Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road focused SUV
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, Independent repair shops, Jeep owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicle
Competitors 2000:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra
Jeep Advantage:
Renowned off-road capability, robust solid front axle (on most XJs), strong aftermarket support, durable inline-6 engine
Platform:
Unibody construction (unique for its time in the off-road segment)
Usefulness:
Essential tool for accurate and efficient repair and maintenance, reducing guesswork and costly errors
Manufacturer Intent:
To provide serviceman with accurate understanding of product to improve repair quality
Engine Systems:
4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (MPI), 2.5L 4-Cylinder (MPI - less common for 2000 model year, but manual may include if applicable to specific markets/variants)
Drivetrain Systems:
4WD Systems (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), Transfer Case, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Driveshafts, U-Joints
Transmission Systems:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, NV3550 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Brake Systems:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS System (if equipped)
Suspension Steering:
Front Solid Dana 30 Axle, Rear Dana 35 Axle, Leaf Spring Rear Suspension, Coil Spring Front Suspension, Steering Gearbox, Power Steering System
Electrical Systems:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
HVAC Systems:
Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation, Blower Motor, Evaporator, Condenser, Controls
Body Exterior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Exterior Trim
Body Interior:
Seats, Dashboard, Trim Panels, Headliner, Carpeting, Door Panels, Console
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation and Pressure Checks, Battery Maintenance
Engine Repair:
Top End Rebuild, Bottom End Rebuild, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Ring Replacement, Crankshaft/Connecting Rod Service, Timing Chain/Gear Service, Cooling System Service (Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat), Fuel System Service (Injectors, Pump, Regulator), Exhaust System Service
Transmission Repair:
Automatic Transmission Overhaul, Manual Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Torque Converter Service, Transmission Fluid/Filter Change
Drivetrain Repair:
Transfer Case Service/Rebuild, Differential Service/Rebuild, Axle Shaft Replacement, U-Joint Replacement, CV Joint Service (if applicable)
Brake Repair:
Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining or Replacement, Brake Caliper/Wheel Cylinder Service, Brake Line/Hose Replacement, ABS Sensor Replacement, Bleeding the Brake System
Suspension Steering Repair:
Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Leaf Spring Replacement, Coil Spring Replacement, Control Arm Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Steering Gearbox Service/Replacement, Power Steering Pump/Hose Replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Electrical Faults, Starter Motor Testing/Replacement, Alternator Testing/Replacement, Battery Testing/Replacement, Ignition Coil/Wire Replacement, Sensor Testing/Replacement (e.g., Crankshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor), Wiring Harness Repair, Fuse/Relay Diagnosis
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant Evacuation/Recharge, Compressor Replacement, Evaporator/Heater Core Replacement, Blower Motor Replacement, Blend Door Actuator Replacement, AC System Leak Detection
Body Repair:
Door Panel Removal/Installation, Window Regulator/Motor Replacement, Exterior Trim Installation/Repair, Bumper Repair/Replacement, Fender/Quarter Panel Replacement (may be limited to cosmetic)
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II Code Interpretation, Diagnostic Tree Usage, Component Testing Procedures, Pressure Testing (Fuel, Oil, Coolant), Electrical Circuit Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring diagrams)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (or 6 months), depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type - e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Transmission Fluid Filter Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmission. Manual transmission fluid check/replacement as per manual.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG, SH, SJ or higher; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Predominantly HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).
Common Issues Engine:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier 4.0L versions, less common but possible on 2000), oil filter housing leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, thermostat housing leaks, intermittent stalling due to CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor).
Common Issues Transmission:
42RE can develop solenoid issues, harsh shifting, or torque converter shudder. Manual transmissions are generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, worn tie rod ends, sloppy steering gearbox, leaf spring sag (rear), worn track bar bushings.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window motor/regulator failure, power lock actuator failure, instrument cluster illumination issues, headlight switch failures, O2 sensor failures, ABS sensor failures.
Common Issues Body:
Rust, especially on floor pans, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels. Leaks around door and window seals.