🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ represented a mature and highly capable compact SUV, known for its off-road prowess, ruggedness, and enduring design. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Explorer.

Competition:

While newer competitors offered more car-like comfort and features, the XJ's unibody construction with solid axles (for most of its run, though the XJ's front was coil-sprung solid axle) and strong inline-six engine gave it a distinct advantage in off-road capability and durability.

Vehicle Highlights:

Iconic XJ body style, legendary 4.0L inline-six engine, capable 4x4 systems (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), compact yet surprisingly spacious interior, excellent off-road articulation.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete factory service and repair for 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (estimated for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (factory original specification)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (4.0L I6), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (AX-5, NV3550), Automatic transmission (AW4, 42RE), transfer case (NP231), axles (Dana 30 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear), drivelines, propeller shafts

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (leaf springs, leaf springs with anti-sway bar), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system (power steering), wheels, tires, wheel alignment

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical Body:

Body electrical systems (lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories), HVAC, instruments, gauges, dashboard, interior trim, exterior trim, body panels, doors, windows, seats

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, battery maintenance, chassis lubrication

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotors replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear repair, electrical component replacement

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized factory tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive: covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all major vehicle systems, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

N/A (Print)

Print Quality:

Professional factory-grade printing

Binding:

Original factory binding (likely stitched or glued)

Paper Quality:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper designed for workshop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

ERH (4.0L HO I6)

Displacement:

3960 cc (242 cubic inches)

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar variant

Coolant Type:

Chrysler Antifreeze/Coolant (Green, G-05 based if upgraded, check manual for specific 1999 spec)

Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification)

Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change (check manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (AX-5 or NV3550)

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (AW4 or 42RE)

Transfer Case:

New Process (NP) 231 Command-Trac (part-time 4WD) or Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent spec for the specific transmission, e.g., Dexron III/Mercon for AW4)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

71.2 inches (1808 mm)

Height:

65.3 inches (1659 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg) depending on configuration

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33.1 cu ft (0.94 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1.95 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Not readily available for 1999 model year, but later models received mixed results.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Phone Integration:

None (no factory Bluetooth or smartphone integration)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (traditional interval for this era, consult manual for synthetic oil recommendations)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on usage and fluid type, consult manual)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 miles (for standard plugs), consult manual for specific plug type

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for exact specification)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Concerns:

Headliner sagging, rust (especially rocker panels and rear quarter panels), CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure, distributor less ignition system (Coil-on-Plug on later models), minor oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), accessory drive belt noise.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mopar/Wix 51515 (or equivalent)

Air Filter Part Number:

Mopar/Wix 42978 (or equivalent)

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a storied heritage rooted in military vehicles, known for its off-road capabilities and ruggedness, dating back to World War II.

Xj Generation:

The XJ Cherokee, produced from 1984 to 2001, was a groundbreaking vehicle, pioneering the compact SUV segment and the unibody construction in SUVs. The 1999 model is part of the final major revision of the second generation.

Production Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Years For Model:

1984-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine Awards:

Frequently recognized by off-road publications for its capability and value.

Consumer Reports Historical Ratings:

Mixed ratings historically, often praised for reliability of the powertrain but criticized for interior amenities and safety in later years compared to competitors.