Segment:
Compact SUV, Off-Road Vehicle
Competitors 1994:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco II, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Unibody Construction:
Pioneering unibody construction for SUVs, offering a lighter and more refined ride compared to body-on-frame competitors.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its off-road prowess, achieved through robust axles, available 4WD systems, and good ground clearance.
Versatility:
Suitable for both daily commuting and serious off-road adventures.
Engine:
4.0L Inline 6-cylinder (AMC 242), 2.5L Inline 4-cylinder (AMC 150)
Transmission:
42RE Automatic, AX-15 Manual
Drivetrain:
Command-Trac NV231 Transfer Case, Selec-Trac NV242 Transfer Case, Dana 30 Front Axle, Dana 35 Rear Axle
Suspension:
Front: Leaf Spring Solid Axle, Rear: Leaf Spring Solid Axle
Brakes:
Front: Disc, Rear: Drum
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Frame, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim
Steering:
Power Steering System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit Diagrams
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Installation:
Component Installation Procedures, Wiring Harness Routing
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Alignment Procedures, Jiggle valve operation
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
Digital Format:
PDF (typically searchable, printable)
Quality:
High-resolution scans for clarity of diagrams and text
Binding:
Not Applicable (Downloadable)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Downloadable)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
242 cu in (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.414 in (98.4 mm x 86.7 mm)
Horsepower:
177 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque:
224 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
150 cu in (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
123 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque:
147 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Type:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) - Sequential Ignition
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
166.7 inches (4234 mm)
Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
63.7 inches (1618 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
3,450 lbs (1565 kg) (approx.)
Curb Weight Max:
3,750 lbs (1701 kg) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
33.0 cu ft (934 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
71.0 cu ft (2009 L)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Likely 3-star rating, typical for SUVs of its era with solid axles.
ABS:
Available (standard on some higher trims, optional on others)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point, rear 2-point lap belts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varies by trim level.
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional, availability depends on trim and drivetrain.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard. Aftermarket solutions available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (or 5,000 miles with synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (check owner's manual for seasonal variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter for 4.0L; 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) for 2.5L
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+3 (MS-7176E) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (check specific manual for viscosity, e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Common Problems 4.0L:
Cracking of the cylinder head (especially pre-99 models, though 94 is less prone but not immune), heater control valve leaks, oil filter adapter O-ring leaks.
Common Problems 2.5L:
Cracked cylinder head, valve stem seal issues.
Common Problems Drivetrain:
Worn U-joints, death wobble (front axle/suspension issues), worn leaf spring bushings.
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty instrument cluster, window regulator failure, O2 sensor issues.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history in off-road and utility vehicles, dating back to World War II.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction and compact size.
Xj Facelift 1994:
The 1994 model year represents a significant facelift for the XJ, with updated exterior styling (new grille, fenders, bumpers) and interior refinements.
Production Years:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Off Road Magazine Awards:
The XJ Cherokee consistently received praise from off-road publications for its capabilities and was often cited as a benchmark for compact SUVs.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varies by year and specific components, but generally praised for its powertrain and off-road ability, with some noted issues in areas like brakes and electrical systems on older models.
