Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, professional mechanics
Key Competitors:
Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ series), Suzuki Samurai, Ford Bronco
Vehicle Design:
Body-on-frame construction, solid front and rear axles, removable doors and top, iconic Jeep styling
Manual Value:
Provides comprehensive, dealership-level repair and maintenance information for DIYers and professionals.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, powertrain control module (PCM), transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, driveline, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear solid axles, springs, shocks), steering system, brake system (front discs, rear drums/discs), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows/locks (if equipped), wipers, horn, audio system, body control module (BCM), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, convertible top, frame components, collision repair procedures
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, inspections
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components, component disassembly and reassembly, internal engine repairs, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation and clearing, diagnostic connector location and usage
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, component measurements, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic data
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.
2 5L Inline 4:
{'code': "AMC 2.5L 'High Output' (or similar designation)", 'displacement': '2.5 Liters / 150 cubic inches', 'configuration': 'Inline-4 (I4)', 'valve_train': 'Overhead Valve (OHV)', 'fuel_delivery': 'Multi-point fuel injection', 'horsepower_est': '118 hp @ 4800 RPM', 'torque_est': '145 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM', 'bore_x_stroke': '3.88 x 3.25 inches', 'compression_ratio': '8.7:1'}
4 0L Inline 6:
{'code': "AMC 4.0L 'High Output'", 'displacement': '4.0 Liters / 242 cubic inches', 'configuration': 'Inline-6 (I6)', 'valve_train': 'Overhead Valve (OHV)', 'fuel_delivery': 'Multi-point fuel injection', 'horsepower_est': '182 hp @ 4600 RPM', 'torque_est': '220 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM', 'bore_x_stroke': '3.88 x 3.41 inches', 'compression_ratio': '8.8:1'}
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic/rubber insulated mounts for vibration dampening
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
19.0 Gallons (approx.)
Manual Transmission:
{'type': 'AX-5 5-speed manual', 'manufacturer': 'Chrysler/New Process Gear', 'gear_ratios_example': '1st: 3.87, 2nd: 2.18, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.79 (check manual for exact ratios)', 'fluid_type': 'API GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)'}
Automatic Transmission:
{'type': '42RLE 4-speed automatic', 'manufacturer': 'Chrysler', 'fluid_type': 'ATF+4 (or equivalent)'}
Transfer Case:
{'type': 'NV231 Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD optional)', 'gear_ratios_example': '2WD High: 1.00, 4WD High: 2.72, Neutral: N/A, 4WD Low: 2.72 (check manual for exact ratios)', 'fluid_type': 'ATF+4 (or equivalent)'}
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Overall Length:
151.4 inches (3845 mm)
Overall Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Overall Height:
73.5 inches (1867 mm) (with hardtop, approx.)
Ground Clearance:
10.1 inches (257 mm) (under front axle, approx.)
Curb Weight:
3,400 - 3,600 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4,600 lbs (approx.)
Towing Capacity:
2,000 lbs (check owner's manual for specific configuration)
Payload Capacity:
1,000 - 1,200 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Limited data available for this era; focus is on inherent off-road capabilities and simpler safety systems.
Brakes:
Front vented disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (some later TJ models had rear discs)
Steering:
Power steering (standard on most models)
4Wd System:
Command-Trac (part-time 4WD) standard, optional Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts in rear
Rollover Protection:
Internal sport bar (roll cage) structure as standard
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional CD player, 4-speaker system (front dash, rear sound bar)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional or standard on certain trims/later models.
Wiring Harnesses:
Detailed wiring diagrams in manual for troubleshooting aftermarket additions or factory systems.
OBD Ii:
On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) compliant, featuring a 16-pin diagnostic connector (location detailed in manual).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific engine and driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles; Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual)
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for temperature range suitability)
Engine Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (refer to manual for specific type)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Problems:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 4.0L), radiator leaks, heater core issues, interior water leaks (common with age/usage), front sway bar links wear, differential seal leaks, occasional PCM issues.
Rust Locations:
Floor pans, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, frame rails (especially in areas with salt exposure).
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history dating back to World War II with iconic off-road vehicles.
Wrangler Lineage:
The TJ generation (1997-2006) succeeded the YJ Wrangler (1987-1995) and marked a significant return to the classic Jeep design cues, including round headlights and coil spring suspension.
Tj Introduction:
The TJ Wrangler was a completely redesigned vehicle from the YJ, featuring a new coil spring suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a modern interior, while retaining its off-road prowess.
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
1997-2006 (TJ Generation)