Segment:
Mid-size/Full-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Range Rover Classic.
Vehicle Appeal:
Off-road capability, comfortable ride, upscale interior for its era, powerful engine options.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain and repair their ZJ, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle care.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case, driveline (front and rear axles, driveshafts, CV joints).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, climate control (HVAC), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, seats), lighting system, instrumentation, audio system, basic wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for fault finding.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and installation (e.g., engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement).
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities and types, electrical component specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Advanced diagnostics, complete component overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, chassis alignment, powertrain rebuilds.
Engine Code 1:
4.0L Inline-6 (242 ci)
Engine Description 1:
Chrysler's robust and reliable "Power-Tech" inline-six cylinder engine.
Performance 1:
Approx. 190 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 lb-ft torque @ 3000 rpm (varies slightly by year).
Fuel System 1:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.88" x 3.57" (98.5 mm x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.8:1
Engine Code 2:
5.2L V8 (318 ci)
Engine Description 2:
Chrysler Magnum V8 engine.
Performance 2:
Approx. 220 hp @ 4500 rpm, 285 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (varies slightly by year).
Fuel System 2:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore X Stroke 2:
3.91" x 3.31" (99.3 mm x 84.1 mm)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.1:1
Engine Code 3:
5.9L V8 (360 ci)
Engine Description 3:
Larger displacement Chrysler Magnum V8 engine.
Performance 3:
Approx. 235 hp @ 4600 rpm, 325 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm (varies slightly by year).
Fuel System 3:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore X Stroke 3:
4.01" x 3.57" (101.6 mm x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 3:
9.1:1
Transmission Type 1:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type 2:
44RE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type 3:
NV3550 5-Speed Manual (less common, primarily early models)
Transfer Case 1:
Selec-Trac NV242 (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time)
Transfer Case 2:
Quadra-Trac NV249 (Full-Time 4WD with viscous coupling, standard on V8 models)
Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (or equivalent, consult specific year manual for initial fill)
Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 3.5-4 quarts (pan drop) / 9-10 quarts (total)
Fluid Type Manual:
MS-9224 (or equivalent, typically SAE 75W-90 synthetic)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Likely 3-star or 4-star for this era (specific data often varies).
ABS:
Standard on most later models, optional or part of specific packages on earlier ZJs.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard throughout the ZJ's production.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for front and rear occupants.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette with optional CD player. Bose premium sound system available on higher trims.
Controls:
Manual HVAC controls, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available.
Original Connectivity:
Limited by era; primarily basic radio and speaker connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (dependent on driving conditions).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Spec 4.0L:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for temperature-dependent recommendations)
Engine Oil Spec V8:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for temperature-dependent recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically Mopar (Chrysler) green coolant or equivalent.
Power Steering Pump Leaks:
Common on higher mileage units, often from the pump body or hoses.
Heater Core Failure:
Leads to interior fogging and coolant smell; a common repair involving dashboard removal.
Transfer Case Pump Failure:
Specifically in the NV242/NV249, the pump can fail, leading to loss of 4WD functionality.
Transmission Slipping:
Often related to fluid level, solenoid issues, or internal wear; requires diagnostics.
Radiator Leaks:
Aging plastic end tanks can crack, leading to coolant loss.
Dashboard Cracking:
UV exposure can cause the dashboard to crack, particularly on earlier models.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep is a brand with a rich history in off-road vehicles, originating from military applications.
Zj Introduction:
The ZJ Grand Cherokee was introduced for the 1993 model year, marking Jeep's entry into the luxury SUV market.
Zj Key Updates:
Significant updates included the introduction of the 5.2L V8 in 1993, the 5.9L V8 and improved interiors in 1998, and minor facelift in 1996.
Production Years:
1993-1998
Manufacturing Plant:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan.
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Grand Cherokee was named MotorTrend's SUV of the Year for 1993.
Four Wheeler Pickup Truck Of The Year:
Often praised for its off-road capability, though not a primary award category for this vehicle.
Consumer Reports:
Varied over the years; generally rated average to good for reliability and comfort.