Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, Jeep owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, automotive repair shops.
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Tracker, Suzuki Samurai.
Key Differentiators:
Renowned off-road capability, iconic design, solid front axle (though TJ introduced a coil-sprung short-arm suspension, retaining excellent articulation), robust powertrain options.
Off Road Design:
Short wheelbase, high ground clearance, available locking differentials (optional), robust transfer case, strong chassis.
Durability:
Engineered for rugged use and demanding environments.
Iconic Styling:
Round headlights, seven-slot grille, fold-down windshield, removable doors and top contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Engine:
4.0L (242ci) Inline-6 (MPI), including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and specifications.
Transmission:
AX-15 (5-speed manual), NV3550 (5-speed manual), and 30/42LE (4-speed automatic) transmissions. Includes overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assemblies (Dana 30 front, Dana 35c rear), NP231 Command-Trac transfer case. Includes service procedures for gears, bearings, seals, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear coil spring suspension, shock absorbers, sway bars, control arms, and steering linkage. Includes alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum brakes. Includes ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic components, and service procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, and steering gear. Includes diagnostics and component replacement.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, fuse box layouts, component testing, ECM/PCM diagnostics, sensor testing, and starter/alternator service.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Includes component removal, recharging procedures, and troubleshooting.
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, bumpers, and convertible top. Includes body repair and alignment.
Frame:
Frame inspection, repair, and straightening procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical failures, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, overhauling, repairing, and installing all major vehicle components.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) system interpretation, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval and clearing, live data analysis.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system diagnostics and chassis component overhaul.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions use of specialized diagnostic tools and equipment where applicable, like scan tools and multimeter usage.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 x 3.580 inches
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug (for some later TJ models, but 1999 likely uses distributor).
Horsepower Gross:
182 hp @ 4,600 rpm
Torque Gross:
220 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Transmission Type:
AX-15 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
30/42LE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transfer Case:
New Process (NP) 231 Command-Trac (Part-time, 2WD High, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
AX-15: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent meeting MS-9224 specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
30/42LE: ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent, DEXRON-III compatible
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV231 Heavy Duty Lubricant (or equivalent meeting MS-9224 specification)
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Length:
150.7 inches (3828 mm)
Width:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Height:
70.0 inches (1778 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,400 - 3,700 lbs (1542 - 1678 kg), depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,700 - 4,900 lbs (2132 - 2223 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 13.3 cu ft (0.377 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 37.5 cu ft (1.062 m³)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Four-star rating (subject to specific test conditions and configurations).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on rear wheels, optional on front wheels for 1999 model year depending on trim and drivetrain.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, two-point rear seat belts.
Roll Cage:
Integral sport cage with built-in seat belt anchors for enhanced occupant protection during rollovers.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (under normal driving conditions). Consult manual for severe service intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles. More frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs (if equipped). Consult manual for original equipment.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Consult manual for specific coolant type and capacity.
Engine Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) - Meets Chrysler MS-9769 specification.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent meeting MS-5934A specification)
Common Wear Items:
Water pump, alternator, radiator, clutch components (manual transmission), U-joints, exhaust system, sway bar links, and track bar bushings.
Track Bar Issues:
Wear in the track bar and its bushings can lead to steering looseness and wandering.
Oil Filter Housing Leaks:
Common for the 4.0L engine to develop leaks from the oil filter housing gasket.
Jeep Legacy:
Direct descendant of the original Willys-Jeep, symbolizing ruggedness and off-road prowess since World War II.
Tj Generation Start:
Introduced for the 1997 model year, replacing the YJ Wrangler.
Tj Key Innovations:
Return to round headlights (heritage design), introduction of coil spring suspension for improved ride quality and articulation, elimination of leaf springs.
1999 Updates:
Minor refinements may have occurred, but major changes were often introduced in later model years of the TJ generation.
Production Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years Tj:
1997-2006
Off Road Awards:
Jeep Wrangler consistently recognized as a benchmark for off-road capability by automotive publications and enthusiasts.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Varies by model year and specific issues reported; often praised for capability, criticized for road manners and interior noise.
Manual Certification:
Represents official factory dealer service information, ensuring accuracy and compliance with manufacturer standards.