Model Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Reputation:
Renowned for its off-road capability, ruggedness, and iconic design. A benchmark for off-road enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Tacoma (pre-runner), Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Samurai (earlier), Land Rover Defender (earlier).
Iconic Design:
Classic Jeep CJ-inspired styling, iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, removable doors and top.
Off Road Prowess:
Solid front and rear axles, coil spring suspension, high ground clearance, available locking differentials (Rubicon).
Engine Options:
4.0L I6 (AMC 242), 2.5L I4 (AMC 150)
Transmission Options:
42RLE (4-speed Automatic), NV3550 (5-speed Manual), AX-15 (5-speed Manual - early models), NP231 (2-speed Transfer Case), NP241OR (2-speed Off-Road Transfer Case - Rubicon)
Drivetrain Configurations:
4x4 (Part-time Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Instant Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (4.0L I6, 2.5L I4), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine electrical, automatic transmission (42RLE), manual transmission (NV3550, AX-15), transfer cases (NP231, NP241OR).
Chassis:
Suspension (front solid axle, rear solid axle, coil springs, track bars, sway bars), steering system (power steering, steering linkage), braking system (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, audio systems, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and diagnostic procedures.
Body And Frame:
Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, frame structure, convertible top service, hardtop service.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, differential service, axle repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering linkage repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, driveability issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance and basic repairs to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Code:
AMC 242 (4.0L Inline-6)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
3952 cc (242 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.75:1
Horsepower Est:
181 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque Est:
222 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine Code:
AMC 150 (2.5L Inline-4)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline-4 Cylinder
Displacement:
2464 cc (150 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est:
119 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque Est:
145 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
0 60 Mph Est:
9-11 seconds (4.0L Automatic)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Standard Transmission:
NV3550 5-Speed Manual (most models)
Optional Transmission:
42RLE 4-Speed Automatic
Transfer Case Standard:
New Venture Gear NP231 Command-Trac (Part-time 2WD/4WD)
Transfer Case Optional:
New Process NP241OR Selec-Trac (Part-time 2WD/4WD, Full-time 4WD - Rubicon models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (API GL-3/GL-4 specification, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Length:
151.4 inches (3845 mm)
Width Over Fenders:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height To Top Of Hardtop:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
3450 - 3650 lbs (1565 - 1655 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:
4700 - 4800 lbs (2130 - 2180 kg)
Max Payload Est:
1150 - 1350 lbs (520 - 610 kg)
Audio System Options:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional Infinity speaker systems. Basic analog gauges and switchgear.
User Interface:
Simple, functional dashboard layout focused on durability and ease of use, even with gloves on.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic audio inputs. Later models may offer auxiliary input jacks.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on condition.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs; check manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km). Manual: Check manual, typically longer intervals.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or newer, SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L), SAE 5W-30 (for 2.5L/cold weather).
Engine Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap for specific recommendation).
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
Common failure on 4.0L engine leading to no-start or stalling conditions.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Can occur on 4.0L engines, often requires transmission removal.
Cooling System Leaks:
Radiator, hoses, and water pump can develop leaks over time.
Automatic Transmission Problems:
The 42RLE can sometimes exhibit shifting issues or torque converter clutch problems. Manual transmissions are generally robust.
Death Wobble:
A colloquial term for severe steering shimmy, often caused by worn steering components (track bar, ball joints, tie rod ends) or improper tire balance/pressure on solid axles.
Jeep Legacy:
Continuation of the rugged, go-anywhere Jeep lineage tracing back to the Willys MB.
Tj Introduction:
Introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year, replacing the aging YJ Wrangler. Featured a significant upgrade with coil springs instead of YJ's leaf springs.
Rubicon Variant:
Introduced in 2003, featuring Dana 44 axles, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and a lower transfer case gear ratio (4.0:1) for extreme off-road capability.
Significant Updates:
Minor updates over the years, including improved interiors, audio systems, and the introduction of the Rubicon trim. Last year of the 4.0L I6 was 2006.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
