🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1999

Drivetrain:

4x2

Steering Side:

LHD

Engine Type:

Gasoline

Vin Decoder Start Year:

1999

Vin Decoder Model Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ (1999 model year) represented a highly capable and popular compact SUV, known for its ruggedness and off-road prowess, even in 2WD configurations. This manual serves owners and technicians who value detailed, manufacturer-specific information for maintaining and repairing this iconic vehicle.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Blazer. The XJ's unibody construction and solid axle front suspension (though coil sprung on most models, but leaf sprung solid axle rear) set it apart in its early years.

Features:

Durable 4.0L inline-six engine, robust unibody construction, comfortable interior for its class, strong aftermarket support, and a reputation for longevity and capability.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Diagnostics:

Included

Transmission Repair:

Included

Suspension Systems:

Included

Brake Systems:

Included

Electrical Diagnostics:

Included

Body And Frame:

Included

HVAC System:

Included

Cooling System:

Included

Fuel System Repair:

Included

Exhaust System:

Included

Steering And Alignment:

Included

Wheels And Tires:

Included

Interior Trim:

Included

Exterior Body Panels:

Included

Lighting System:

Included

Restraint Systems:

Included

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Included

Maintenance Schedules:

Included

Torque Specifications:

Included

Wiring Diagrams:

Included

Schematics:

Included

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4.0L (242 ci) OHV I6 (AMC 242)

Transmission:

AX-15 Manual Transmission, AW-4 Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case:

NP231 Command-Trac (if equipped)

Front Axle:

Dana 30 (4x2 specification implies no front drive axle components covered in detail)

Rear Axle:

Chrysler 8.25 or Dana 35 (depending on build)

Brakes:

Front Disc / Rear Drum

Steering:

Power Steering System

Suspension:

Front Leaf Spring (leaf sprung solid axle), Rear Leaf Spring

Electrical:

Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections

Engine Repair:

Complete Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston and Connecting Rod Service, Crankshaft Service, Timing Chain Replacement

Transmission Overhaul:

Manual and Automatic Transmission Disassembly, Inspection, Repair, and Reassembly

Brake System Repair:

Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining or Replacement, Caliper/Wheel Cylinder Overhaul, Brake Line Inspection and Replacement

Suspension Component Replacement:

Leaf Spring Bushing Replacement, Shock Absorber Replacement

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Component Testing, Circuit Diagnosis, Fuse and Relay Identification

Fuel System Diagnosis And Repair:

Fuel Pump Replacement, Fuel Injector Cleaning/Replacement, Fuel Filter Replacement

Cooling System Service:

Radiator Replacement, Water Pump Replacement, Thermostat Replacement, Coolant Flush and Fill

Exhaust System Repair:

Muffler Replacement, Catalytic Converter Replacement, Pipe Repair/Replacement

Body Panel Alignment And Repair:

Door, Hood, and Tailgate Adjustment and Replacement

HVAC Component Replacement:

Blower Motor Replacement, Heater Core Replacement, A/C Evaporator/Condenser Service

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Adobe PDF Reader recommended for optimal viewing of images and graphics.

Quality:

High-resolution PDF suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine:

4.0L (3956 cc) OHV 12-valve Inline-6 (AMC 242)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.563 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Firing Order:

1-5-3-6-2-4

Valve Mechanism:

Overhead Valve (OHV) with Hydraulic Lifters

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 4700 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec)

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Octane Rating Recommended:

87 AKI

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 API SN or higher (Check manual for specific viscosity/API rating for ambient temperatures)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Coolant Capacity:

11.9 US quarts (11.3 liters) for 4.0L engine

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

AX-15 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

AW-4 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (e.g., NV3550 spec fluid)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (previously ATF+3) - crucial to use correct spec

Manual Transmission Capacity:

2.8 US quarts (2.6 liters)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

6.7 US quarts (6.3 liters) dry fill, 5.2 US quarts (4.9 liters) drain and fill

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

71.0 inches (1803 mm)

Height:

64.7 inches (1643 mm)

Curb Weight:

3350 - 3500 lbs (1520 - 1588 kg) approx., varies by trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4600 - 4850 lbs (2087 - 2200 kg) approx.

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

33.9 cubic feet (0.96 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

69.0 cubic feet (1.95 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4/5 stars (for 4-door models)

ABS:

Optional on some trims, standard on others (typically rear-wheel anti-lock brakes)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player. Upgraded speaker systems available.

Display:

Analog gauges and basic indicator lights. No central infotainment screen.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional, typically rear-wheel ABS

Connectivity Options:

Limited to basic 12V power outlet for accessories. Aftermarket Bluetooth and audio interfaces commonly installed by owners.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Full synthetic oil may extend this interval.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Check at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Check at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace filter and fluid every 45,000-60,000 miles (72,000-96,000 km).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) for original Champion spark plugs, or sooner if experiencing issues. Check manual for specific plug type recommendations.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar NV231 Transfer Case Lubricant or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF

Transfer Case Capacity:

1.6 US quarts (1.5 liters)

Rear Axle Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil (check for limited-slip if applicable)

Rear Axle Capacity:

2.2 US quarts (2.1 liters) for Chrysler 8.25, 2.75 US quarts (2.6 liters) for Dana 35

Common Problems:

Cracked cylinder heads (early 4.0L models, though less common by '99), radiator leaks, worn leaf spring bushings, death wobble (requiring steering/suspension alignment and component checks), PCM failure, exhaust manifold cracks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Jeep, a marque synonymous with off-road capability and ruggedness, traces its origins to military vehicles of World War II. Its reputation for durability and adventure has been a cornerstone of its identity for decades.

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was revolutionary when introduced in 1984 as the first mass-produced 'compact' SUV with a unibody construction, offering a lighter, more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Xj Generation Years:

1984-2001 (North America)

Xj 1999 Updates:

The 1999 model year falls within the 'second generation' facelift which began in 1997. Key updates included a revised exterior with improved aerodynamics and larger bumpers, a refined interior with improved ergonomics and materials, and some powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Span:

1983-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:

Jeep Cherokee named a 'Car of the Year' by Popular Mechanics in 1984, recognizing its innovative unibody design and utility.

Motortrend 4X4 Of The Year:

Cherokee XJ models often cited in automotive media for their off-road capability and value, though the specific '4x4 of the Year' award might vary by publication and specific model year focus.