Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Jeep Cherokee XJ owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, automotive enthusiasts, and professional mechanics.
Competitors 2001:
Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, Chevrolet Tracker.
Key Differentiators 2001:
Unibody construction (unique in its class at the time), legendary 4.0L inline-6 engine, robust off-road capability, compact size with surprisingly spacious interior.
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction, providing a lighter and more rigid structure compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Iconic Engine:
The robust and torquey 4.0L 'PowerTech' inline-6 engine is renowned for its longevity and off-road prowess.
Engine:
4.0L (12-valve OHV) inline-6 cylinder (Engine Code: ERH), 2.5L (8-valve OHV) inline-4 cylinder (Engine Code: ENC - less common for 2001 but may be included for earlier XJ basis).
Transmission:
42RE (4-speed Automatic), NV3550 (5-speed Manual).
Drivetrain:
NP231 Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time Transfer Case), Dana 30 (Front Axle), Dana 35c (Rear Axle).
Suspension:
Front: Solid Beam Axle with Leaf Springs (early 2000s models retain leaf spring front on some variants or coil springs with track bar), Rear: Leaf Springs.
Brakes:
Front: Solid or Vented Discs (depending on trim/options), Rear: Drums or Discs (depending on trim/options). Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Steering:
Power Steering, Steering Column and Linkage.
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), Fuse and Relay Locations, Wiring Diagrams.
Body And Frame:
Body Construction, Doors, Windows, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Frame Inspection and Repair.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, differential fluid changes, transfer case fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, chassis lubrication, belt replacement, hose replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, camshaft timing, valve adjustment, cooling system diagnostics and repair, lubrication system repair, fuel system diagnostics and repair, exhaust system repair.
Transmission Repair:
Automatic transmission overhaul (42RE), clutch service (NV3550), transmission fluid and filter replacement, torque converter replacement, transmission diagnostics.
Drivetrain Repair:
Axle bearing and seal replacement, U-joint replacement, CV joint service, differential inspection and repair, transfer case overhaul and repair.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and shoe replacement, rotor and drum resurfacing/replacement, brake line and hose replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, ABS system diagnostics and repair.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber and strut replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, steering gearbox service, power steering pump replacement, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common electrical faults, starter and alternator testing, battery service, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, wiring diagram analysis.
Bodywork And Collision Repair:
Panel replacement, glass installation, door and window regulator repair, interior component removal and installation.
Depth:
Deep dive into all repair and maintenance procedures, including detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic flowcharts, and electrical schematics. Covers from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 RPM
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Cooling System:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled system with fan clutch.
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil pack.
Oil Capacity:
6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter. Recommended Oil: SAE 10W-30 API SN or newer.
Coolant Capacity:
12.0 US quarts (11.3 Liters) with heater. Recommended Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) - Less common for 2001 XJ models, often found in earlier XJs.
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
Approx. 120-130 hp
Torque:
Approx. 145 lb-ft
Type:
42RE 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent.
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.5-4.0 US quarts (3.3-3.8 Liters) for dry fill, 7.5-8.5 US quarts (7.1-8.0 Liters) total capacity including torque converter.
Type:
NV3550 5-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid Type:
NV3550 Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - Often GL-3 or GL-4 rated, consult specific Jeep service information. Mopar MS-9224 is a common recommendation.
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 US quarts (2.3 Liters)
Transfer Case:
NP231 Command-Trac (Part-Time, 2WD/4WD Part-Time)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
ATF+4 or equivalent.
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.7 US quarts (1.6 Liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) in earlier tests, though specific ratings can vary by testing year and methodology.
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable to Good, depending on specific configurations and testing parameters.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on front and rear wheels (standard on most 2001 models).
Traction Control:
Not typically available on 2001 models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts in front, 3-point lap and shoulder belts in rear (depending on seating configuration).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced unibody structure designed to provide a measure of rollover protection. Factory roll bar not standard.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with optional Infinity Gold premium sound system. Basic speaker configuration.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with optional Air Conditioning.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trim levels.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Usb Ports:
Not available from the factory.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Consider 5,000 miles for synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission fluid interval (typically 60,000-100,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
4.0L: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) if using platinum/iridium plugs. Refer to manual for specific plug type.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), especially if used for off-roading or towing. Check specific axle lubricant type.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or equivalent.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can lead to no-start or stalling issues, a common fix for the 4.0L engine.
Cylinder Head Cracks:
While less common in later years, early XJs with the 4.0L could experience cracked cylinder heads due to overheating. The 2001 models generally have improved head designs but are still susceptible if poorly maintained.
Heater Core:
Leaking heater cores can lead to coolant loss and a wet passenger-side floor. Replacement requires dashboard removal.
Steering Box Play:
Wear in the steering box can lead to excessive play and imprecise steering.
Rust:
Areas like the rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and floor pans are prone to rust, especially in areas with road salt.
Leaf Spring Perches:
Rear leaf spring perches can rust and fail, especially in the northern states. This requires repair or replacement.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's legacy dates back to World War II with the Willys MB, establishing a reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.
Xj Introduction:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ was introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride while retaining off-road prowess.
Xj Lifespan:
Produced from 1984 to 2001 in North America, the XJ is one of the longest-running Jeep models.
Xj Updates For 2001:
For 2001, the XJ received minor updates including revised interior trim, improved front seats, and standard 16-inch wheels on some models. The 4.0L engine received minor internal revisions. The 2.5L engine was phased out in many markets.
Production Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA. Also produced in Argentina, Venezuela, and Egypt.
Production Volume:
Over 3 million XJ Cherokees produced globally during its lifespan.