Segment:
Compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Positioning:
Revolutionary unibody SUV, offering car-like ride comfort with off-road capability
Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner
Unibody Construction:
Pioneering unibody chassis for reduced weight and improved handling compared to body-on-frame SUVs
Compact Size:
Nimble and maneuverable, setting it apart from larger, traditional SUVs
Four Wheel Drive:
Optional Command-Trac (part-time) and Selec-Trac (full-time) 4WD systems
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torque specifications for all engine variants
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control system, engine control modules (ECMs)
Transmission Manual:
NV3550, AX-5, AX-15: diagnostics, disassembly, repair, and adjustments
Transmission Automatic:
AW4, 30/32 RH: diagnostics, service, torque converter, and internal component repair
Drivetrain:
Transfer case (NP242, NP231): operation, disassembly, repair, and fluid specifications; Axles (Dana 30, AMC 20): differential service, axle shaft replacement, and bearing adjustments
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, coil springs, control arms, sway bars), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, and linkage
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped), component replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, accessories, fuse/relay identification and testing
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, underbody rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant charging
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, PCV system, evaporative emissions control system
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing common wear items and major components
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, HVAC diagnostics
Rebuilds:
Complete engine, transmission, and axle rebuild procedures
Depth:
Expert level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete vehicle overhauls and advanced diagnostics
Engine 2.5L I4:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC 150 I4 (2WD/4WD)
Engine 4.0L I6:
4.0L (242 cu in) AMC 242 I6 (optional, became dominant for later models)
Engine 2.8L V6:
2.8L (171 cu in) GM 60-degree V6 (early models, 1984-1986)
Horsepower:
Approx. 177-182 hp (varies by year)
Torque:
Approx. 220-224 lb-ft (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Identification 4.0L:
Commonly referred to as the '4.0 HO' (High Output) in later years of this range
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), check manual for specific fluid type
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years
Engine Oil 4.0L:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification based on ambient temperature)
Transmission Fluid Aw4:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler spec)
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 for NP242; NP231 might use Dexron II/III
4.0L I6 Common Problems:
Cracked cylinder heads (early production), oil filter adapter leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks
Xj Common Problems:
Rust (rocker panels, floor pans, rear quarter panels), sagging headliner, worn suspension bushings, cooling system issues (radiator, water pump), distributor cap/rotor failure
Electrical Common Problems:
Intermittent electrical issues due to aging wiring harnesses, faulty grounds, and deteriorating connectors
Jeep Legacy:
Continuation of Jeep's off-road and utility vehicle lineage, established with the Willys Jeep
Introduction:
Redesigned from the ground up to be a more modern and comfortable SUV
Design Philosophy:
Introduction of the XJ platform, a radical departure from traditional body-on-frame construction for SUVs
Major Updates:
Engine upgrades (V6 to I6), transmission updates, interior and exterior styling refinements throughout the generation
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Run:
1984-2001 (XJ platform, though this manual covers the first decade)
