS:

Available on some trims (typically rear-wheel or 4-wheel ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

Seat Belts:

Front: 3-point automatic locking retractors; Rear: Lap and shoulder belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).

Display:

Basic analog gauges and indicator lights in the instrument cluster. No central infotainment screen.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

OBD Ii:

Standard for 1999 model year, enabling diagnostic scanning.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or as specified by driving conditions

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval 4.0L:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) with quality plugs (e.g., Champion Copper Plus, NGK)

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check manual for seasonal variations)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check manual for seasonal variations)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically orange/reddish color for this era) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Engine Issues:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially pre-1996 4.0L, less common but possible on '99), oil filter housing leaks, rear main seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, cooling system issues (radiator, water pump, thermostat).

Common Transmission Issues:

Overdrive (OD) light flashing (indicating transmission fault codes), clunky shifting, torque converter shudder (automatic).

Common Suspension Steering Issues:

Worn ball joints and tie rod ends (due to solid front axle articulation), steering box looseness/play, leaf spring sag in the rear.

Common Electrical Issues:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, alternator issues, instrument cluster problems, intermittent window motor operation.

Common Body Issues:

Rust in rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels; tailgate issues (window regulator, hinges); door seal degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a storied history dating back to WWII, renowned for its go-anywhere, do-anything off-road capability.

Xj Introduction:

The Cherokee XJ, introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionized the SUV market as the first mass-produced unibody SUV. It offered a car-like ride with SUV utility.

Xj Generation Differences:

The 1999 model year is part of the second generation (1997-2001) which featured significant updates over the original XJ, including a redesigned interior and exterior, improved safety features, and OBD-II diagnostics.

Production Years Xj:

1984-2001 (North America), 2002 (Argentina)

Manufacturing Locations:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Mentions:

The XJ platform, including the 1999 model, consistently received praise for its off-road prowess and utilitarian design, earning it a loyal following.

Consumer Reports Reliability History:

Reliability ratings have varied over the years for the XJ, with some common issues like oil leaks and electrical gremlins noted. However, its robust mechanicals are generally well-regarded by owners.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with U.S. EPA emissions standards for 1999 model year vehicles.