Positioning:
The 2000 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) represents the culmination of a highly successful and enduring SUV platform, known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and relative simplicity. This manual caters to owners and DIY mechanics seeking to maintain and repair this iconic vehicle.
Competition:
In its era, the Cherokee competed with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Blazer. Its unibody construction and coil-spring front suspension (in later models like the 2000) offered a more refined ride compared to body-on-frame SUVs, while retaining significant off-road prowess.
Vehicle Attributes:
Known for its compact size, excellent approach and departure angles, legendary Selec-Trac and Command-Trac 4x4 systems, and the durable 4.0L inline-six engine.
Major Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical, Body, HVAC
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Emission Controls, Automatic Transmission (AW4, 42RE), Manual Transmission (AX-5, NV3550), Transfer Case (NP231, NP242)
Chassis:
Front Suspension (Solid Axle), Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring), Steering System (Power Steering), Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum, ABS)
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), Audio System
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Coolant Flush, Belt Replacement
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Differential Service, Brake Caliper/Drum Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Gearbox Rebuild, HVAC System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Component testing procedures, Wiring diagrams for diagnostic tracing
Engine Timing:
Detailed procedures for valve timing, timing chain replacement, and related tensioner adjustments for the 4.0L engine.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component removal, installation, and adjustment procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, aiding in troubleshooting and diagnosis.
Specifications:
Provides torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, diagnostic specifications, and alignment data.
Engine Type:
4.0L (242 CID) OHV Inline 6-Cylinder
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4,600 rpm
Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
6 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 (API SG or higher)
Coolant Capacity:
11.0 US Quarts (10.4 Liters)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (NV3550)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil)
Transfer Case 1:
Selec-Trac (NP242) - Full-time 4WD
Transfer Case 2:
Command-Trac (NP231) - Part-time 4WD
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
Mopar NV242/NP231 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent)
Front Differential Fluid Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant (with Mopar Friction Modifier if equipped with Trac-Lok)
Wheelbase:
103.4 inches (2626 mm)
Length:
165.3 inches (4200 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
64.1 inches (1628 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
4,700 - 4,900 lbs (2132 - 2223 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:
69.0 cubic feet (1.95 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
33.8 cubic feet (0.96 cubic meters)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player. Standard 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker Infinity system.
ABS:
Available on select trims, primarily affecting rear wheels for models without the full 4-wheel ABS system.
OBD Ii Port:
Located under the dashboard for diagnostic scanning.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 3-5 years
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.0L engines), Cooling system failures (radiator, water pump, thermostat), Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) failures, Rusty unibody and rocker panels, Catalytic converter issues, Starter failures, Door lock actuator failures.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mopar MO-090 / Wix 51515 / Fram PH8A
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mopar 53007410 / Wix 42473 / Fram CA8460
Brand Legacy:
Jeep, a division of Chrysler Corporation, has a long-standing reputation for producing capable off-road vehicles since its World War II origins. The Cherokee line has been a cornerstone of its SUV offerings.
Xj Generation:
The 2000 model year falls within the second generation of the XJ Cherokee (1984-2001). Significant updates for this generation included the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine and later, coil-spring front suspension for improved ride quality.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Period:
1984 - 2001
