Segment:
Compact SUV, Off-Road Vehicle
Brand Perception:
Iconic off-road capability, ruggedness, and go-anywhere attitude.
Direct Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Vitara (at the time)
Platform:
Jeep TJ platform (short wheelbase, coil-sprung solid axles)
Off Road Capability:
Command-Trac NV241 GII transfer case, Dana axles, high ground clearance, short overhangs, available locking differentials.
Body Styles:
2-door (short wheelbase)
Customization:
Highly customizable with a vast aftermarket for modifications.
Engine:
4.0L Straight-6 (MPI), 2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (MPI)
Transmission:
42RLE Automatic, NV3550 Manual
Drivetrain:
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Systems, Transfer Case (NV241 GII), Dana 30 Front Axle, Dana 44 Rear Axle
Suspension:
Front and Rear Solid Axle Suspension, Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers, Control Arms, Track Bars
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (standard), Optional Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Gear Box
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM)
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Fuel Injectors, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System
Cooling System:
Radiator, Coolant Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System, Evaporator, Condenser, Blower Motor
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Hardtop/Soft Top Removal and Installation, Seats, Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation and Resolution
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) System, Scan Tool Usage, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Specifications:
Torque Specifications for Fasteners, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics, Component Dimensions
Technical Data:
Wiring Diagrams, Vacuum Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures, Alignment Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Name:
4.0L Inline-6 (High Output)
Displacement:
3952 cc (242 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore X Stroke:
98.4 mm x 86.6 mm (3.875 in x 3.41 in)
Compression Ratio:
8.75:1
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane recommended)
Engine Name:
2.4L Inline-4 (World Engine)
Displacement:
2429 cc (148 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), 16 valves
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star rating (for 2004 model year)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, standard on rear-disc brake models.
Traction Control:
Not standard on all models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Integral sport bar with sport cage structure.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty), consult manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L and 2.4L engines), consult owner's manual for exact specification (e.g., API certified).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter. 2.4L: 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.9 quarts (11.2 liters) for 4.0L.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters) for 42RLE (dry fill).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Lubricant)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Lubricant)
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (front and rear differentials), consult manual for specific capacity and additive requirements (e.g., limited-slip additive).
Common Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system issues (heater core leaks, radiator leaks), exhaust manifold cracks (especially on 4.0L), rear main seal leaks, door seal leaks, death wobble (suspension/steering component wear).
Tj Specific Issues:
Body tub rust, catalytic converter failure, fuel pump issues, interior trim wear.
Recommended Inspections:
Regular inspection of suspension components, steering linkage, exhaust system, and body for rust. Check for leaks at all fluid points.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long and storied history in off-road vehicle production, dating back to World War II. The Wrangler is the direct spiritual successor to the original Jeep CJ.
Tj Generation Introduction:
The TJ Wrangler was introduced for the 1997 model year, replacing the YJ. It marked a significant departure with the return to round headlights and the adoption of coil springs for improved ride and off-road articulation.
2004 Updates:
For 2004, Jeep introduced the 2.4L 'World Engine' as an option, aimed at improving fuel economy. Minor interior and exterior refinements were also common throughout the TJ's lifecycle.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
1997-2006 (TJ generation)