Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, off-roaders, DIY mechanics, professional service centers
Key Competitors Era:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco (earlier generations)
Jeep Heritage:
Continues the iconic Jeep legacy of ruggedness, capability, and off-road prowess.
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame construction, solid front and rear axles, removable doors and roof, open-air driving experience.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical guidance for maintaining and repairing the TJ Wrangler, enabling owners to perform extensive service work themselves, saving time and money.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, diagnosis, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveline, transfer case
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear solid axles), steering, brakes (ABS, hydraulic, parking), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, starter, alternator, battery, computer diagnostics (OBD-II)
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, convertible top systems, frame inspection and repair
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication points
Repair Procedures:
Component replacement, assembly/disassembly, troubleshooting guides, specific repair instructions for all major systems
Diagnostic Procedures:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, component testing
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and specific repair techniques.
Engine Code 1996-1999:
4.0L Inline-6 (High Output)
Displacement 1:
242 cubic inches (3952 cc)
Configuration 1:
Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.88 x 3.56 inches (98.5 x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.7:1
Horsepower 1:
181 hp @ 4,750 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended
Engine Notes:
The 4.0L '242' engine is renowned for its torque, reliability, and off-road suitability. The manual covers early iterations of this engine.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission (NV3550)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (42RLE)
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac NV241 GII (part-time, 2-speed)
Axle Ratio:
Standard 3.73:1; optional 4.10:1 for Rubicon models (though Rubicon not explicitly in 96-99 range covered, ratio is relevant to later TJ).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 or equivalent (consult manual for specific weight and type)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 or equivalent (consult manual for specific weight and type)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV241 Transfer Case Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid (consult manual)
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Length:
150.3 inches (3818 mm)
Width:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Height:
73.9 inches (1877 mm) with hardtop
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) depending on tire size
Curb Weight:
3,400 - 3,700 lbs (1542 - 1678 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,700 lbs (2132 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:
Approx. 46.5 cu. ft. (1317 L)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 18.5 cu. ft. (524 L)
Standard Tire Size:
LT225/75R16
Standard Wheel Size:
16 x 7 inches
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inches (5x114.3 mm)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3-star (based on era testing, significant variation with modifications)
ABS:
Available on some models/trims
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bar structure
Approach Angle:
Approx. 41.7 degrees
Breakover Angle:
Approx. 25.0 degrees
Departure Angle:
Approx. 30.8 degrees
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional CD player, optional premium sound system.
Display:
Basic analog gauges and indicator lights; no complex digital displays.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on front and rear wheels.
Traction Control:
Not standard; some models might have limited traction control features.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily analog audio inputs. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
OBD Ii Support:
Yes, compliant with OBD-II standards for emission and diagnostic fault code retrieval.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 4.0L engine (consult manual for specific viscosity and API service classification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, Mopar OAT or HOAT recommended (typically green or orange).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Cracked exhaust manifolds, worn track bar bushings, aging suspension components, differential seal leaks, heater core issues.
Engine Common Problems:
Oil filter adapter seal leaks, thermostat housing leaks, carbon buildup on valves (especially in older engines).
Transmission Common Problems:
Clutch wear (manual), occasional shifting issues (automatic), transfer case chain wear.
Jeep Origins:
Founded on military vehicles from WWII, evolving into civilian SUVs renowned for off-road capability.
Wrangler Predecessors:
CJ series (CJ-5, CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler)
Tj Introduction Year:
1996
Tj Key Changes From Yj:
Introduction of coil springs instead of leaf springs for improved ride and handling, redesign of interior and exterior, new TJ platform.
Tj Production End Year:
2006
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Off Road Capability:
Consistently recognized as one of the most capable off-road vehicles in its class, widely praised by enthusiast publications.
Iconic Status:
Considered an automotive icon, representing freedom and adventure.
Consumer Reports Durability:
Varies by model year and specific components; generally rated average to above average for durability, especially powertrain, but susceptible to body/suspension wear in off-road use.
Emission Standards:
Meets prevailing EPA emission standards for its respective model years.
