Segment:
Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), Off-Road focused
Philosophy:
Renowned for its off-road capability, utilitarian design, and iconic open-air experience
Key Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Suzuki Samurai (earlier models), Land Rover Defender (comparative ruggedness)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Unparalleled off-road prowess, solid front axle (historically), removable doors and top
Design:
Classic Jeep grille, round headlights, exposed hinges, boxy body
Capability:
Command-Trac NV231 or Selec-Trac NV242 transfer cases, Dana 30 front axle, Dana 35 rear axle (common)
Versatility:
Removable doors, windshield, and soft/hard tops for an open-air driving experience
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline engine variants for the specified years
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic Transmission Service
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, Steering, Drivetrain, Brakes, Frame
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring Diagrams, Electrical Components, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Body Coverage:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Seats, Convertible Top System
Diagnostic Coverage:
Troubleshooting procedures, DTC codes, diagnostic flowcharts
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but typical for factory manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Source:
Official Factory Service Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing components
Engine Fuel:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Engine Cooling:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, cooling fan
Engine Lubrication:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, lubrication passages
Engine Ignition:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition control module (ICM), crankshaft position sensor
Engine Exhaust:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, transmission assembly, gear shifting mechanisms
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission assembly, valve body, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain 4Wd:
Transfer case operation and service, front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, track bars
Steering:
Steering gear, steering column, power steering system, tie rods, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS (if equipped), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders
Electrical System Charging:
Alternator, voltage regulator, battery system
Electrical System Starting:
Starter motor, ignition switch, neutral safety switch
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, hazard lights
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation
Engine Repair:
Complete engine overhaul, gasket replacement, component rebuilding
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid changes, seal replacements, clutch adjustments/replacement, internal transmission repairs
Drivetrain Repair:
Transfer case rebuild, axle bearing replacement, driveshaft U-joint replacement
Suspension Replacement:
Shock absorber replacement, ball joint service, control arm bushing replacement
Brake Overhaul:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, brake line bleeding and replacement
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults using wiring diagrams
Body Panel Alignment:
Adjusting doors, hoods, and fenders
Convertible Top Service:
Repair and maintenance of the soft-top system
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic information, including wiring diagrams and symptom-based troubleshooting
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Clearances:
Engine internal clearances, bearing clearances, and other critical measurements
Special Tools:
Identification of necessary special tools and equipment for specific repairs
Service Intervals Oil Change
Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 (API Certified)
Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Wix 51515, Fram PH8A (check specific fitment)
Service Intervals Coolant
Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mopar OAT or HOAT recommended)
Coolant Capacity 4.0L:
Approx. 11.0 quarts (10.4 liters)
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid Auto
Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid Manual
Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles
Fluid Type:
MS-9224 (for NV3550), Dexron III/Mercon (for AX-5)
Service Intervals Transfer Case Fluid
Interval:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles
Fluid Type:
NV231/NV242: ATF+4 or Dexron III/Mercon compatible
Service Intervals Front Axle Fluid
Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles
Fluid Type:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GL-5 rated)
Service Intervals Rear Axle Fluid
Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles
Fluid Type:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (GL-5 rated)
Cracked Cylinder Heads 4.0L:
Early 4.0L engines (pre-1997) were prone to cracked cylinder heads. The 4.0L in TJ models is generally more robust but vigilance is advised.
Axle Housing Flex:
Dana 35 rear axle can flex under extreme off-road stress, particularly with larger tires.
Transfer Case Chain Slack:
NV231/NV242 transfer case chains can develop slack over time, leading to noise and potential failure.
Oil Filter Adapter Leaks:
Leaking oil filter adapter seals can cause oil loss.
Evap System Codes:
Common P04xx codes related to the evaporative emissions system, often due to faulty vent solenoids or cracked hoses.