🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee XJ Year: 1999 Codes Chassis Code: XJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Legendary off-road capability, robust solid front axle (pre-1999, though XJ chassis often favored for this), reliable powertrains, durable construction, relatively simple mechanics Manual Value Proposition: Provides comprehensive, factory-level information for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle life. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Types: 4.0L Inline-6 (242 ci), 2.5L Inline-4 (150 ci) Transmission Types: 4-speed Automatic (42RE), 5-speed Manual (AX-15/NV3550) Drivetrain: 2WD (RWD), 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) Page Count Estimated Pages: 2000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Authorized Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (2.5L, 4.0L), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System Transmission: Manual Transmission (AX-15/NV3550), Automatic Transmission (42RE), Transfer Case (NP231, NP242) Drivetrain: Front Axle, Rear Axle, Driveshafts, Wheel Bearings Suspension Steering: Front Suspension (Solid Axle), Rear Suspension (Leaf Springs), Power Steering System, Steering Gear Brakes: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake System, ABS (if equipped) Electrical: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules, Wiring Diagrams Body: Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild/Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for OBD-II Systems Installation: Component Installation Procedures, Accessory Installation Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages Print Quality Printability: Optimized for printing, clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: 242 Engine Description 1: 4.0L (3960cc) Inline-6 OHV 12V Bore Stroke 1: 3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.7 mm) Compression Ratio 1: 8.8:1 Horsepower 1: 190 hp @ 4,600 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 225 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (approx.) Secondary Engine Engine Code 2: 150 Engine Description 2: 2.5L (2462cc) Inline-4 OHV 8V (AMC 2.5L/150) Bore Stroke 2: 3.88 in x 3.25 in (98.5 mm x 82.5 mm) Compression Ratio 2: 8.8:1 Horsepower 2: 125 hp @ 4,600 rpm (approx.) Torque 2: 150 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended) Performance Engine Management: OBD-II Compliant 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed Automatic (42RE) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-speed Manual (AX-15/NV3550 – Note: NV3550 became more common in later years) Features Overdrive: 4-speed Automatic with Overdrive (4th gear) Transfer Case Options: New Process (NP) 231 (Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD), NP 242 (Selec-Trac Full-Time 4WD with 2WD option) Fluid Specs Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (or equivalent specification from manual) Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual) Transfer Case Fluid: ATF+4 (or equivalent specification from manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches (2576 mm) Length: 167.4 inches (4252 mm) Width: 70.5 inches (1791 mm) Height: 64.0 inches (1626 mm) Ground Clearance: Approx. 8-10 inches (depending on tire size and suspension) Weights Curb Weight Est: 3,400 - 3,800 lbs (1542 - 1724 kg) Towing Capacity Est: Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with factory tow package and 4.0L engine Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: Approx. 33.5 cu ft (948 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1954 L) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: Not consistently rated for this year and vehicle class in modern formats; anecdotal reports suggest moderate protection. IIHS Crash Test Results: Not extensively tested by IIHS in its early years; later models of similar design had varied results. Active Features ABS: Available on some trims (typically rear-wheel or 4-wheel ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger front airbags Seat Belts: Front: 3-point automatic locking retractors; Rear: Lap and shoulder belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers). Display: Basic analog gauges and indicator lights in the instrument cluster. No central infotainment screen. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option on most trims. Connectivity OBD Ii: Standard for 1999 model year, enabling diagnostic scanning. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending...
Enthusiasts, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Key Features
Vehicle Strengths:
Legendary off-road capability, robust solid front axle (pre-1999, though XJ chassis often favored for this), reliable powertrains, durable construction, relatively simple mechanics
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level information for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle life.
Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages
Print Quality
Printability:
Optimized for printing, clear diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1:
242
Engine Description 1:
4.0L (3960cc) Inline-6 OHV 12V
Bore Stroke 1:
3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.7 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
8.8:1
Horsepower 1:
190 hp @ 4,600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
225 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (approx.)
Secondary Engine
Engine Code 2:
150
Engine Description 2:
2.5L (2462cc) Inline-4 OHV 8V (AMC 2.5L/150)
Bore Stroke 2:
3.88 in x 3.25 in (98.5 mm x 82.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 2:
8.8:1
Horsepower 2:
125 hp @ 4,600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
150 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane Recommended)
Performance
Engine Management:
OBD-II Compliant
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic (42RE)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Manual (AX-15/NV3550 – Note: NV3550 became more common in later years)
Features
Overdrive:
4-speed Automatic with Overdrive (4th gear)
Transfer Case Options:
New Process (NP) 231 (Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD), NP 242 (Selec-Trac Full-Time 4WD with 2WD option)
Fluid Specs
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent specification from manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual)
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent specification from manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.4 inches (4252 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
64.0 inches (1626 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8-10 inches (depending on tire size and suspension)
Weights
Curb Weight Est:
3,400 - 3,800 lbs (1542 - 1724 kg)
Towing Capacity Est:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with factory tow package and 4.0L engine
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 33.5 cu ft (948 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1954 L)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not consistently rated for this year and vehicle class in modern formats; anecdotal reports suggest moderate protection.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Not extensively tested by IIHS in its early years; later models of similar design had varied results.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some trims (typically rear-wheel or 4-wheel ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
Front: 3-point automatic locking retractors; Rear: Lap and shoulder belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varied by trim level (e.g., 4 or 6 speakers).
Display:
Basic analog gauges and indicator lights in the instrument cluster. No central infotainment screen.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most trims.
Connectivity
OBD Ii:
Standard for 1999 model year, enabling diagnostic scanning.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), or as specified by driving conditions
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 4.0L:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) with quality plugs (e.g., Champion Copper Plus, NGK)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check manual for seasonal variations)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter, SAE 10W-30 recommended (check manual for seasonal variations)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, typically orange/reddish color for this era) or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9769
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Engine Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially pre-1996 4.0L, less common but possible on '99), oil filter housing leaks, rear main seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, cooling system issues (radiator, water pump, thermostat).
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends (due to solid front axle articulation), steering box looseness/play, leaf spring sag in the rear.
Common Electrical Issues:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures, alternator issues, instrument cluster problems, intermittent window motor operation.
Common Body Issues:
Rust in rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels; tailgate issues (window regulator, hinges); door seal degradation.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to WWII, renowned for its go-anywhere, do-anything off-road capability.
Model Evolution
Xj Introduction:
The Cherokee XJ, introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionized the SUV market as the first mass-produced unibody SUV. It offered a car-like ride with SUV utility.
Xj Generation Differences:
The 1999 model year is part of the second generation (1997-2001) which featured significant updates over the original XJ, including a redesigned interior and exterior, improved safety features, and OBD-II diagnostics.
Production
Production Years Xj:
1984-2001 (North America), 2002 (Argentina)
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Mentions:
The XJ platform, including the 1999 model, consistently received praise for its off-road prowess and utilitarian design, earning it a loyal following.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability History:
Reliability ratings have varied over the years for the XJ, with some common issues like oil leaks and electrical gremlins noted. However, its robust mechanicals are generally well-regarded by owners.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with U.S. EPA emissions standards for 1999 model year vehicles.