Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Families, off-road enthusiasts, luxury buyers seeking capability
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Range Rover Discovery
Distinguishing Features:
Iconic Jeep off-road capability, comfortable ride, refined interior for the era, available powerful V8 engines
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control system
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 42RE, 44RE), manual transmission (less common), transfer case (e.g., NP242, NP249)
Drivetrain Systems:
Front axle, rear axle, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints
Suspension Systems:
Front suspension (e.g., short/long arm), rear suspension (e.g., leaf spring, coil spring), steering system
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (standard on most ZG/ZJ), ABS system
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, engine control module (ECM)
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, frame, corrosion protection
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbag systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake service, tire rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing virtually all major vehicle components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, detailed wiring schematics for all electrical systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths
Depth:
Advanced Diagnostics and Full Rebuild Procedures
Scope:
Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complex electrical troubleshooting and major mechanical overhauls
Engine Option 1:
4.0L Inline-6 (242 cu in) OHV
Engine Option 2:
5.2L V8 (318 cu in) OHV Magnum
Engine Option 3:
5.9L V8 (360 cu in) OHV Magnum (Late 1997/1998)
4.0L I6 Horsepower:
Approx. 185 hp @ 4,700 rpm
4.0L I6 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm
5.2L V8 Horsepower:
Approx. 205 hp @ 4,500 rpm
5.2L V8 Torque:
Approx. 275 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Cylinder Head Design:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore Stroke 4.0L:
3.88 x 3.57 in (98.5 x 90.6 mm)
Bore Stroke 5.2L:
3.91 x 3.57 in (99.3 x 90.6 mm)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE or 44RE)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500, less common)
4X4 Systems:
Selec-Trac (part-time, full-time 4WD modes) or Quadra-Trac (full-time 4WD with viscous coupler)
Transfer Case Options:
New Process (NP) 242 (2WD/4WD Part-Time/Full-Time) or NP249 (Full-Time 4WD with viscous coupler)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar Specification)
Wheelbase:
101.5 inches (2578 mm)
Length:
177.1 inches (4498 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,900 - 4,400 lbs (1,769 - 2,000 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,400 - 5,800 lbs (2,449 - 2,631 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:
Approx. 38.7 cu ft (1,096 L)
Cargo Volume With Second Row Folded:
Approx. 72.2 cu ft (2,045 L)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
N/A (No specific rollover rating available for this model year in the era)
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Generally performed acceptably for its class and era, but may not meet modern standards.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most trims)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L and V8 in moderate climates), SAE 5W-30 for colder climates. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler's HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange or red.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4
Engine Common Problems:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L), oil leaks (rear main seal, valve cover gasket), intake manifold gasket leaks (V8)
Transmission Common Problems:
Overheating, torque converter issues, worn clutches and bands (42RE/44RE)
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, track bar issues, sagging springs
Electrical Common Problems:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator failures, alternator issues, ECC (Electronic Climate Control) module failures
Cooling System Common Problems:
Radiator leaks, heater core leaks, water pump failures
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles
Zg Zj Generation:
Second generation of the Grand Cherokee, a significant update from the XJ Cherokee, introducing unibody construction and a more refined interior.
Zg Designation:
ZG is the designation used for models sold in Australia and some other markets outside North America, equivalent to the North American ZJ platform.
Production Years:
1993-1998 (ZJ platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Detroit, Michigan, USA