Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV, Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, individuals seeking rugged and versatile utility.
Key Competitors 2000:
Toyota Tacoma (4-door), Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Vitara, Ford Bronco (discontinued, but relevant legacy).
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame construction, solid axles, removable doors and roof (soft top or hardtop options), legendary off-road capability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, technician-level repair and maintenance guidance essential for preserving the longevity and performance of a highly capable off-road vehicle.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, engine diagnostics.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, electronic control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, MAP, TPS), wiring diagrams.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (AX-5, NV3550), automatic transmission (42RLE), clutch system, driveline, transfer case (NP231).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard), ABS system (if equipped), brake bleeding, caliper replacement, master cylinder, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front solid axle (Dana 30), rear solid axle (Dana 35c), coil springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, steering linkage, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, steering wheel, tilt column (if equipped).
Electrical Body:
Exterior lighting, interior lighting, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, HVAC system controls, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), wiring harnesses, fuses, relays.
Chassis Body:
Frame inspection and repair, body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, fenders, bumpers, convertible top service, interior trim.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, belt and hose inspection, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, brake problems, transmission shifting complaints.
Repair:
Component replacement, overhaul procedures, component rebuilding, diagnostic tests with specifications.
Installation:
Installation procedures for major components like engine, transmission, axles, suspension parts, and accessories.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and chassis repairs.
Diagnostic Tools:
References OE diagnostic scan tools and procedures for electrical systems.
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 4,600 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 (Octane Rating)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) for some model years or variations, or distributor with single coil.
Engine Oil Type Spec:
SAE 10W-30 API SG or SH
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent meeting MS-9769
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (AX-5)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent GL-3/GL-4 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Transfer Case Model:
New Process NP231 Command-Trac (Part-time, 2-speed, 4WD system)
Transfer Case Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar) or Dexron III/Mercon
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Three-star (for 2000 model year, specific ratings may vary)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels or all four wheels depending on configuration.
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped on base models, some higher trims might have early forms of electronic traction control, but not common for 2000.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts for rear passengers.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (typically for platinum-tipped plugs, consult specific plug type).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar) or equivalent.
Differential Fluid Type Front:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 (non-limited slip differential)
Differential Fluid Type Rear:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 (non-limited slip differential), consider additive for limited slip if equipped.
Common Wear Item:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), rear main seal leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (common on 4.0L), steering box wear, ball joint and tie rod wear.
Common Electrical Issue:
Body control module (BCM) issues, intermittent electrical gremlins due to age and environmental exposure.
Common Drivetrain Issue:
Dana 35 rear axle axle shaft failure under extreme off-road stress (often upgraded to Dana 44 or Ford 8.8).