Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, utility vehicle buyers, families.
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust construction, legendary off-road capability, unibody chassis for improved ride comfort, durable powertrains.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information for the 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ, enabling owners and technicians to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Vehicle Model Years:
1996
Engine Variants Covered:
4.0L Inline-6 (242 ci) OHV and 2.5L Inline-4 (150 ci) OHV
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE), 5-speed Manual (AX-5, NV3550)
Drivetrain Variants Covered:
2WD, 4WD (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, emissions control.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensor and actuator testing.
Transmission Automative:
Service and overhaul procedures for 42RE and 44RE automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, and clutch pack diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Service and overhaul procedures for AX-5 and NV3550 manual transmissions, including clutch, shifter linkage, and gearbox.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle servicing, differential overhaul, transfer case (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac) repair, driveshaft and U-joint replacement.
Suspension:
Front coil spring suspension, rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorber replacement, ball joint and control arm servicing, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering gear box service, tie rod end replacement, steering column.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) diagnosis and repair, parking brake service, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, horn, exterior and interior lighting.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser).
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, door and window seals, interior trim, underbody coating, frame inspection and repair.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, tailpipe replacement and repair.
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, electrical system troubleshooting guides, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul across all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed procedures for using diagnostic tools, interpreting fault codes (OBD-I), and testing electrical components.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with specifications and torque values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed diagnostics, rebuild procedures, and torque specifications.
Engine Displacement 1:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline-6 (Straight-6)
Engine Valvetrain 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves
Engine Bore X Stroke 1:
3.875 in x 3.414 in (98.4 mm x 86.7 mm)
Engine Compression Ratio 1:
8.8:1
Engine Fuel Type 1:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Horsepower 1:
190 hp @ 4750 rpm (approximate)
Engine Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Engine Displacement 2:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline-4 (Straight-4)
Engine Valvetrain 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 8 valves
Engine Bore X Stroke 2:
3.88 in x 3.31 in (98.5 mm x 84.0 mm)
Engine Compression Ratio 2:
8.8:1
Engine Fuel Type 2:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Horsepower 2:
125 hp @ 5200 rpm (approximate)
Engine Torque 2:
150 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Automatic Transmission Model:
42RE (for 4.0L), 44RE (for 4.0L with higher torque capacity)
Manual Transmission Model:
AX-5 (for 2.5L and some 4.0L), NV3550 (later 4.0L)
Transmission Options:
None beyond standard manual/automatic pairings with engine.
Automatic Gear Ratios 42Re:
1st: 2.74, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.69, Reverse: 2.23
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (preferred for 42RE/44RE)
Manual Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch
Transfer Case Models:
Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD available), Command-Trac (part-time 4WD)
Wheelbase:
103.4 inches (2626 mm)
Length:
170.1 inches (4320 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
64.5 inches (1638 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.5 inches (190 mm) depending on suspension/tire size
Curb Weight:
3,400 - 3,700 lbs (1542 - 1678 kg) approximately
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,900 - 5,200 lbs (2223 - 2359 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1,100 - 1,500 lbs (499 - 680 kg)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil can extend this).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions.
Transfer Case Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil 4.0L:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for colder climates)
Engine Oil 2.5L:
API Certified SAE 5W-30
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Problems 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on 4.0L engine (especially early models, though 1996 is improved), radiator leaks, heater core issues, rust (especially on rockers, floors, and rear quarters).
Common Problems 2:
Wear in the front suspension (ball joints, tie rods), sagging rear leaf springs, automatic transmission issues (line pressure, solenoid failures).
Common Problems 3:
Electrical gremlins, intermittent power window/lock failures, O2 sensor issues, catalytic converter failure.