Model Years Covered:
1988-2000
Engine Codes Covered:
4.0L (AMC 242), 2.5L (AMC 150), 2.5L Diesel (VM Motori)
Transmission Codes Covered:
AW4 (4-speed Automatic), AX-15 (5-speed Manual), AX-5 (5-speed Manual), NP231 (Transfer Case), NP242 (Transfer Case)
Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, and utility-focused drivers.
Key Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco II, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Mitsubishi Montero.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its robust 4x4 systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), solid axles, and high ground clearance, making it a segment leader in off-road performance.
Durability:
Known for its rugged construction and durable unibody design, contributing to longevity and reliability.
Versatility:
Combines practical cargo space with comfortable seating for five, suitable for daily commuting, family trips, and off-road adventures.
Customization:
Extensive aftermarket support for modifications and upgrades, appealing to enthusiasts.
General Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair information for the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1988-2000).
Engine Coverage:
Detailed repair procedures, diagnostics, and specifications for 2.5L I4, 4.0L I6, and 2.5L Diesel engines.
Transmission Coverage:
Repair and overhaul procedures for manual (AX-5, AX-15) and automatic (AW4) transmissions, including transfer case servicing (NP231, NP242).
Drivetrain Coverage:
Front and rear axle (Dana 30, Dana 35), driveshafts, U-joints, and differentials.
Suspension Coverage:
Front and rear suspension systems, including leaf springs, coil springs, shocks, and steering components.
Brake Coverage:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), including hydraulic components, parking brake, and ABS (where applicable).
Electrical Coverage:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems.
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, frame and unibody repair.
HVAC Coverage:
Air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system repair and servicing.
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel, ignition, cooling, exhaust, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, driveline components.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (front & rear, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Power distribution, ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, body controls, HVAC controls, power accessories.
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, safety restraints.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including pinpoint tests and fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions for all vehicle components.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, etc.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
4.0L I6 242 Cid:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Cylinder Head, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
2.5L I4 150 Cid:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Cast Iron Cylinder Head, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) early models, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) later models.
2.5L Diesel:
VM Motori Turbocharged Diesel, Indirect Injection.
4.0L Horsepower:
Approximately 180-190 hp (varies by year and specific tune)
4.0L Torque:
Approximately 220-235 lb-ft (varies by year and specific tune)
2.5L I4 Horsepower:
Approximately 110-125 hp (varies by year and injection type)
2.5L I4 Torque:
Approximately 140-160 lb-ft (varies by year and injection type)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for 4.0L, 85 octane for 2.5L I4)
Injection Type:
MPI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection) for most 4.0L and later 2.5L I4; TBI (Throttle Body Injection) for early 2.5L I4.
Manual:
AX-5 (4-cyl and some 6-cyl) and AX-15 (most 6-cyl) 5-speed manual transmissions.
Automatic:
AW4 (Aisin-Warner) 4-speed automatic transmission.
Transfer Cases:
NP231 (Command-Trac part-time 4WD) and NP242 (Selec-Trac full-time 4WD) transfer cases.
Aw4 Fluid:
ATF+3 or Mopar ATF+4 (refer to specific year for precise recommendation)
Ax-5 Ax-15 Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Transfer Case Fluid:
NP231/NP242: ATF+3 or Mopar ATF+4
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.5 - 173.4 inches (4255 - 4404 mm) depending on year and trim
Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
60.5 - 64.0 inches (1537 - 1626 mm) depending on year and trim
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1451 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment and engine configuration.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4-star (1998-2001 models, based on available data)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4-star (1998-2001 models, based on available data)
ABS:
Available on some models, particularly later years. Often rear-wheel ABS initially, with 4-wheel ABS becoming more common.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags became standard in later model years (typically 1999 onwards).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear lap belts (later models may have three-point rear belts).
Audio Systems:
AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems, often 4 speakers.
Navigation:
Not available from the factory.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models, particularly higher trim levels.
Antilock Brakes:
Optional, became more common in later years.
Phone Integration:
Not available from the factory. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Synthetic oil may extend this interval.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km); Manual: Check condition, typically every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plugs:
4.0L: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum plugs; 2.5L I4: 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for standard plugs.
Engine Oil:
10W-30 or 10W-40 for 4.0L; 10W-30 for 2.5L I4. Consult manual for specific viscosity grades and API service classifications (e.g., API SN).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT coolant. A 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
4.0L Engine Common Problems:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier models), oil filter adapter leaks, crankshaft position sensor failures, exhaust manifold cracks, lifter tick.
Transmission Common Problems:
AW4: Torque converter shudder, solenoid failures; AX-5/AX-15: Shift fork wear, input shaft bearing noise.
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn leaf springs (sagging), worn control arm bushings, ball joint wear, steering stabilizer issues.
Electrical Common Problems:
Corroded grounds, failing ignition switch, window regulator issues, instrument cluster problems.
Body Common Problems:
Rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, tailgate), interior trim wear, headliner sagging.
Jeep Legacy:
Built upon Jeep's long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability, established with the original Willys Jeep and later the CJ series.
Introduction Era:
Introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the CJ-7 based Jeep Scrambler and as Jeep's first compact SUV.
Design Philosophy:
Designed as a more comfortable and civilized alternative to traditional Jeeps, utilizing a unibody construction for a lighter and more car-like ride, while retaining significant off-road prowess.
Significant Updates:
Facelift in 1997 featured redesigned front and rear fascia, updated interior, and improved aerodynamics. The 4.0L engine also received updates throughout its production run.
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
1984-2001 (model years covered in manual are 1988-2000)
Off Road Magazine Awards:
Frequently recognized in off-road publications for its capabilities and value.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Mixed, often citing good off-road performance but variable reliability depending on year and engine.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with federal and state emission standards for the respective model years.
