🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

ZJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Jeep Positioning:

Jeep's premium offering in the SUV market, blending off-road capability with on-road comfort.

Key Competitors 1998:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Usp:

Iconic Jeep capability, luxurious interior appointments for its time, refined ride compared to earlier Jeep models.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Jeep enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Countries Of Sale:

North America, Europe (RHD variants)

Drivetrain Coverage:

4x2 (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4x4 (Four-Wheel Drive)

Steering Side Coverage:

Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Right-Hand Drive (RHD)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Transfer Case, Drivetrain Components (Axles, Driveshafts, Differentials)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front and Rear), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostics

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Seats, Body Sealing

Maintenance:

Routine Oil Changes, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Wiring Diagrams for Fault Isolation

Specifications:

Torque Specifications for critical fasteners, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (typical for quality digital manuals)

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 4.0L:

242 cu in (3,957 cc) "Power Tech" Inline 6-cylinder (OHV)

Engine Code 5.2L:

318 cu in (5,210 cc) Magnum V8 (OHV)

Engine Code 5.9L:

360 cu in (5,900 cc) Magnum V8 (OHV)

Horsepower 4.0L:

185 hp @ 4,600 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

220 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Horsepower 5.2L:

215 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Torque 5.2L:

290 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Horsepower 5.9L:

242 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Torque 5.9L:

335 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECM:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar proprietary system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (42RE)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (44RE for 5.2L, 46RE for 5.9L)

Availability:

Manual transmission not widely available or offered for the 1998 model year in North America.

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear).

Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 4) or equivalent (check specific VIN for exact type, may have used ATF+3 earlier)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 178.9 inches (4545 mm)

Width:

Approximately 71.1 inches (1806 mm)

Height:

Approximately 63.1 inches (1603 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3900-4300 lbs (1769-1950 kg), varies by engine and drivetrain.

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 33.7 cu ft (0.95 cu m)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 67.0 cu ft (1.90 cu m)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (as per NHTSA 1998 ratings for similar SUVs, specific test data may vary)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system (Trac-Lok) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard in 1998.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player or premium sound systems.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

OBD Ii:

On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) compliant for emissions and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (for standard plugs) or 100,000 miles (for platinum/long-life plugs, if equipped).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 (4.0L) or SAE 10W-30 / 5W-30 (V8 engines, depending on climate, check manual for specifics). API certified.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter; 5.2L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter; 5.9L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (AF 8980) or equivalent, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and demineralized water.

Cooling System Capacity:

Approx. 13 quarts (12.3 L) for 4.0L, 14 quarts (13.3 L) for 5.2L/5.9L V8.

Cracked Cylinder Head 4.0L:

A known issue on earlier 4.0L engines, though potentially less prevalent by '98. The manual will detail inspection and potential replacement.

Transmission Filter Clogging:

Transmission filter can clog prematurely; manual details proper service intervals and procedures.

Transfer Case Chain Wear:

The transfer case chain can stretch over time, especially with heavy off-road use; manual outlines inspection and adjustment/replacement.

Heater Core Leaks:

Heater core leaks are a common repair on this platform, often requiring dashboard removal.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Founded on robust 4x4 capability and military origins.

Zj Generation:

Second generation of the Grand Cherokee (ZJ), produced from 1993 to 1998. Introduced significant refinements in luxury and on-road manners.

Manufacturing Plant:

Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan.

Model Run:

1993-1998

🏆 Awards & Recognition

SUV Awards Context:

While specific awards for the 1998 model are less documented, the ZJ Grand Cherokee was generally well-regarded for its blend of comfort and capability, contributing to Jeep's sustained SUV leadership in the 1990s.