🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

ZJ

Generation:

Second Generation (ZJ)

Generation Years:

1993-1998

Product Identifier:

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ Service Repair Manual FSM Ebook

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Jeep Positioning:

Jeep's offering in the growing luxury SUV market, blending capability with comfort.

Key Competitors 1996:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery.

Differentiation:

Jeep's signature off-road capability combined with a more refined interior and available luxury features.

Platform:

RWD-based unibody platform shared with Mitsubishi Montero.

Powertrain Options:

Available with a 4.0L inline-6 and a 5.2L V8 engine.

Interior Appointments:

Leather seating, enhanced sound systems, and more premium materials compared to lower trim Jeep models.

Off Road Capability:

Quadra-Trac or Quadra-Coil suspension systems and available Selec-Trac 4WD options.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All aspects of Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 1996 model year service, repair, and maintenance.

Secondary Coverage:

Includes detailed sections on drivetrain, chassis, electrical systems, and bodywork.

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (typical for factory service manuals covering all systems).

Manual Type:

Factory Shop Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF/ZIP Ebook

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control.

Drivetrain Systems:

Transmission (automatic and manual if applicable), transfer case, differentials, driveshafts, axles.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, wheels and tires, frame and bumpers.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrument panel, audio, horn, speed control, turn signals, hazard warnings, wipers/washers, lamps, passive restraints, heated systems, power distribution, anti-theft/security, chimes/buzzers, wiring diagrams.

Body Systems:

Seats, locks, body panels, heating and air conditioning.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom charts, fault code interpretations, and repair solutions.

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics, including electrical system testing, sensor calibration, and OBD-II code interpretation.

Rebuild Information:

Detailed instructions for component rebuilds, such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF/ZIP

Compatibility:

Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7), Linux, MAC OS

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within PDF format for efficient information retrieval.

Print Recommendation:

Suitable for printing key sections or the entire manual for workshop use.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital File)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

4.0L (242 ci) Inline 6-Cylinder (OHV)

Engine Code 1:

ERH (typically)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 185 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque 1:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine Type 2:

5.2L (318 ci) V8 (Magnum)

Engine Code 2:

EMA (typically)

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 215 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque 2:

Approx. 290 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Chrysler MS-7170 or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic (with 4.0L engine)

Transmission Type:

46RE 4-Speed Automatic (with 5.2L V8 engine)

Transfer Case 1:

Selec-Trac NV242 (full-time 4WD)

Transfer Case 2:

Command-Trac NV242 (part-time 4WD) - Less common on higher trims

Transfer Case 3:

Quadra-Trac NV249 (full-time 4WD with viscous coupling)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler MS-9602 or equivalent), though ATF+3 might have been specified initially.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 180.9 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 63.7 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.0 inches

Curb Weight 4.0L:

Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (depending on 2WD/4WD)

Curb Weight 5.2L V8:

Approx. 4100-4300 lbs (depending on 4WD)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,500 lbs (with appropriate towing package and V8 engine)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,500 - 5,800 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not rated or poor (specific ratings vary by year, but generally not a strong point for this era).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not rated or poor

ABS:

Standard on 4WD models, optional on 2WD (4-wheel disc brakes recommended).

Traction Control:

Available on select models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts. Shoulder belt anchorage points for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available cassette player with AM/FM radio, optional CD player, and premium Infinity sound systems.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4-6 speakers, with optional subwoofer and amplifier for premium systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, speed control system covered in manual.

Anti Theft System:

Factory installed vehicle theft/security systems covered.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-II compliance for emission and engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and fluid type).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., platinum).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher; SAE 5W-30 is common, check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

Approx. 5 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 5.2L V8:

Approx. 5 quarts (with filter)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (often ATF+3/4 compatible).

Common Issue 1:

Head gasket leaks (especially the 4.0L engine).

Common Issue 2:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L engine).

Common Issue 3:

Transmission cooler line leaks and potential overheating issues.

Common Issue 4:

Sway bar end link wear, leading to clunking noises.

Common Issue 5:

Water pump failure.

Common Issue 6:

Power window motor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles, starting with the WWII Willys MB.

Zj Introduction:

The ZJ Grand Cherokee was introduced for the 1993 model year, marking Jeep's entry into the luxury SUV segment.

Second Generation Updates 1996:

1996 saw minor updates, including revised interior trim and potential enhancements to the powertrain management systems.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA (Jefferson North Assembly Plant)

Production Years Zj:

1993-1998

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports ratings varied for this generation, often citing average to below-average reliability in certain areas.

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

Grand Cherokee models were not typically awarded this specific title, but the ZJ was a significant player in the SUV market.

Safety Certifications:

Manufactured to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).