Vehicle Class:
Compact SUV
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, general consumers seeking utility and capability
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Design Philosophy:
Robust, capable, affordable, off-road focused with unibody construction
Notable Attributes:
Legendary Jeep off-road capability, durable powertrain options, compact and maneuverable size
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, emissions
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, clutches
Transmission Automatic:
Service, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, torque converter, valve body
Drivetrain:
Transfer case, differentials (front and rear), axle shafts, CV joints, U-joints, propeller shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, diagnosis
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, charging system, fuses, relays, ECUs
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, body sealant, frame inspection
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, components, refrigerant, diagnosis
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel tank, evaporative emissions system
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, hangers
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, common fault identification
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnosis, engine performance checks, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
2.5L Gasoline:
Inline-4 cylinder, 2.5 liters (150 CID), known as the 'AMC 150' or 'Tech II' engine. Approximately 120-130 hp and 170-180 lb-ft torque.
4.0L Gasoline:
Inline-6 cylinder, 4.0 liters (242 CID), known as the 'AMC 242' or 'Power-Tech I6' engine. Approximately 180-190 hp and 220-235 lb-ft torque. Highly regarded for durability and torque.
2.5L Diesel:
Inline-4 cylinder, 2.5 liters, VM Motori Italian-designed turbodiesel engine. Power output typically around 110-120 hp and 180-200 lb-ft torque. Less common in North America.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines. Direct injection or rotary pump for diesel.
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converters, EGR systems (depending on market and year), O2 sensors
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (e.g., AX-5 or NV3550) common with 2.5L and some 4.0L engines.
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (e.g., AW-4 or 42RE) common with 4.0L engines, also available with 2.5L.
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac (NV231) or Selec-Trac (NV242) part-time 4WD systems available.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (for AX-5/NV3550).
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
163.8 inches (4161 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
63.9 inches (1623 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,800 lbs (1497 - 1724 kg), varies by engine and drivetrain
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment and engine (4.0L recommended)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 33.5 cu ft (948 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 71.0 cu ft (2009 L)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star rating (typically for this era, though specific tests vary by year)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, often standard on higher trims or later models
Four Wheel Drive:
Standard or optional 4WD systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard for these model years
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, rear seat lap and shoulder belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter. Warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
Rear Defroster:
Standard or optional rear window defroster.
Phone Integration:
No factory integrated smartphone connectivity (e.g., Apple CarPlay, Android Auto). Aftermarket solutions available.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were optional or standard on higher trims.
Oil Change Gasoline:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months. Refer to manual.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or more frequently for severe service. Diesel transmission intervals may differ.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Spark Plugs Gasoline:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil 4.0L:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Check capacity (approx. 5 quarts with filter).
Engine Oil 2.5L Gasoline:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Check capacity (approx. 4 quarts with filter).
Engine Oil 2.5L Diesel:
API CG-4 or CH-4, SAE 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil. Check capacity.
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 10-12 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
4.0L Engine:
Cracked cylinder heads (less common on later models but still a concern), radiator failure causing overheating, oil filter adapter O-ring leaks.
2.5L Gasoline Engine:
Less torque than 4.0L, can feel underpowered, occasional oil leaks.
2.5L Diesel Engine:
Injector pump issues, glow plug problems, turbocharger wear, emissions system concerns.
Transmission:
AW-4 automatic transmission generally robust but can develop solenoid issues; AX-5 manual transmission can have input shaft bearing failures.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, track bar wear, power steering pump leaks, tie rod end wear.
Electrical:
Faulty alternator, starter issues, window regulator failures, wiring harness corrosion (especially in wet climates).
Body And Frame:
Rust issues, particularly on rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels in corrosive environments.
Jeep Legacy:
Built upon Jeep's long history of rugged, go-anywhere capability dating back to WWII.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was revolutionary for its time, being one of the first compact SUVs with unibody construction, offering a lighter, more comfortable ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Xj Facelift:
The 1997-2001 models represent the second generation facelift, featuring updated exterior styling (e.g., revised front fascia, fenders, hood) and interior design.
Production Period:
1984-2001 (XJ generation)
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA