🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Model Years Covered:

1995, 1996

Vin Prefix:

1J4

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ is positioned as a capable compact SUV, known for its off-road prowess and durable unibody construction. It competes with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder (early models), and Ford Explorer.

Strengths Of Xj:

Renowned for its off-road capability due to its excellent approach/departure angles, robust unibody structure, and available 4WD systems. Strong aftermarket support.

Cherokee Xj Features:

Compact SUV, unibody construction (pioneered by Jeep in this class), legendary off-road capability, available 4.0L inline-six engine, reliable powertrains.

Value:

Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair information that is essential for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1995-1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Avoids incomplete or generic repair guides.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

North America, Global Export Markets

Region Specific Variations:

Includes information relevant to US-spec and Canadian-spec models; some variations for export markets may be noted.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Synonyms:

Factory Workshop Manual, OEM Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF or similar electronic format)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for physical referencing

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4.0L (4000 cc) I6 OHV '242' engine; 2.5L (2500 cc) I4 OHV '150' engine. Includes diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications.

Transmission:

42RE 4-speed automatic transmission; AX-15 5-speed manual transmission; NV242 Selec-Trac 2-speed transfer case; NV249 Command-Trac part-time 2-speed transfer case (late models).

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle service, differential repair, CV joints, drive shafts, U-joints, 4WD system operation and service.

Suspension:

Front coil springs, rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, steering linkage, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; ABS system operation and service (if equipped); brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and wheel cylinder service.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump and reservoir.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, gauges, warning indicators, power windows, locks, mirrors, wiper system.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control (EVAP).

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan (mechanical and electric), coolant specifications, heater core.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, O2 sensors.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, weatherstripping, frame inspection and repair (unibody structure).

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant specifications, blower motor, climate controls.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (early systems), and related components.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, lubrication points.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, component testing procedures.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.

Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic approach to identifying and resolving faults.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions use of scan tools and specific diagnostic equipment.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all fasteners.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Specific measurements for engine, transmission, and other mechanical components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) or similar.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans, suitable for viewing and printing.

Quality:

Likely scanned from original factory manuals, with good clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding Digital:

Not applicable for digital format; referred to as 'electronic binding'.

Paper Digital:

Not applicable for digital format.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L (242 cu in) OHV Inline-6 (AMC 242)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.560 in (98.4 mm x 90.4 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 1 Horsepower 1995:

190 hp @ 4,750 rpm

Engine 1 Torque 1995:

225 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Engine 1 Horsepower 1996:

190 hp @ 4,750 rpm (slight detuning for emissions, but still generally considered 190hp)

Engine 1 Torque 1996:

220 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Engine 2:

2.5L (150 cu in) OHV Inline-4 (AMC 150)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

125 hp @ 4,600 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Octane Rating:

87 octane (minimum recommendation for 4.0L, higher may be preferred by some)

Coolant Capacity 4.0L:

Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) - Check owner's manual for exact specification.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (42RE) for most models.

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual (AX-15) available on some configurations.

Transfer Case 1:

NV242 Selec-Trac (2-speed full-time 4WD with 2WD/4WD Part-Time/4WD Full-Time/4LO modes).

Transfer Case 2:

NV249 Command-Trac (late 1996, primarily on Grand Cherokee, but check specific XJ application if applicable) - 2-speed part-time 4WD with 4LO.

Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 7176) or equivalent meeting Mopar specification MS-9602.

Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 pints (3.1 liters) for fluid change; 12.5 pints (5.9 liters) for dry fill.

Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 Gear Lubricant (75W-90 recommended). Avoid GL-5 due to potential damage to synchronizers.

Capacity:

Approximately 2.1 quarts (2.0 liters).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 167.4 inches (4252 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Varies by trim and tire size, typically around 8 inches (203 mm) in stock configuration.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,800 lbs (1497 - 1724 kg), depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg).

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) or 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package.

Seating Capacity:

5 passengers

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33.5 cu ft (949 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69.2 cu ft (1960 liters)

Bolt Pattern:

5x4.5 inches (5x114.3 mm)

Stock Tire Sizes:

Commonly 225/75R15, 215/75R15, or 30x9.50R15, depending on trim and options.

Stock Wheel Size:

15-inch wheels (alloy or steel).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Notes:

Information from this era is limited by modern standards. Early models received mixed ratings. 1995/1996 models should be assessed based on available data, but specific ratings for these years may not be directly comparable to current tests.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models (typically rear-wheel or 4WD). Details on operation and diagnostics included.

Traction Control:

Not commonly equipped on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag not available on most XJ models of this era.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners (front).

Unibody Construction:

The XJ's unibody design contributes to its structural integrity and off-road articulation compared to body-on-frame SUVs of similar size.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player standard. Optional CD player available. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Climate Controls:

Manual HVAC controls with adjustable fan speeds, temperature, and vent selection. Optional A/C.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Instrument Panel:

Includes speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, and warning lights for oil pressure, battery, brake system, and check engine.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by the era; no integrated Bluetooth or advanced infotainment systems. Aftermarket head units and adapters are common for modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specifics.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:

Typically Champion Copper Plus plugs, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as per manual recommendations. Check gap.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or based on towing/severe use. Manual: As specified, generally longer intervals.

Coolant Flush Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years. Use appropriate Mopar coolant.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 is generally recommended for the 4.0L and 2.5L engines in most operating temperatures. Refer to manual for specific temperature ranges.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Common Issues 4.0L:

Cracked cylinder heads (particularly older revisions), oil filter adapter housing leaks, distributor wobble, rear main seal leaks.

Common Issues Transmission:

Overdrive band failure in 42RE, clutch wear in AX-15, transfer case chain stretch.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, worn track bar, worn leaf spring bushings, sagging springs.

Common Issues Electrical:

Instrument cluster problems, O2 sensor failures, power window motor failures, intermittent wiper issues, grounds corrosion.

Common Issues Cooling:

Leaking radiator, water pump failures, radiator hose degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Heritage:

Jeep has a long history of producing robust, go-anywhere vehicles, originating from military applications. The Cherokee line embodies this rugged spirit in a more accessible package.

Xj Generation Dates:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was produced from 1984 to 2001. The 1995-1996 models represent the later stages of this highly successful and influential generation.

Major Updates 1995 1996:

The 1995 model year saw significant interior and exterior styling updates, including a revised dashboard, improved aerodynamics, and updated powertrains. The 4.0L engine received minor updates for emissions and reliability.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Parent Company Era:

Chrysler Corporation owned Jeep during these model years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine Awards:

The Cherokee XJ consistently ranked high in off-road capability tests and was often lauded by enthusiasts and publications for its durability and trail performance.

Influential Vehicle Design:

Considered by many automotive historians and enthusiasts to be a highly influential vehicle in the compact SUV segment due to its innovative unibody design and market success.