🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1994

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV

Original Purpose:

Designed as a comfortable, capable, and relatively fuel-efficient SUV with Jeep's renowned off-road heritage.

Key Competitors:

Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Mitsubishi Montero.

Body Style:

2-door and 4-door variants.

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction, which was revolutionary for SUVs at the time, contributing to a lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to body-on-frame competitors.

Powertrain Options:

Offered with robust 4-cylinder and inline-6 engines known for their durability and off-road capability.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on description)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages, typical for a comprehensive factory-style service manual.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of 2.5L I4 and 4.0L I6 engines, including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for both manual (AX-5, NV3550) and automatic (AW-4, NP229) transmissions, including overhaul and adjustment.

Drivetrain:

Includes front and rear axles (Dana 30, Dana 35c, Chrysler 8.25), transfer cases (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), differentials, and drivelines.

Suspension:

In-depth coverage of front (leaf spring and coil spring options for specific models/years in XJ lineage, though 1994 is primarily leaf spring rear, coil front) and rear suspension systems, steering components, and alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brake systems, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic systems, parking brake, and component replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starting system, sensors, relays, and common electrical troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, tailgate, frame and unibody structure analysis, corrosion prevention, and repair.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, hoses, coolant specifications, and troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), and fuel filter replacement.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and mounting hardware.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant servicing, and component replacement.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection, and other routine services.

Engine Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, reassembly, timing chain/belt service, and rebuilding procedures.

Transmission Repair:

Comprehensive guides for transmission removal, disassembly, inspection of clutch packs, torque converter replacement, and reassembly for both manual and automatic units.

Brake Service:

Procedures for brake pad and shoe replacement, rotor and drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder overhaul, brake bleeding, and parking brake adjustment.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides, using diagnostic codes, multimeter usage, and component testing for electrical issues.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, leaf springs, shock absorbers, steering box, and power steering pump.

Body Repair:

Instructions for removing and installing body panels, doors, fenders, hood, tailgate, bumpers, and interior trim components.

Troubleshooting Guides:

In-depth symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical problems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Factory-level technical depth, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for applicable systems, component testing specifications, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners across various systems.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Precise measurements for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical machining specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF (Portable Document Format) for digital distribution, allowing for searchability and printing.

Print Quality:

Digital format implies high resolution for clear diagrams and text; quality dependent on the source conversion.

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for text-based searching of keywords and topics.

Binding Type Physical:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type Physical:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5 Liter (150 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (AMC/Jeep 150 engine)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

~125 hp @ 4800 rpm (estimated)

Engine 1 Torque:

~150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (estimated)

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.0 Liter (242 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 6-Cylinder (AMC/Jeep 242 engine)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

~180-190 hp @ 4500-4700 rpm (estimated for 1994)

Engine 2 Torque:

~220-235 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm (estimated for 1994)

Engine Management:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 gallons (main tank)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Manual Transmission (likely AX-5 for 2.5L, possibly NV3550 for later 4.0L but AX-5 was common in 1994)

Transmission Type Optional:

Automatic Transmission (AW-4, a robust 4-speed automatic co-developed with Aisin-Seiki)

Transfer Case Options:

Command-Trac (NV231) 2-speed part-time 4WD, Selec-Trac (NV242) 2-speed full-time 4WD.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Length:

Approx. 172.7 inches

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches

Height:

Approx. 63.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,500 lbs depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Ratings for this era are less standardized than modern vehicles; generally considered safe for its time but lacked advanced safety features.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available for the rear wheels, and later became available for all four wheels on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was standard equipment for 1994.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player was common. Optional CD player was available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with optional A/C. Some higher trims may have had power windows, locks, and mirrors.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control was available.

OBD Ii:

1996 and later vehicles were mandated to have OBD-II compliant systems. For 1994, it likely uses an OBD-I system with diagnostic connectors and procedures detailed in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (severe vs. normal).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: every 30,000-50,000 miles; Manual: check per manual, often longer intervals or inspection.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API Service SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended for most conditions for both engines. Refer to manual for specific viscosity under extreme temperatures.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+3 (Chrysler's designation) or equivalent Dexron III.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 depending on application and temperature).

Coolant Specification:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant meeting Chrysler MS-0600 specifications.

Common Problems 4.0L:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier versions, though less common in 1994 compared to prior years), camshaft and lifter noise, distributorless ignition issues, oil filter adapter seal leaks.

Common Problems 2.5L:

Less prone to major head issues than the 4.0L, but can suffer from intake manifold gasket leaks, minor oil leaks, and wear on camshaft lobes.

Common Problems Chassis:

Front and rear leaf spring wear/sagging, worn control arm bushings, steering box looseness, water pump leaks, radiator leaks, and minor electrical gremlins.

Common Problems Body:

Rust, especially on rocker panels, floor pans, and tailgate hinges; interior trim wear and tear.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of rugged, off-road capable vehicles, originating from military applications in WWII. This heritage informs the design and engineering of models like the Cherokee XJ.

Xj Introduction:

The Cherokee XJ was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction and compact size, setting it apart from larger, truck-based SUVs.

1994 Updates:

The 1994 model year saw significant updates, including a revised interior with a new dashboard and improved ergonomics, OBD-II compliant engine management (for some engines), and minor exterior styling tweaks. The 4.0L inline-6 engine received updates to improve performance and emissions.

Production Period:

1984-2001 (North America), with some international markets continuing production longer.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was named MotorTrend's Truck of the Year in 1988. While not specifically a 1994 award, it highlights the model's strong reputation.

General Reputation:

Widely regarded as one of the most capable and durable compact SUVs of its era, with a strong following in the off-road community.