Segment:
Compact SUV, Off-road capable
Segment Description:
Pioneering the modern SUV segment, the Cherokee XJ offered a blend of utility, off-road prowess, and relatively compact dimensions.
Competitors 1988-2001:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero, Isuzu Rodeo
Unibody Construction:
Revolutionary for its time, the XJ featured a unibody construction, reducing weight and improving on-road manners compared to body-on-frame SUVs.
Powertrain Options:
Renowned for the durable and torquey 4.0L inline-six engine, also available with a capable 2.5L four-cylinder.
4X4 Systems:
Offered with legendary Jeep 4x4 systems like Command-Trac and Selec-Trac, providing excellent off-road capability.
Powertrain:
Engine (2.5L AMC 150, 4.0L AMC 242), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Clutch, Manual Transmission (AX-4, BA/10-5), Automatic Transmission (AW4)
Chassis:
Driveline, Four-Wheel Drive System (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), Axles (Dana 30, Chrysler 8.25), Suspension (Leaf Spring Rear, Coil Spring Front), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories, Fuses and Relays, Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostics, Body Control Module (BCM) Diagnostics (later models)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Glass, Seals, Bumpers, Structural Components
General Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, Air filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush and fill, Brake fluid flush, Belt inspection and replacement, Battery maintenance, Tire rotation and pressure checks
Engine Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Cylinder head service, Piston and connecting rod service, Crankshaft service, Camshaft service, Oil pump replacement, Timing chain/gear replacement
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, Transmission removal and installation, Clutch hydraulic system service, Manual transmission overhaul, Automatic transmission overhaul (AW4 specific procedures)
Drivetrain Repair:
Driveshaft removal and installation, U-joint replacement, Axle housing inspection and repair, Differential service, Transfer case service (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Shock absorber and strut replacement, Leaf spring replacement, Ball joint and tie rod end replacement, Power steering pump and gearbox service, Brake pad and rotor replacement, Brake caliper and wheel cylinder service, Parking brake adjustment
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, Troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, Sensor testing and replacement, Actuator testing, ECM/PCM diagnosis and repair
Body And Interior:
Door and window regulator repair, Lock mechanism service, Seat repair, Headliner replacement, Weatherstrip replacement, Body panel alignment
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, in-depth electrical diagnostics, and detailed troubleshooting procedures.
Engine Name 1:
AMC 150 (2.5L)
Configuration 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.75 in x 3.75 in (95.25 mm x 95.25 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.7:1 (typical, varies by year)
Horsepower 1:
121-130 hp @ 4000-4600 RPM (varies by year)
Torque 1:
170-180 lb-ft @ 2400-3200 RPM (varies by year)
Fuel System 1:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System 1:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor type (varies by year)
Engine Name 2:
AMC 242 (4.0L)
Configuration 2:
Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement 2:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke 2:
3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.7 mm)
Compression Ratio 2:
8.8:1 to 10.0:1 (varies significantly by year and head design)
Horsepower 2:
177-190 hp @ 4400-4700 RPM (varies by year)
Torque 2:
220-255 lb-ft @ 2000-3200 RPM (varies by year)
Fuel System 2:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System 2:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Manual Transmission Options:
AX-4 (4-speed), BA/10-5 (5-speed - Peugeot/Renault sourced, less common/desirable)
Automatic Transmission:
AW4 (4-speed automatic, manufactured by Aisin-Warner)
Aw4 Features:
Electronically controlled, known for durability and smooth shifting. Features multiple drive modes (e.g., 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low).
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific model year for precise recommendation)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid, backwards compatible with earlier Mopar ATF+ types)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.5 - 177.6 inches (4255 - 4511 mm) (varies by year/bumper style)
Width:
69.3 - 70.0 inches (1760 - 1778 mm)
Height:
63.7 - 66.0 inches (1618 - 1676 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 - 9.5 inches (221 - 241 mm) (varies by suspension/tire size)
Curb Weight:
3100 - 3600 lbs (1406 - 1633 kg) (varies by engine, drivetrain, and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4500 - 4750 lbs (2041 - 2154 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 30.8 cubic feet (872 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 69.0 cubic feet (1954 liters)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:
3 out of 5 stars (varies by year and specific test)
Brake System:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (standard), Rear disc brakes optional on some later models. Optional ABS on some models.
Four Wheel Drive Systems:
Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac (Full-time/Part-time 4WD) - enhancing traction and stability.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts, Lap belts in rear (later models may have three-point rear belts)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag introduced mid-generation (around 1994-1995), passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Early Models Audio:
AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.
Later Models Audio:
Improved AM/FM/CD players, optional Infinity sound systems, steering wheel audio controls on some trims.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select models, typically rear-wheel ABS initially, later potentially 4-wheel ABS.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional on most trims.
Early Models Connectivity:
Limited; typically no integrated connectivity features.
Later Models Connectivity:
Some models may have had optional power windows, power locks, and remote keyless entry.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - consult manual)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type and vehicle age)
Transmission Fluid Service Automatic:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-3 years (recommended, especially for heavy use)
Transmission Fluid Service Manual:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 4-6 years
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (for modern iridium/platinum plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L:
Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 miles (for older copper plugs)
Engine Oil Spec 4.0L:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Spec 2.5L:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a green or orange color. Refer to manual for specific type and capacity.
Common Problems 4.0L:
Cracked cylinder head (especially 1991-1995 4.0L HO), oil filter adapter O-ring leaks, rear main seal leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, rust (frame rails, rocker panels, floor pans).
Common Problems 2.5L:
Lifter noise, distributor O-ring leaks, exhaust manifold cracks.
Common Problems General:
Power steering leaks, AC system issues, saggy rear leaf springs, worn out bushings (control arm, sway bar), fuel pump failure, transfer case chain stretch.
Jeep Legacy:
Building on a reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability established by earlier Jeep models (CJ series, Wagoneer).
Introduction Year:
1984 (for the XJ generation)
Major Updates 1988-2001:
1991: Major facelift with revised interior and exterior styling, introduction of the 4.0L HO engine. 1997: Second major facelift (often referred to as 'facelift II' or 'revised XJ') with redesigned front and rear fascias, improved interior, and updated powertrain options.
Product Line Extension:
The XJ platform also underpinned the Jeep Comanche (MJ) pickup truck.
Production Period:
1984-2001 (globally, North American production ended in 2001)
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; and other international facilities.
Off Road Magazine Awards:
Frequently recognized by off-road publications for its capability and value.
Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:
Often cited as a benchmark in the compact SUV category for its blend of refinement and off-road prowess.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varies by year; some years received good ratings for performance and reliability, while others noted potential issues with specific components.
