Market Position:
The Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997-2006) is renowned for its off-road capability, ruggedness, and iconic design. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily driving and serious trail use. The 1999 model represents a mature iteration of the TJ platform.
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with other off-road focused SUVs and trucks of its era, but its unparalleled off-road prowess and aftermarket support set it apart. Direct competitors were few, often limited to specialized off-road variants of other manufacturers' offerings.
Key Features:
Solid front and rear axles, coil spring suspension, iconic seven-slot grille, removable doors and top, robust 4.0L inline-six engine, excellent approach, departure, and breakover angles.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Chassis
Page Count:
Approximately 1000+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Coverage:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul procedures for 4.0L I6 (Power Tech) and 2.5L I4 (High Output) engines. Includes ignition system, fuel delivery, lubrication, cooling, emission controls, and engine mechanical.
Transmission Coverage:
Service and repair for AX-15 (5-speed manual) and NV3550 (5-speed manual) transmissions, and the 32RH (3-speed automatic) transmission. Includes clutch, torque converter, and transmission overhaul.
Drivetrain Coverage:
Front and rear axle service (Dana 30 and Dana 35c), transfer case (NP231) operation and repair, driveshaft and U-joint maintenance, 4WD system operation and service.
Suspension And Steering Coverage:
Leaf spring and coil spring suspension systems, shock absorber replacement, steering gear box (Saginaw), power steering system service, steering linkage alignment.
Brakes Coverage:
Front disc and rear drum brake systems. Includes brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, master cylinder, power brake booster, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System Coverage:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, gauges, wipers, power windows/locks (if equipped), fuse/relay identification and testing.
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seat removal, convertible top service, frame straightening and repair, collision repair basics.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, air filter replacement, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, starting problems, electrical faults, brake concerns, and HVAC malfunctions.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions with diagrams for component replacement and repair across all major vehicle systems. Includes engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, axle repairs, and brake system overhauls.
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, along with troubleshooting steps for each.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive from basic owner-level maintenance to advanced diagnostic and repair procedures for professional technicians. Includes specifications, tolerances, and torque values for all components.
Primary Engine 1:
4.0L (242 ci) I6 Power Tech (OHV)
Primary Engine 2:
2.5L (150 ci) I4 High Output (OHV)
4.0L Horsepower:
182 hp @ 4,600 rpm
4.0L Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
2.5L Horsepower:
117 hp @ 5,000 rpm
2.5L Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Oil Type 4.0L:
SAE 10W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Oil Type 2.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter
Spark Plugs 4.0L:
Champion Copper Plus (e.g., RC12ECC) or equivalent
Spark Plugs 2.5L:
Champion Copper Plus (e.g., RC9YCC) or equivalent
Standard Transmission:
AX-15 (5-speed Manual) - typically with 4.0L engine
Optional Transmission 1:
NV3550 (5-speed Manual) - later TJ models, but may be present in late '99 production
Optional Transmission 2:
32RH (3-speed Automatic)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
AX-15: ATF+4 or equivalent; NV3550: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) for a complete fluid change.
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Overall Length:
151.4 inches (3845 mm)
Overall Width:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Overall Height:
71.5 inches (1816 mm) (soft top)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8.3 inches (211 mm) (varies with tire size)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 900 - 1,200 lbs (408 - 544 kg)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 Stars (Frontal, Side impact)
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front discs and rear drums (optional on some early TJ models, standard on 1999+).
Passive Safety Features:
High-strength steel roll cage integrated into the body structure, three-point seat belts, driver-side airbag, energy-absorbing steering column.
Crash Test Data Availability:
Detailed NHTSA crash test results available for the TJ generation.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Recommended replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs, or per manufacturer recommendation for copper plugs (typically 20,000-30,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler Preferred OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Yellow) coolant. Mopar P/N 05010885AA or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) or Mopar power steering fluid.
Common Issues:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 4.0L), heater core leaks, death wobble (steering instability), water pump leaks, rust in critical areas, minor oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets.
Brand Heritage:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II with the Willys MB. The Wrangler lineage directly traces back to the CJ series (Civilian Jeep), which were popular off-road vehicles.
Model Evolution Tj:
The TJ Wrangler, introduced for the 1997 model year, represented a significant evolution from its YJ predecessor. Key improvements included the return to round headlights, the elimination of leaf springs in favor of a coil spring suspension for improved ride and articulation, and a more refined interior. The 1999 model year saw minor updates and continued the successful TJ formula.
Production Years:
1997-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA