🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: ZJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Luxury SUV Brand Perception: Renowned for off-road capability and premium features for its era Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery Key Features Platform: ZJ platform, shared with Grand Wagoneer Drivetrain Options: Full-time 4WD (Selec-Trac, Quadra-Trac) and part-time 4WD available Interior Appointments: Luxurious interior with available leather seating, wood trim accents, and premium sound systems 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, technical specifications, component removal/installation, wiring diagrams Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Transmission (42RE, 44RE, NV242, NV249 transfer case), Drivetrain, Exhaust System Chassis: Suspension (Front: Solid Axle; Rear: Solid Axle), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Climate Control Electronics, Body Control Modules, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Body: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC Ducts, Exterior Trim, Bumpers Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug service Diagnostics: System-specific troubleshooting trees, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring harness testing, component testing Repair And Rebuild: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential service, brake caliper/rotor replacement, power steering system repair, climate control system repair Installation: Component replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps), suspension component installation, minor bodywork Technical Depth Depth: In-depth, OEM-level detail suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Displacement: 4.0L (242 ci) Engine 1 Type: Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV) Engine 1 Horsepower: 185 hp @ 4700 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Optional Engine Engine 2 Displacement: 5.2L (318 ci) Engine 2 Type: V8, Overhead Valve (OHV) Engine 2 Horsepower: 220 hp @ 4400 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Engine 3 Displacement: 5.9L (360 ci) - Introduced later in ZJ lifecycle, but relevant for manual coverage Engine 3 Type: V8, Overhead Valve (OHV) Engine 3 Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4800 rpm Engine 3 Torque: 327 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Transmission Type Std: 42RE 4-speed Automatic Optional Transmission Transmission Type Opt: 44RE 4-speed Automatic (typically with 5.2L and 5.9L engines) Transfer Case Options Transfer Case 1: NV242 Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD, Part-time 4WD, 2WD) Transfer Case 2: NV249 Quadra-Trac (Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling) Features Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar) Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 10-11 quarts (9.5-10.4 liters) for 42RE/44RE (check manual for exact spec) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 179.4 inches (4557 mm) Width: 70.5 inches (1791 mm) Height: 64.6 inches (1641 mm) Wheelbase: 111.5 inches (2832 mm) Weights Curb Weight Approx: 4,100 - 4,500 lbs (1860 - 2041 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx: 5,500 - 6,000 lbs (2495 - 2722 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 Stars (for 1998 model year, though ratings varied slightly by year and test methodology) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 Stars (for 1998 model year) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional premium Infinity Gold sound system with cassette player and CD changer capability Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era; primarily analog systems 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual) Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) (refer to manual) Coolant Change Interval: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: API SG, SF, or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for climate variations) Coolant Spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) Brake Fluid Spec: DOT 3 Known Issues Common Problems: Heater core leaks, radiator failure, cracked cylinder heads (4.0L), transmission solenoid issues, power window regulator failures, rear main seal leaks Common Problems Electrical: Instrument cluster failures, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure, short circuits in wiring harnesses 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Jeep Legacy: Rooted in rugged, go-anywhere capability dating back to WWII Model Evolution Zj Generation Intro: Introduced in 1993 as a more luxurious and refined alternative to earlier Jeep SUVs. Zj Generation Redesign: Received significant updates for the 1996 model year, including revised powertrains, interior, and exterior styling, making the...
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Climate Control Electronics, Body Control Modules, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential service, brake caliper/rotor replacement, power steering system repair, climate control system repair
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps), suspension component installation, minor bodywork
Technical Depth
Depth:
In-depth, OEM-level detail suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Searchability:
Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.0L (242 ci)
Engine 1 Type:
Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
185 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.2L (318 ci)
Engine 2 Type:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
220 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Displacement:
5.9L (360 ci) - Introduced later in ZJ lifecycle, but relevant for manual coverage
Engine 3 Type:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
245 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
327 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Transmission Type Std:
42RE 4-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
44RE 4-speed Automatic (typically with 5.2L and 5.9L engines)
NV249 Quadra-Trac (Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling)
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10-11 quarts (9.5-10.4 liters) for 42RE/44RE (check manual for exact spec)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
179.4 inches (4557 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
64.6 inches (1641 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.5 inches (2832 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
4,100 - 4,500 lbs (1860 - 2041 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
5,500 - 6,000 lbs (2495 - 2722 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (for 1998 model year, though ratings varied slightly by year and test methodology)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (for 1998 model year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seatbelts in all seating positions
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional premium Infinity Gold sound system with cassette player and CD changer capability
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) (refer to manual)
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG, SF, or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for climate variations)
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Heater core leaks, radiator failure, cracked cylinder heads (4.0L), transmission solenoid issues, power window regulator failures, rear main seal leaks
Common Problems Electrical:
Instrument cluster failures, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure, short circuits in wiring harnesses
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Rooted in rugged, go-anywhere capability dating back to WWII
Model Evolution
Zj Generation Intro:
Introduced in 1993 as a more luxurious and refined alternative to earlier Jeep SUVs.
Zj Generation Redesign:
Received significant updates for the 1996 model year, including revised powertrains, interior, and exterior styling, making the 1998 model part of this refreshed generation.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan
Production Years Zj:
1993-1998
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Truck Of The Year Recognition:
Often lauded by automotive publications for its blend of luxury and off-road prowess during its run.