Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, utility vehicle buyers, general consumers seeking rugged and capable SUVs
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder
Competitive Advantage:
Renowned off-road capability, strong aftermarket support, robust and simple mechanical design
Platform:
Unibody construction (unique for its era in this segment), solid front and rear axles (except for some earlier XJs which might have had coil front, but 2000 is solid)
Off Road Capability:
Command-Trac (NV231) and Selec-Trac (NV242) transfer cases, robust solid axles, good approach/departure angles
Durability:
Long-standing reputation for durability and longevity, especially with the 4.0L engine.
Engine Variants Covered:
4.0L "High Output" Power Tech Inline-6, 2.5L "50 State" Power Tech Inline-4
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels for the 2000 model year (e.g., Sport, Classic, Limited, Freedom Edition)
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 1500-2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)
Manual Type:
Official Factory Service & Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (AX-5, NV3550), Automatic transmission (AW-4, 30RH, 42RE), Transfer case (NP231, NP242), Drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts, differentials)
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (leaf spring solid axle), Rear suspension (leaf spring solid axle), Steering system (power steering pump, steering gear)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes, ABS system (if equipped), Parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, chassis components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Specifications Adjustments:
Torque specifications, alignment specifications, component clearances, diagnostic tool usage
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code 1:
AMC 242 (4.0L High Output Power Tech)
Displacement 1:
3960 cc (242 cubic inches)
Configuration 1:
Inline 6-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV)
Bore Stroke 1:
98.5 mm x 86.6 mm (3.88 in x 3.41 in)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.75:1
Horsepower 1:
182 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
Engine Code 2:
AMC 2.5L Power Tech
Displacement 2:
2464 cc (150.5 cubic inches)
Configuration 2:
Inline 4-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV)
Horsepower 2:
114 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Torque 2:
145 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum recommended
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12 quarts (11.4 liters) for 4.0L, 10 quarts (9.5 liters) for 2.5L
Oil Type 4.0L:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific climate variations)
Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Oil Type 2.5L:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific climate variations)
Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
Standard Transmission 4.0L
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE or 44RE)
Standard Transmission 2.5L
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (AX-5 or NV3550)
Optional Transmission 4.0L
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AW-4 - common on earlier models, less so by 2000 but still possible)
Optional Transmission 2.5L
Transmission Type:
3-Speed Automatic (30RH)
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7 quarts (6.6 liters) for pan drop and fill
Fluid Specifications Manual
Fluid Type:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9070) or equivalent GL-3/GL-4 gear oil (check manual for specific grade)
Transfer Case Options:
New Process (NP) 231 Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD), NP 242 Selec-Trac (Full-time/Part-time 4WD)
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar) for NP231, NP242 (check manual for specific grade, often referred to as Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2 quarts (1.9 liters) for NP231/NP242
Length:
166.9 inches (4239 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
63.8 inches (1620 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Exterior Ground Clearance
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) (stock)
Curb Weight Est:
3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
4,700 - 5,200 lbs (2132 - 2359 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 30.3 cubic feet (858 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 69.0 cubic feet (1954 liters)
Standard Wheel Size:
15 or 16 inch alloy or steel wheels
Standard Tire Size:
P215/75R15, P225/75R15, P235/75R15, P235/70R16 (varies by trim and option)
Bolt Pattern:
5x4.5 inch (5x114.3 mm)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated or poor (due to age and design standards)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated or poor (due to age and design standards)
IIHS Side Impact:
Poor (for models without side airbags, which were not standard)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some higher trims (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS were less common than front disc/rear drum on the XJ, especially for the 2000 model year)
Traction Control:
Not commonly available for 2000 model year.
Airbags Driver:
Standard driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Passenger:
Standard driver and passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player, available amplified systems.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4-6 speakers (e.g., 2 dash, 2 front door, 2 rear pillar).
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Phone Integration:
Not available (era appropriate).
HVAC System:
Manual or optional automatic climate control, air conditioning, heater, recirculation mode.
Oil Change Interval Est:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil may extend this).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or more frequently if used for towing or off-roading.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 50,000 - 80,000 miles (80,000 - 128,000 km).
Transfer Case Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 80,000 miles (80,000 - 128,000 km).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Platinum or Iridium plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) with appropriate plugs.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar) or generic ATF
4.0L Engine:
Cracked cylinder heads (early models more prone, but can occur), camshaft wear, oil filter adapter O-ring leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, heater core issues.
Electrical:
Blend door actuator failures in HVAC, intermittent wiper issues, clock spring failure in steering wheel.
Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends (especially if used off-road), steering box looseness, track bar wear.
Rust:
Rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and floor pans are susceptible to rust, particularly in areas with road salt.
Brand Origin:
American Motors Corporation (AMC), later acquired by Chrysler in 1987
Lifespan:
1984-2001 (North America), 2001 (International), 2000 was towards the end of its very long production run.
Major Updates 2000:
Minor styling updates (e.g., revised bumpers, taillights), interior enhancements, and continued refinement of the 4.0L engine.
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Production Volume Est:
Over 2 million units produced globally throughout its lifespan.
Off Road Magazine Awards:
Frequently cited by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support throughout its lifespan.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received average to above-average reliability ratings for its era, with specific components like the 4.0L engine often praised.
Emission Standards:
Complies with EPA emission standards for the 2000 model year.