Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians working on ZJ Grand Cherokees
Competitors 1993 1998:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery, Mitsubishi Montero
Vehicle Appeal:
Off-road capability, comfortable ride, spacious interior, iconic Jeep styling
Benefit:
Enables DIY repairs, reduces reliance on expensive dealership service, facilitates proper maintenance for longevity
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, transfer case (New Process 242, New Process 249, NV242, NV249), driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (42RE, 46RH) and Manual Transmission (AX-15, NV3550 - less common for ZJ but sometimes discussed in broader Chrysler manuals)
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnostics
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering knuckles, linkage
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, intermediate shaft
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM - if applicable for later models), ignition switch
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant system, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, glass replacement
Chassis:
Frame and body structure, torque specifications for chassis components
Maintenance:
Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, electrical, and HVAC issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, testing procedures for sensors and actuators
Wiring:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including component locations and connector pinouts
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, pressure readings, engine timing, valve clearances, and other critical technical data
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Expert (detailed diagrams, component-specific instructions, factory procedures)
Engine 1:
4.0L "High Output" Inline 6-cylinder (242 cu in)
Engine 1 Power:
185-190 hp @ 4750 rpm (model year dependent)
Engine 1 Torque:
220-235 lb-ft @ 3250-3500 rpm (model year dependent)
Engine 2:
5.2L Magnum V8 (318 cu in)
Engine 2 Power:
220-230 hp @ 4800 rpm (model year dependent)
Engine 2 Torque:
295-300 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm (model year dependent)
Engine 3:
5.9L Magnum V8 (360 cu in) - Introduced later in the ZJ generation
Engine 3 Power:
230-245 hp @ 4800 rpm (model year dependent)
Engine 3 Torque:
325-345 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm (model year dependent)
Compression Ratio 4.0L:
8.8:1
Bore Stroke 4.0L:
3.88 x 3.58 in (98.5 x 90.9 mm)
Bore Stroke 5.2L:
3.92 x 3.57 in (99.5 x 90.5 mm)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Pump Pressure:
31-39 PSI
Transmission 1:
42RE 4-speed Automatic (with Overdrive)
Transmission 2:
46RH 4-speed Automatic (with Overdrive) - Often paired with V8 engines
Transmission 3:
AX-15 5-speed Manual (less common, primarily early models and specific trims)
Transfer Case 1:
Selec-Trac (NP242) - Full-time 4WD with 2WD option
Transfer Case 2:
Quadra-Trac (NP249) - Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling (standard on Limited trims)
Gear Ratios 42Re:
1st: 2.74, 2nd: 1.57, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.69, Reverse: 2.23
Transmission Fluid Type 42Re/46Rh:
ATF+4 (or equivalent Mopar/Chrysler ATF+3 prior to ATF+4)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Re:
Approx. 9 quarts (8.5 liters) dry fill, 6.7 quarts (6.3 liters) drain and fill
Wheelbase:
109.5 inches (2781 mm)
Length:
177.8 - 183.1 inches (4516 - 4651 mm) (depending on bumper/spare tire mount)
Width:
70.5 - 71.7 inches (1791 - 1821 mm)
Height:
64.1 - 66.1 inches (1628 - 1679 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 102.7 cu ft (2908 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 44.2 cu ft (1252 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 78.8 cu ft (2231 liters)
Curb Weight 4.0L:
Approx. 3900 - 4200 lbs (1769 - 1905 kg)
Curb Weight 5.2L:
Approx. 4100 - 4400 lbs (1859 - 1996 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 6,500 lbs (2948 kg) (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 stars (for most configurations)
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Fair to Good in frontal offset tests (depending on year and specific test)
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some earlier base trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, often tied to Quadra-Trac system
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard on this generation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months (recommended by many experts for longevity, manual may state longer)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (19,300 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Every 30,000 miles (48,300 km) (using specified plugs)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 miles (48,300 km) or 24 months (especially under severe use)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,300 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil 4.0L:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Engine Oil 5.2L/5.9L:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically green color for this era)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4
Common Problem 1:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially 4.0L early models due to heat/material)
Common Problem 2:
Water pump leaks and failures
Common Problem 3:
Transfer case chain stretch (NP249, NP242)
Common Problem 4:
Front differential and axle seal leaks
Common Problem 5:
Heater core leaks, clogged heater cores
Common Problem 6:
Transmission solenoid failures (especially in 42RE)
Common Problem 7:
Rear main seal leaks (crankshaft)
Common Problem 8:
Window regulator failures
Jeep Legacy:
Renowned for off-road prowess and ruggedness since WWII
Generation Code:
ZJ (first generation Grand Cherokee)
Key Design Features:
Unibody construction (uncommon for SUVs at the time), coil springs all around, more refined interior than XJ Cherokee
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Updated styling, improved interior (1996), introduction of 5.9L V8 engine (1998)
Production Years:
1993-1998
Manufacturing Plants:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA