Positioning:
Highly capable compact SUV known for its off-road prowess and ruggedness. A foundational model for Jeep's modern SUV lineup.
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco II, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Design Philosophy:
Unibody construction for lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs, while retaining excellent off-road capability.
Powertrain Options:
Renowned for the durable and torquey 4.0L inline-six engine.
Manual Benefit:
Enables DIY owners and professional mechanics to perform all maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Engine:
4.0L Inline 6 (AMC 242), 2.5L Inline 4 (AMC 150)
Transmission:
AX-5 Manual, AW-4 Automatic, NP231 Transfer Case
Drivetrain:
Four-wheel drive systems (Command-Trac), axles (Dana 30 front, Dana 35 rear, Chrysler 8.25 rear on some models)
Suspension:
Front leaf spring (early XJ), Front coil spring (later XJ including 1994), Rear leaf spring
Brakes:
Front discs, Rear drums; ABS (if equipped)
Steering:
Power steering, steering gear
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instruments, gauges, body controls, power windows/locks/mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system
Fuel:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injection system (MPI)
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, interior trim
Chassis:
Frame, body mounting
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-I
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation (e.g., trailer wiring, auxiliary lighting)
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Full workshop level. Covers routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine 1:
4.0L (3960cc) OHV Inline-6 'AMC 242'
Horsepower 40L:
Approx. 180 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Torque 40L:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
Horsepower 25L:
Approx. 125 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque 25L:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Engine 2:
2.5L (2464cc) OHV Inline-4 'AMC 150'
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters) with heater
Oil Capacity 40L:
5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter (using SAE 10W-30)
Oil Capacity 25L:
4 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter (using SAE 10W-30)
Manual Transmission:
AX-5 5-speed manual
Automatic Transmission:
AW-4 4-speed automatic (electronically controlled)
Transfer Case Type:
New Process (NP) 231 Command-Trac (part-time 4WD)
Aw4 Fluid:
ATF+3 (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron III)
Ax5 Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)
Np231 Fluid:
NP-136 fluid (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron III)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
166.5 inches (4229 mm)
Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact:
Not specifically rated for 1994 model year by modern NHTSA standards, but generally considered robust for its class and era.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard for 1994 onwards.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels for 1994
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission and transfer case.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil 40L:
SAE 10W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent).
Common Xj Problems:
Cracked cylinder head (especially early 4.0L engines), rust (rocker panels, floor pans, unibody), worn leaf spring bushings, alternator failures, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure.
Oil Filter 40L:
Wix 51515, Fram PH8A, K&N HP-3001 (example; specific fitment should always be verified)
