🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1999

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, families, utility vehicle buyers

Competitors 1999:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Competitive Advantage:

Renowned off-road capability, strong solid axle design (front on some models), robust powertrain options

Design Philosophy:

Compact, capable, and durable SUV with traditional Jeep ruggedness

Platform:

Unibody construction, a departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs of the era

Powertrain Options:

Choice between a capable 4-cylinder and the legendary inline-6 engine

Drivetrain Options:

Versatile 2WD and 4WD systems

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

Primary Coverage:

1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (42RE, 44RE), 5-speed Manual (AX-15, NV3550)

Drivetrain:

4WD (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), Rear Wheel Drive

Suspension:

Front Solid Axle (Dana 30), Rear Leaf Spring Solid Axle (Dana 35)

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum (ABS optional)

Steering:

Power Recirculating Ball

Electrical:

12V System, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, Fuses, Relays

HVAC:

Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation

Fuel System:

Fuel Injection (MPI), Fuel Pump, Lines, Tank

Exhaust System:

Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes

Cooling System:

Radiator, Fan, Thermostat, Water Pump

Body And Frame:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Hatch, Interior Trim, Unibody Construction

Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-based Problem Solving, Electrical Schematics

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Repair

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Procedures, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive Factory Level Detail

Diagnostic Capabilities:

In-depth diagnostics covering mechanical, electrical, and computer systems

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete rebuild procedures for major components like engines and transmissions

Diagrams Illustrations:

High-quality, detailed diagrams and illustrations for clarity

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Print Manual

Physical Dimensions:

Standard Manual Size (Approx. 8.5" x 11")

Paper Quality:

Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments

Print Clarity:

Clear, crisp text and high-resolution diagrams

Binding:

Professional Binding (e.g., Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound for easy page turning)

Durability:

Designed for frequent use in a workshop setting

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (150 ci)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder (AMC 2.5L '150')

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 RPM

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.0 Liters (242 ci)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 6-Cylinder (AMC 4.0L '242')

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 190 hp @ 4600 RPM

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

ECM:

Chrysler JTEC or NGC depending on build date/options

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission 1:

AX-15 5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission 2:

NV3550 5-Speed Manual (later production models)

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac (NV242), Command-Trac (NV231)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-3/GL-4 (Manual Transmission Fluid, e.g., Pennzoil Synchromesh)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Length:

167.5 inches

Width:

70.4 inches

Height:

65.9 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 94 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30 cu ft

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 67 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500-3800 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4900-5100 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Four Stars (for 4WD models in some configurations)

ABS:

Optional on rear disc brake models, standard on some later models

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear lap belts (later models may have 3-point rear)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Cassette stereo, optional CD player. Basic speaker configuration.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, engine temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trim levels

Anti Theft System:

Factory immobilizer system (standard on some models)

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically available from the factory; aftermarket solutions are common.

OBD Port:

Standard OBD-II diagnostic port, allowing for engine code reading and basic diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used)

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change

Engine Coolant Flush:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and fluid type)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SH, SJ certified oil. Viscosity: 5W-30 for most conditions, 10W-30 for warmer climates (refer to manual for exact specs).

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT or HOAT, typically green for this era) or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or equivalent

Common Issue 1:

Cracked cylinder heads on the 4.0L engine (especially earlier versions, though less common in '99)

Common Issue 2:

Water pump leaks

Common Issue 3:

Aging rubber bushings in suspension components leading to play

Common Issue 4:

Electrical gremlins, especially concerning window regulators and door lock actuators

Common Issue 5:

Rusty unibody frame rails and rocker panels

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Founded on military necessity, Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles.

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced for the 1984 model year, pioneering the compact SUV segment.

Xj Generations:

The XJ Cherokee was produced in a single generation from 1984 to 2001, with significant updates occurring throughout its lifespan.

1999 Updates:

The 1999 model year saw continued refinement, with updated interior and exterior styling compared to earlier XJs. The 4.0L engine was significantly upgraded for increased horsepower and torque, and the transmission options remained robust.

Production Period:

1984-2001

Manufacturing Locations:

Various plants in the United States and Canada.