🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Year:

1996

Platform:

ZJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV

Jeep Positioning:

Renowned for its off-road capability and ruggedness, the Grand Cherokee positioned itself as a more premium and comfortable option within the SUV market compared to its Wrangler sibling.

Competitors 1996:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero

Powertrain Options:

Offered robust inline-six and V8 engines with advanced 4x4 systems, appealing to both utility and performance-oriented buyers.

Luxury Appointments:

For its era, it offered a more refined interior and features that blurred the lines between a capable SUV and a comfortable daily driver.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-level repair and maintenance guidance, enabling owners and technicians to maintain peak performance and longevity of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4WD), Brakes (ABS), Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Interior, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emission Control Systems, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and assembly procedures for all engine components, including cylinder heads, blocks, crankshafts, pistons, connecting rods, valvetrain, and lubrication systems.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system diagnosis and repair, ignition system calibration, emission control systems (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on build date), engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair for the 42RE and 46RH automatic transmissions, including hydraulic control systems, clutch packs, torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls.

Transmission Manual:

If equipped, service and repair for the NV3550 manual transmission.

Drivetrain:

Service procedures for the Selec-Trac and Quadra-Trac 4WD systems, including transfer case overhaul, differentials, axle shafts, universal joints, and propeller shafts.

Brakes:

Diagnosis and repair for standard hydraulic brakes and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), including master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines, rotors, pads, and ABS sensors.

Steering:

Power steering system service, including pump, steering gear, tie rod ends, and power steering fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component replacement and alignment procedures, including control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, struts, and leaf springs (rear).

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for starting, charging, lighting, ignition, and accessory systems. Includes fuse and relay locations.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), and heating system repair.

Body Interior:

Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, seat mechanisms, and bumper systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump replacement, fuel filter service, fuel injector diagnosis, and fuel tank service.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and heater core service and replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid and filter changes, differential fluid changes.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic trees and troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, pinpointing causes of malfunctions using specifications and test procedures.

Component Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Using multimeter, oscilloscope, and scan tools for diagnosing electrical faults. Wiring diagram interpretation.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system inspection and repair (if applicable), seat belt servicing, and ABS system diagnostics.

Alignment And Suspension:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, replacement of suspension components.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and driveline overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for easy on-site reference.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4.0L Inline-6 (242 cu in)

Engine Type 1:

Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower 1:

185 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque 1:

220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Bore X Stroke 1:

3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.6 mm)

Compression Ratio 1:

8.8:1

Block Material 1:

Cast Iron

Head Material 1:

Cast Iron

Engine Code 2:

5.2L V8 (318 cu in) Magnum

Engine Type 2:

Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower 2:

215 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 2:

285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Bore X Stroke 2:

3.91 in x 3.31 in (99.3 mm x 84.1 mm)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.7:1

Block Material 2:

Cast Iron

Head Material 2:

Cast Iron

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based system depending on early/late production.

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmission:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic

Automatic Transmission Optional:

46RH 4-Speed Automatic (with V8 engine)

Manual Transmission:

NV3550 5-Speed Manual (rare)

4Wd System:

Selec-Trac (Part-time 4WD) or Quadra-Trac (Full-time 4WD)

Transfer Case Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity (e.g., Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent for Selec-Trac).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent Dexron III H) for 42RE/46RH.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

113.0 inches (2870 mm)

Length:

178.4 inches (4531 mm)

Width:

70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

66.0 inches (1676 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 38 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 27 degrees

Curb Weight:

4,100 - 4,500 lbs (1860 - 2041 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5,700 - 6,000 lbs (2585 - 2722 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,500 lbs (2948 kg) with optional towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star rating

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system (for certain models/years).

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, with driver's side pretensioner.

Frame Construction:

Unibody construction with integrated frame rails, designed for improved handling and crashworthiness.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and premium sound systems available on higher trims.

Controls:

Manual climate controls, basic dashboard layout with analog gauges.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were common options.

Auxiliary Inputs:

None (no USB or Bluetooth connectivity available in this era).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or as specified in the manual, including filter replacement.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to owner's manual for climate specific recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter for 4.0L I6; 5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) for 5.2L V8.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III.

Common Issues 1:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially on earlier 4.0L engines), heater core leaks, radiator leaks, transmission solenoid failures, transfer case chain stretch, death wobble (front suspension/steering issues).

Common Issues 2:

Water pump failures, alternators, fuel pump issues, electrical gremlins (due to age and wiring harness degradation).

Maintenance Recommendation:

Regular inspection and replacement of worn suspension and steering components is critical for safety and driving comfort.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess, originating from its military roots in WWII.

Zj Generation:

The ZJ generation (1993-1998) was the first generation of the Grand Cherokee, introducing a unibody construction and a more luxurious SUV experience compared to earlier Jeep models.

1996 Updates:

Minor updates for 1996 included revised interior trim, optional power adjustable pedals, and potential minor enhancements to the powertrain and safety features.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sport Utility Of The Year:

The Grand Cherokee platform has historically received accolades as an SUV, though specific awards for the 1996 model year are less prominent than later generations.

Consumer Reports Rankings:

Consumer Reports ratings for this era often highlighted its off-road capability but noted potential reliability concerns compared to some Japanese competitors.

Emissions Standards:

Designed to meet US federal emissions standards for the 1996 model year.