🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Year:

1994

Body Style:

Compact SUV

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV, known for its off-road capability and ruggedness.

Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.

Unique Selling Points:

Unibody construction (for its time), legendary Selec-Trac and Command-Trac 4WD systems, strong aftermarket support, iconic design.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1994 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) models

Supplementary Coverage:

Specific updates and changes for 1994 model year

Estimated Page Count:

Estimate: 1000+ pages (combining main manual and supplements)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) and Supplements

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) and potentially Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine control system (ECM), automatic transmission, manual transmission.

Chassis:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), driveline (transfer case, axles, driveshafts, U-joints).

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, power accessories, audio system, engine control sensors and actuators, anti-theft system (if equipped).

Body:

Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system, restraint systems (airbags - although less common in '94 XJ, seatbelts are covered), body hardware.

Diagnostic:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable for the era.

Repair:

Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, alignment specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and component replacement to advanced engine and transmission overhaul, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF, often with searchable text capabilities for ease of use.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Print Binding:

If printed: Coil-bound, perfect-bound, or comb-bound for durability and ease of opening.

Print Paper:

If printed: Durable, glossy or matte paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4.0L (242 cu in) OHV V6 (Engine Code: ERH)

Displacement:

3956 cc (4.0 Liters)

Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), V6

Bore X Stroke:

3.88 in x 3.57 in (98.5 mm x 90.6 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

177 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler JTEC (Jeep Truck Engine Controller)

Engine Code:

2.5L (150 cu in) OHV 4-Cylinder (Engine Code: ERH)

Displacement:

2469 cc (2.5 Liters)

Horsepower:

125 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Torque:

150 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AW4)

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (AX-5)

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time), Command-Trac (Part-Time 4WD)

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+3 (Mopar P/N 04241762)

Manual Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Valvoline SynPower Gear Oil SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 Liters) with filter change

Manual Capacity:

Approx. 2.2 quarts (2.1 Liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

63.1 inches (1603 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) (varies with tire size and suspension)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.5 cu ft (864 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 70.4 cu ft (1993 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star rating (for 1994 models, often a concern for SUVs of this era)

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (some later models offered rear discs as an option or on higher trims).

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - typically on rear wheels only or 4-wheel depending on build date and options.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard for 1994.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (center rear).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on most trims.

Auxiliary Ports:

None standard. Aftermarket solutions required for USB/Aux input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) for automatic, check manual for manual transmission.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 in very cold climates)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter for 4.0L V6

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, compatible with Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or similar universal coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 11.5 quarts (10.9 Liters) for 4.0L V6

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid (e.g., Mopar Brake Fluid DOT 3)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 (Mopar P/N 04241762)

Common Problems:

Rear main seal leaks, head gasket issues (especially on earlier 4.0Ls, but still possible), sagging leaf springs, worn control arm bushings, cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L), interior blower motor failure, interior rust in floor pans.

Oil Filter:

Wix 51515, Fram PH8A, Purolator L30001

Air Filter:

Wix 42510, Fram CA3980

Cabin Air Filter:

Not standard on most 1994 XJs.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, originating from military applications.

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was a revolutionary vehicle when introduced in 1984, being the first 'compact' SUV and pioneering unibody construction for its class.

Xj 1994 Update:

The 1994 model year saw minor updates, including the introduction of the driver-side airbag as standard and revised interior trim options.

Production Span:

1984-2001 (North America)

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acknowledgement:

The XJ Cherokee consistently received praise for its off-road capability and compact size, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Often cited in 'best off-road vehicles' lists.

Consumer Reports Historical:

While consumer reports vary over the years, the XJ was generally well-regarded for its drivetrain and chassis, with typical SUV issues related to interior refinement and some powertrain reliability concerns as mileage increased.