Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Jeep Cherokee XJ owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, professional mechanics
Key Competitors Era:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive resource for maintaining and repairing the cherished XJ platform, covering critical model years.
Vehicle Unique Selling Points:
Unibody construction for a car-like ride, legendary 4.0L inline-six engine, excellent off-road capability.
Vehicle Years Covered:
1995, 1996
Geographic Coverage:
North America (Primarily, may include some global variants)
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Digital format implies full technical documentation, typically hundreds of pages equivalent)
Type:
Digital Workshop Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (implied by 'Digital')
Powertrain:
Engine (2.5L I4, 4.0L I6), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Transfer Case, Driveline (Axles, Driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS & Non-ABS), Exhaust System
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Audio System, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Seats
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Changes, Tune-ups, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair
Rebuilding:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and full rebuilds)
Diagnostic Detail:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, component testing, and repair verification
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Engine Code 1:
2.5L I4 (AMC 150)
Engine Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters / 150 Cubic Inches
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine Type 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm (for 1995-1996)
Torque 1:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (for 1995-1996)
Engine Code 2:
4.0L I6 (AMC 242)
Engine Displacement 2:
4.0 Liters / 242 Cubic Inches
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine Type 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4700 rpm (for 1995-1996)
Torque 2:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for 1995-1996)
Fuel Type 1:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type 2:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor with Coil Pack (depending on specific build date/variant)
Transmission Type 1:
5-Speed Manual (NV1500 or AX-5)
Transmission Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic (AW4 or 30-43 LE)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (Part-time 4WD, 2WD mode) or Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD, Part-time 4WD Full-Time mode - later versions)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+3 or equivalent (check manual for specific designation)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) meeting API GL-3 or GL-4 specifications (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
Approx. 167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.7 inches (1618 mm)
Curb Weight Start:
Approx. 3300 lbs (1497 kg)
Curb Weight End:
Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg) (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically around 4700-5000 lbs
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Driver:
4 Stars (for 1995 model year, as reported)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (for 1995 model year, as reported)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Acceptable/Good (depending on specific test and year)
ABS:
Available (typically on higher trims or optional)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard, Passenger airbag optional/standard depending on trim and year
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear seat belts (later models may have 3-point rear)
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, optional CD Player (early single-disc units)
Speakers:
Typically 4-6 speakers, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle operation and basic comfort features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - refer to manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (recommended, highly dependent on usage)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN/SM/SL/SJ or ILSAC GF-5/GF-4/GF-3 (e.g., 10W-30 for most conditions, consult manual for variations)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically Green or Orange color for this era, consult manual)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)
Common Issues Powertrain:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 4.0L), valve seat recession (older 4.0L engines), automatic transmission (AW4) reliability but potential for torque converter issues, clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings; death wobble (severe steering shimmy) due to worn front-end components; aging leaf springs and shocks.
Common Issues Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses (especially grounds), failure of alternator, power window motors, fuel pump relay issues, instrument cluster failures.
Common Issues Body Chassis:
Rust (especially rocker panels, floor pans, rear quarter panels, and frame rails); door seal degradation; interior trim wear and tear.
Jeep Legacy:
Rooted in military utility vehicles, Jeep established a reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness.
Cherokee Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the XJ revolutionized the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction.
Xj Facelift 1995:
The 1995 model year represents a significant facelift, introducing updated interior and exterior styling, improved aerodynamics, and powertrain refinements.
Production Period Xj:
1984 - 2001 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:
Cherokee XJ was often praised by automotive publications for its blend of capability and practicality.
Off Road Magazine Acclaim:
Consistently lauded by off-road enthusiasts and publications for its robust platform and aftermarket support.
Consumer Satisfaction General:
Generally positive for durability and off-road prowess, though common mechanical wear items are expected in older vehicles.