Generation Years:
1984-2001
Covered Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Segment:
Compact SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, adventure seekers, practical everyday users
Competitors Era:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Design Philosophy:
Unibody construction for lighter weight and better ride comfort compared to body-on-frame rivals
Off Road Capability:
Command-Trac and Selec-Trac 4x4 systems, good ground clearance, solid axle rear (initially)
Durability:
Renowned for its robust powertrain and chassis, especially the 4.0L engine
Iconic Status:
Long production run, strong aftermarket support, beloved by enthusiasts for its classic styling and capability
Engine:
4.0L Inline-6 (AMC 242), 2.5L Inline-4 (AMC 150), 2.1L Turbo Diesel (VM Motori), 2.5L Turbo Diesel (VM Motori)
Transmission:
AX-4, AX-5, AX-15, AW-4 (automatic), NV242, NV231 (transfer cases)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles (Dana 30, Dana 35, Chrysler 8.25), 4WD systems, differentials
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc (depending on year/trim), ABS systems
Suspension:
Front leaf spring (early), coil spring (late), rear leaf spring, shock absorbers, steering components
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, ignition system, lighting, accessories, instrument cluster, body control modules
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components and diagnostics
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, exterior trim
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tune-ups, brake inspections
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnostics and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-I and OBD-II diagnostic codes, sensor testing, circuit testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams
Depth:
Full workshop level, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, detailed component removal and installation procedures
Engine Displacement 1:
4.0 Liters (3957 cc)
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore Stroke 1:
3.875 in x 3.5625 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower 1 Early:
177 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx. 1988-1990)
Horsepower 1 Late:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx. 1991-2001)
Torque 1 Early:
220 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx. 1988-1990)
Torque 1 Late:
225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx. 1991-2001)
Engine Displacement 2:
2.5 Liters (2497 cc)
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline-4, Overhead Valve (OHV), High Output (HO) version introduced in 1991
Horsepower 2:
121 hp @ 4800 rpm (early), 130 hp @ 4800 rpm (HO)
Torque 2:
145 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (early), 157 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (HO)
Fuel Delivery Early:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) - some early models
Fuel Delivery Late:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) from ~1991 onwards
Standard Transmission Early
Manual Transmission Early:
AX-4 (4-speed manual)
Standard Transmission Late
Manual Transmission Late:
AX-5 (5-speed manual), AX-15 (5-speed manual - common with 4.0L)
Automatic Transmission:
AW-4 (4-speed automatic, electronically controlled)
Transfer Case Options:
NV231 (Command-Trac part-time 4WD), NV242 (Selec-Trac full-time 4WD)
Transmission Fluid Spec Aw4:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Aw4:
Approx. 7-9 quarts (depending on torque converter drain)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GL-3 or GL-4 (check specific manual for details, typically 75W-90)
Length:
Approx. 173.5 - 174.5 inches (440.7 - 443.2 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 - 71.0 inches (1781 - 1803 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.5 - 64.5 inches (1613 - 1638 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3600 lbs (1406 - 1633 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 4700 - 5000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 30.5 cu ft (0.86 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1.95 m³)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (Varies slightly by year and configuration, due to SUV nature)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (introduced later in the XJ run, standard from mid-90s)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts (front and rear, lap belts for center rear often)
โครงสร้าง:
Unibody construction with integrated roll cage structure
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on some later models, typically rear-wheel only until later iterations.
Infotainment Early:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player.
Infotainment Late:
More integrated audio systems, optional premium sound, some models may have had early attempts at navigation systems but were rare.
Driver Assistance Early:
Minimal; focused on core driving functions.
Driver Assistance Late:
ABS (as noted in safety), cruise control.
Connectivity Late:
Optional power windows, power locks, keyless entry on some higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specifics.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), more frequently for heavy use.
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with modern iridium or platinum plugs.
Engine Oil Spec 4.0L:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 recommended by Jeep. 10W-30 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Check manual for precise recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:
6 Quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze/coolant or equivalent, typically a green type. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on the 4.0L engine (especially earlier versions, though less common on later models due to design changes). Mopar or aftermarket performance heads are often replacements.
Common Issue 2:
Oil filter housing leaks (common on the 4.0L).
Common Issue 3:
Leaf spring wear and sag, especially on older, higher-mileage vehicles.
Common Issue 4:
Heater core leaks (often leads to a musty smell inside the cabin).
Common Issue 5:
Power steering pump whine or leaks.
Common Issue 6:
Rust, particularly on rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and floor pans. Rust prevention and treatment are crucial.
Common Issue 7:
TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) failure leading to erratic acceleration or stalling.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's long history in 4x4 vehicles, built on the Willys MB foundation, emphasizing ruggedness and capability.
Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the CJ-7 based Scrambler, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody design.
Key Updates 1988-2001:
Major facelifts include the 1991 redesign (new interior, revised exterior styling, introduction of 4.0L HO and improved aerodynamics), and further refinements through the late 90s. Introduction of OBD-II in 1996.
Production Period:
1984-2001 (US Market)
Manufacturing Plants:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Ownership Changes:
Produced under AMC, then Chrysler Corporation, later DaimlerChrysler, and finally Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Motor Trend's 4x4 of the Year in 1993.
Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:
Recognized by Popular Mechanics for its engineering and versatility.
Off Road Magazines:
Consistently highly rated in off-road enthusiast publications for its capability.
