Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a highly regarded compact SUV known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and durability. The 2000 model represents a late stage of the highly successful XJ generation.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Blazer during its production run.
Unique Selling Points:
Unibody construction for a lighter weight and better ride than body-on-frame competitors, legendary inline-6 engine, excellent off-road prowess with available Selec-Trac 4WD system.
Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance, repairs, or modifications on their 2000 Jeep Cherokee. Also valuable for professional technicians.
Engine:
4.0L (242 ci) Inline 6-Cylinder, 2.5L (150 ci) Inline 4-Cylinder (AMC/Jeep OHV)
Transmission:
42RE (4-Speed Automatic), NV242 Selec-Trac Transfer Case, NV130 (2-Speed Transfer Case), AX-15 (5-Speed Manual - less common in 2000, but potential coverage)
Drivetrain:
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems, Dana 30 front axle, Dana 35 rear axle, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints
Suspension:
Front Leaf Spring Solid Axle, Rear Leaf Spring Solid Axle, shock absorbers, steering system (power steering, steering linkage)
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes (Solid or Vented depending on spec), Rear Drum Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical:
Charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system (distributorless ignition system - DIS), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instruments and gauges, power windows/locks, HVAC controls, horn, wipers, fuse block and relays, wiring diagrams
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, seals, bumpers, frame and unibody structure
Comfort Convenience:
HVAC system (heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant), seats, seat belts, mirrors, door locks
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem identification
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair, body panel repair, HVAC system repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed steps for component removal and installation of all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, electrical system specifications, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
Engine 1:
4.0L (242 cubic inch) Inline 6-Cylinder (OHV)
Engine 1 Code:
ERH (Commonly)
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 1 Horsepower Est:
180 hp @ 4,700 rpm (approximate)
Engine 1 Torque Est:
220 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2:
2.5L (150 cubic inch) Inline 4-Cylinder (OHV)
Engine 2 Code:
EMU (Commonly)
Engine 2 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 2 Horsepower Est:
114 hp @ 4,700 rpm (approximate)
Engine 2 Torque Est:
145 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (approximate)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cooling Type:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
Transmission Type Auto:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Manual:
AX-15 5-Speed Manual (less common for 2000, but possible)
Transfer Case 1:
NV242 Selec-Trac (Full-Time 4WD)
Transfer Case 2:
NV130 (2-Speed Transfer Case for 2WD models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (pan drop and refill)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 Gear Oil (API classification)
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,000-5,000 miles (conventional oil), 5,000-7,500 miles (synthetic oil)
Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Transmission Fluid Change Miles:
30,000-60,000 miles (depending on usage and fluid type)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L), SAE 5W-30 (for 2.5L, or in colder climates for 4.0L)
Coolant Type:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
Common Problem 1:
Cracked cylinder heads (specifically on early 4.0L engines, less common by 2000 but still possible), often due to overheating.
Common Problem 2:
Leaf spring wear and sagging, especially in rear springs, impacting ride height and handling.
Common Problem 3:
Rust issues, particularly on rocker panels, floor pans, and tailgate.
Common Problem 4:
Water pump leaks, especially on the 4.0L engine.
Common Problem 5:
Interior electronic issues (power windows, locks), often due to age and wear.