Market Position:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee XJ (specifically this 2000 model year) represents the final iteration of a highly successful and rugged compact SUV that carved a significant niche in the automotive market. Known for its off-road prowess, unibody construction providing a smoother ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs, and iconic styling.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder. The XJ Grand Cherokee distinguished itself with its compact size, superior off-road capability (especially with its Quadra-Trac system), and the robust 4.0L inline-six engine.
Key Features:
Iconic XJ styling, legendary 4.0L inline-six engine, unibody construction, significant off-road capability, durable drivetrain components, and a loyal following.
Systems Covered:
Engine (4.0L I6), Transmission (42RE Automatic, NV3550 Manual), Drivetrain (NP231 Transfer Case, Dana 30 Front Axle, Dana 35/8.25 Rear Axle), Brakes (ABS and non-ABS), Steering, Suspension, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (including ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams), HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior Components, SRS (Airbag) System.
Emissions Control:
Coverage of emission control systems, catalytic converter, O2 sensors, and related components.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, component diagnostics, disassembly and assembly, repair procedures, torque specifications, electrical system diagnosis with wiring diagrams, body repair, HVAC service, brake system bleeding and repair, drivetrain alignment, suspension and steering component replacement, engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their resolutions.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for electrical diagnostics and repairs.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to full engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body work. Includes detailed schematics, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Coverage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and procedures for reading/clearing them using appropriate diagnostic tools or methods.
Torque Specifications:
Extensive torque specifications for virtually every fastener and component across the vehicle.
Primary Engine:
4.0L (242ci) OHV Inline-6 (PowerTech)
Horsepower:
Approximately 190 hp @ 4,600 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 235 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.580 in (98.4 mm x 90.9 mm)
Standard Transmission:
42RE 4-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
NV3550 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Part-time Command-Trac (NV231) or Full-time Selec-Trac (NV242) 2-speed transfer case. Optional: NP242 (full-time) or NP231 (part-time).
Fluid Type Automatic:
ATF+4 (Chrysler specification Mopar)
Fluid Type Manual:
NV3550: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (e.g., Pennzoil Synchromesh).
Transfer Case Models:
NP231 (Command-Trac, part-time), NP242 (Selec-Trac, full-time).
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
173.4 inches (4404 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
63.7 inches (1618 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg), varies by configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,800 - 5,200 lbs (2177 - 2359 kg)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8.5 inches (216 mm) stock.
Suspension Front:
Solid front axle with leaf springs (leaf spring conversion common for off-road, original was a robust setup for its class) or coil springs with leading arms (on some XJ variants depending on year/spec).
Suspension Rear:
Solid rear axle with leaf springs.
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
N/A for this specific year and model, but XJ generally considered stable for its class.
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, optional traction control.
Passive Features:
Driver and passenger front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced unibody structure.
Brakes Front:
Vented Disc Brakes
Brakes Rear:
Drum Brakes (Rear disc optional/less common)
Infotainment System:
Base stereo systems with AM/FM radio, cassette, and CD player options. Limited digital integration common for the era.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional ABS, some models may have had basic cruise control.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to standard radio inputs, possibly a 12V power outlet. No Bluetooth or USB ports standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on driving conditions. Manual transmission fluid change intervals are typically longer.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for colder climates).
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar OAT-50/50 mix.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Known Issues:
Common issues include head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.0L engines, though less common by 2000), oil filter housing leaks, power steering pump leaks, starter motor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, and minor electrical gremlins. Rust on the unibody, particularly around the rocker panels and rear quarter panels, is also a concern.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mopar: MO-098, Fram: PH8A, Wix: 51515 (Common for 4.0L).
Air Filter Part Number:
Mopar: 53007231, Fram: CA8017, Wix: 42141 (Verify for specific engine).
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11 quarts (10.4 liters).
Tire Size:
Common sizes include P225/75R15, P235/70R15. Manual will specify exact sizes for trim levels.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inches (5x114.3 mm)
Brand Heritage:
Jeep has a long-standing heritage in off-road vehicles, dating back to World War II with the Willys MB. This legacy of ruggedness and capability is a core tenet of the brand.
Model Evolution:
The XJ platform (Cherokee) debuted in 1984 and was revolutionary for its unibody construction, which offered a lighter, more fuel-efficient, and comfortable ride compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs. The Grand Cherokee, introduced in 1993 as a more upscale sibling, shared much of its DNA but was positioned as a more refined SUV. The 2000 model is part of the second generation of the Grand Cherokee (ZJ/WJ series), though this listing specifies XJ which likely refers to a manual covering the XJ Cherokee that was still in production alongside the Grand Cherokee, or a mislabeling and it should be a WJ Grand Cherokee manual. Assuming the product name is accurate and it's for an XJ generation that continued through 2001 for the Cherokee model, this 2000 manual would cover the final XJ Cherokee years.
Production Years Xj Cherokee:
1984-2001
Production Years Grand Cherokee Xj Platform:
1993-2004 (ZJ/WJ, Grand Cherokee shared underlying principles but not identical architecture with XJ Cherokee).