🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Chassis Code:

XJ

Model Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Engine Variants Covered:

2.5L I4, 4.0L I6

Engine Code 2.5L:

AMC 2.5L (Power-Tech I-4)

Engine Code 4.0L:

AMC 4.0L (High Output Power-Tech I-6)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

Jeep Positioning:

Renowned for its off-road capability and rugged construction within the SUV market.

Key Competitors Era:

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

Distinctive Features:

Unibody construction (for the XJ generation), solid front axle (until 1999 for some models, then Dana 30), legendary 4.0L inline-six engine, Command-Trac 4WD system.

Manual Value Proposition:

The 'real deal' workshop manual, offering comprehensive A-Z coverage for all repairs, making it invaluable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

All models and repairs A-Z

Mechanical Coverage:

Comprehensive mechanical repairs

Electrical Coverage:

Complete electrical system diagnosis and repair

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (exact number not provided, but described as 'tons' of details)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Printable pages (likely PDF or similar digital format)

Digital File Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for printing individual pages.

Image Clarity:

High quality, with detailed pictures and diagrams.

Physical Binding Type:

N/A (digital format)

Physical Paper Type:

N/A (digital format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, component testing, overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection system (MPI), engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors, actuators.

Transmission Manual:

NV3550 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, driveline components.

Transmission Automatic:

42RE, 30RH, 32RH 4-speed automatic transmissions, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) if applicable.

Drivetrain 4Wd:

NP231 Command-Trac NV231 transfer case, front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, drive shafts, U-joints.

Suspension:

Front solid axle with leaf springs, rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers, steering damper, front sway bar.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering linkage, steering gear (steering box).

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped, parking brake system, hydraulic system.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, trim, paint and corrosion protection.

Body Interior:

Dashboard, seats, carpeting, headliner, interior trim panels, seat belts, airbag system components.

Electrical Body:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers and washers, horn, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, audio system.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, controls, refrigerant system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator core.

Maintenance:

Routine oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation.

Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs and overhauls, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic trees, wiring diagrams for electrical systems, component testing procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data, fluid capacities, tolerances.

Body Repair:

Procedures for dent repair, panel replacement, rust repair, welding guidelines.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (A-Z) covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics with wiring diagrams and component testing procedures.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed rebuild instructions for major mechanical and electrical components.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2.5L Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2506 cc)

Engine 4.0L Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3957 cc)

Engine 2.5L Horsepower:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 4.0L Horsepower:

Approx. 185-190 hp @ 4600 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 2.5L Torque:

Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine 4.0L Torque:

Approx. 220-225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Fuel Delivery Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Engine 2.5L Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 4.0L Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Manual transmission (NV3550 5-speed for 2000-2001, prior years varied).

Optional Transmission:

Automatic transmission (42RE, 30RH, 32RH 4-speed automatic).

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (RWD) and 4WD (4x4) with Command-Trac NV231 transfer case.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant, GL-3 or GL-4 rated).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Overall Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Overall Width:

70.0 inches (1778 mm)

Overall Height:

63.7 inches (1618 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3400-3700 lbs (1542-1678 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

4-star driver, 3-star passenger (for comparable 1999 model year, specific ratings may vary).

Braking System:

Front vented disc, rear drum. Optional ABS system available.

Traction Control:

Not typically standard, limited-slip differentials might be optional.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point height-adjustable seat belts, rear lap and shoulder belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional remote keyless entry system available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km). Manual: Check per manual, generally longer intervals.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 for both 2.5L and 4.0L engines (check manual for specific viscosity requirements based on temperature).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (5/150 Formula) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+3 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

Common Issues 4.0L:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier models, but can occur), camshaft wear, oil filter housing leaks, oil pan gasket leaks.

Common Issues 2.5L:

Head gasket issues, valve stem seal wear.

Common Issues General:

Rusty rocker panels and floor pans, wear in suspension components (bushings, ball joints), catalytic converter failure, interior trim degradation, cooling fan clutch failure (mechanical fans).

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent electrical issues can arise due to age, often related to ground points, fuse boxes, or wiring harnesses.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a storied history dating back to WWII, known for its go-anywhere capability.

Xj Generation Launch:

The XJ Cherokee was revolutionary upon its introduction in 1984 as the first mass-produced compact SUV with unibody construction.

Xj Updates 1998-2001:

Significant updates during this period included the introduction of the NV3550 5-speed manual transmission and refinement of the 4.0L engine.

Xj Production Span:

1984-2001 (North America)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jeep Cherokee Xj Recognition:

The XJ Cherokee is widely regarded as a benchmark in the SUV class for its durability, off-road prowess, and longevity. It has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts and classic car collectors.

Consumer Ratings General:

Consistently praised for its robust powertrain and off-road capability, despite some noted interior and electrical quirks common to vehicles of its era.

Manual Accuracy:

Described as the 'real deal', indicating it is a professionally produced and highly accurate service manual.