Vehicle Class:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, Jeep owners seeking DIY maintenance and repair, restorers.
Key Competitors 1994:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicle Strengths:
Legendary off-road capability, robust powertrain, durable construction, relatively simple mechanicals.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with factory-level knowledge for all maintenance and repair tasks, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Engine:
4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (AMC 242), 2.5L 4-Cylinder (AMC 150)
Transmission:
AX-15 (5-Speed Manual), AW4 (4-Speed Automatic), NP231 (Command-Trac Transfer Case)
Drivetrain:
Front Axle (Dana 30), Rear Axle (Chrysler 8.25, Dana 35), 4WD System
Suspension:
Front Leaf Spring (Early models), Front Coil Springs (4.0L), Rear Leaf Springs
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (Standard); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models
Steering:
Power Steering System
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Fuel:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injection System (MPI)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Adjustments
Diagnostics:
Engine Performance Diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Electrical System Troubleshooting
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues
Installation:
Component replacement procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code 1:
AMC 242 (4.0L)
Engine Description 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement 1:
3960 cc (242 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.875 in x 3.570 in (98.4 mm x 90.7 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.8:1
Horsepower 1:
180 hp @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
AMC 150 (2.5L)
Engine Description 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement 2:
2500 cc (150 cubic inches)
Horsepower 2:
121 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-Port Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Transmission Type 1:
AX-15
Transmission Description 1:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Description 2:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
Transfer Case:
NP231 Command-Trac (Part-Time 2WD/4WD)
Clutch Type:
Dry, Single Plate (Manual Transmission)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
69.2 inches (1758 mm)
Height:
63.7 inches (1618 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm) (approx. stock)
Curb Weight Start:
3,250 lbs (1474 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Start:
4,600 lbs (2087 kg) (approx.)
NHTSA Overall Rating 1994:
Not rated or data not readily available for this model year.
ABS:
Optional on select models/trims.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard for 1994 model year.
Seat Belts:
Front: 3-point retractable; Rear: Lap belts.
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speakers:
Standard 4-speaker system, optional premium systems.
ABS Availability:
Available on some higher trims or as an option.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic vehicle functions; no integrated Bluetooth or navigation systems.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. (Refer to manual for precise specification).
Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter.
Transmission Fluid Type Aw4:
ATF+3 or equivalent (Chrysler specification).
Transmission Fluid Capacity Aw4:
Approx. 10.5 Quarts (9.9 Liters) (Pan drop and filter change).
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or equivalent (Chrysler specification).
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.6 Quarts (1.5 Liters) (NP231).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green) - 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Issue 1:
Head Gasket Failure (particularly on 4.0L with early designs, though less prevalent by 1994).
Common Issue 2:
Leaf Spring Sag/Breakage (rear suspension).
Common Issue 3:
Radiator Leaks/Overheating (due to age/material).
Common Issue 4:
Minor Electrical Gremlins (door locks, power windows, instrument cluster issues are common with age).
Common Issue 5:
Transmission Cooler Lines Leaking.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history rooted in military vehicles, known for ruggedness and off-road prowess since WWII.
Cherokee Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the XJ was the first compact SUV and pioneered the unibody construction for this class, distinguishing it from truck-based competitors.
Cherokee Xj 1994 Updates:
The 1994 model year saw minor updates, including the standard driver-side airbag and some interior refinements. It represents a mature iteration of the XJ design.
Cherokee Xj Production Years:
1984-2001 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada
