Positioning:
The Jeep Wrangler YJ is a legendary off-road vehicle renowned for its utilitarian design, robust construction, and iconic open-air experience. It occupies a unique niche in the automotive market, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize capability and adventure over luxury and refinement.
Competitors 1994:
In 1994, the YJ Wrangler competed primarily with its own direct predecessor (CJ-7) that had recently transitioned, the Ford Bronco, Chevrolet K/K Blazer, and Toyota 4Runner, though its leaf-spring suspension and distinct character set it apart.
Design Philosophy:
The YJ generation marked a significant shift for the Wrangler, introducing coil springs to the suspension system (though the 1994 model year continued with leaf springs for the YJ designation, transitioning to coils with the TJ generation in 1997. However, for clarity and given the product title, we'll focus on YJ characteristics). Key features include its distinctive seven-slot grille, removable doors, fold-down windshield, and robust body-on-frame construction.
Value Proposition:
This comprehensive workshop manual provides owners and technicians with the essential knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ, ensuring its legendary off-road capabilities are preserved.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Repair, Reassembly, Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine:
4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (242 ci) Engine, 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder (150 ci) Engine
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection System, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (AW4/Select-Shift), 5-Speed Manual Transmission (AX-5/NV3550)
Drivetrain:
Transfer Case (NP231 Command-Trac), Front and Rear Axles (Dana 30, Dana 35C), Driveshafts, CV Joints
Suspension:
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Bushings
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox, Steering Linkage
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake System, ABS (where equipped)
Electrical:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting System, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Windshield, Seats, Interior Trim, Convertible Top, Hardtop Removal/Installation
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Common Problems, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement, Transmission Overhaul, Axle Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Rebuild:
Engine Rebuild Procedures, Transmission Rebuild Procedures
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Component Clearances, Electrical Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine 1 Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.414 in (98.4 mm x 86.7 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
180 hp @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.88 in x 3.25 in (98.5 mm x 82.5 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.5:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
123 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
139 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (for both engines)
ECU Type:
Jeep Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - specific part numbers detailed in manual
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (AX-5 or NV3550 depending on build date/options)
Transmission 2:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Chrysler 42RE/AW4 variants)
Manual Transmission Features
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for AX-5/NV3550 detailed in manual (e.g., AX-5: 3.43:1, 1.91:1, 1.33:1, 1.00:1, 0.77:1)
Automatic Transmission Features
Automatic Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for 42RE/AW4 detailed in manual (e.g., 2.74:1, 1.54:1, 1.00:1, 0.69:1)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant MS-9224 or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (MS-9227) or equivalent (specific type may vary, manual will detail)
Transfer Case Model:
New Process NP231 Command-Trac (Part-time, 2WD High, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (MS-9227) or equivalent
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Overall Length:
157.1 inches (3990 mm)
Overall Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Overall Height Top Up:
66.2 inches (1681 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) under axles
Curb Weight Est:
3200 - 3500 lbs (1451 - 1588 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
4420 lbs (2005 kg) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:
Approx. 42.4 cu ft (1200 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 15.0 cu ft (425 liters)
Towing Capacity:
2000 lbs (907 kg) typically
Tongue Weight Capacity:
200 lbs (90 kg) typically
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star rating for rollover resistance (typical for SUVs of this era)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS on some models. Manual details specific operation and diagnostics.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts. Manual details adjustment and maintenance.
Airbags:
No airbags offered on the 1994 YJ Wrangler.
Roll Bar:
Integral roll bar behind front seats, essential for occupant protection in rollovers. Manual details inspection and potential reinforcement.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or as per specific plug type recommended in manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km); Automatic: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 API SJ/CD or ILSAC GF-2 (for both engines under normal conditions, check manual for severe duty).
Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4 Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (green) meeting Chrysler MS-9769 specifications.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (MS-9227) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid.
Common Problems Yj:
Leaf spring sagging, front track bar issues (YJ specific), minor oil leaks from engine (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), potential for rust on frame and body panels, wear on suspension bushings, starter issues, and occasional fuel pump failures. Manual provides diagnostic procedures for these.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II with the Bantam GP reconnaissance car. The Wrangler is the direct descendant of the iconic CJ (Civilian Jeep) series, carrying forward the brand's reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess.
Yj Generation Timeline:
The YJ generation of the Jeep Wrangler was produced from 1987 to 1995. It represented a significant departure from the CJ series, most notably by adopting coil springs (though 1994 YJs retain the leaf spring setup as per the product title focus) and introducing amenities for a more comfortable on-road experience while retaining off-road capability. The 1994 model year is towards the end of the YJ's lifecycle, benefiting from accumulated refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years Yj:
1987-1995
Off Road Accolades:
While specific awards for the 1994 YJ are not widely publicized, the Wrangler platform has consistently been recognized by off-road publications and enthusiasts for its unparalleled capability and iconic status.
Consumer Reports Historical Reliability:
Consumer Reports historically rated Jeeps of this era as average to below average in reliability. However, thorough maintenance as outlined in this manual can mitigate many common issues.
Manual Certification:
Not applicable (third-party service manual).