Vehicle Class:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians servicing the Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Key Competitors Era:
Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its ruggedness, off-road capability, relatively compact size, and iconic styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level information essential for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Powertrain:
Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system, engine mechanicals
Drivetrain:
Transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials, hubs
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including leaf springs and coil springs), steering system, braking system (front and rear brakes, parking brake), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake component repair/replacement, suspension and steering repair, electrical system repair, body panel repair
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul
Installation:
Accessory installation, component upgrades
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code:
2.5L Inline-4 (AMC 150)
Engine Displacement Liters:
2.5
Engine Displacement Ci:
150
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Head
Horsepower Approx Hp:
125
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Optional Engine Code:
4.0L Inline-6 (AMC 242)
Optional Engine Displacement Liters:
4.0
Optional Engine Horsepower Approx Hp:
181
Optional Engine Torque Approx Lb Ft:
220
Transmission Type Std:
4-Speed Automatic (AW4 / 42RE)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-Speed Manual (AX-15 / NV3550)
Transfer Case Std:
Selec-Trac (Part-time 4WD with 2WD option)
Transfer Case Opt:
Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD)
Transfer Case Opt 2:
(Less common: NP242 for Command-Trac, NP231 for Selec-Trac variants)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not rated or insufficient data for 1999 model year comparison to modern standards.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes. Optional ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and upgraded speaker systems.
ABS Availability:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Connectivity Features:
Basic; primarily focuses on vehicle functions, no integrated smartphone connectivity (Bluetooth, CarPlay, Android Auto) as standard.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,000-5,000 (Recommended based on driving conditions)
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 10W-40 (Check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges)
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.0L: 5 quarts; 2.5L: 5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Conventional Green Ethylene Glycol (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check specific manual for AX-15/NV3550)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Common Problem 1:
Cracked cylinder head (especially on 4.0L engines due to overheating)
Common Problem 2:
Water pump leaks
Common Problem 3:
Rust, particularly on rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarters
Common Problem 4:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar bushings)
Common Problem 5:
CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure on 4.0L
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's legacy is rooted in military vehicles, evolving into rugged and capable civilian SUVs.
Xj Introduction Year:
1984
Xj Design Innovation:
First compact SUV with unibody construction, offering a lighter and more refined ride compared to body-on-frame SUVs.
Xj Significant Updates By 1999:
Refined interior, improved aerodynamics, updated engine options, and enhanced safety features over its long production run.
Production Years:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Jeep Cherokee Xj Reputation:
Consistently praised for its off-road prowess and durability. Often cited as one of the best SUVs of its era.
Vehicle Reliability Perception:
Generally good, especially with the 4.0L inline-6, but requires diligent maintenance. Known issues are well-documented and addressable with this manual.
