Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Segment:
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Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
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Competitive Analysis
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Key Competitors:
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Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Blazer
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Key Features
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Off Road Capability:
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Known for its robust off-road prowess, solid axles (on earlier models, though XJ uses unibody construction with solid axles), and available 4x4 systems.
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Unibody Construction:
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One of the first SUVs to utilize unibody construction, offering a lighter and more car-like ride.
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Engine Durability:
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The 4.0L inline-six engine is renowned for its durability and longevity.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Engine (2.5L, 4.0L), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Transfer Case (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), Drivetrain (Front & Rear Axles, Driveshafts)
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Chassis And Suspension:
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Front & Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring/Coil Spring), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc/Rear Drum or Disc), Wheels & Tires
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Electrical And Electronics:
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Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Audio System
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Body And Interior:
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Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seating Systems, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Level Checks & Top-offs, Belt Inspections & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Tire Rotation
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting Guides, OBD-II Diagnostic Codes, Component Testing Procedures, Symptom-Based Diagnostics
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Repair And Rebuild:
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Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuilding, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair, HVAC System Component Replacement
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Technical Specifications:
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Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Fluid Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Component Dimensions, Alignment Specifications
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Technical Depth
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Depth Level:
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Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Displacement 1:
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2.5L (150 cubic inches) AMC 150 Inline-4 OHV
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Engine Displacement 2:
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4.0L (242 cubic inches) AMC 242 Inline-6 OHV
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Performance 4.0L
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Horsepower 4.0L:
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Approx. 190 hp @ 4600 rpm (for 1997-2001 models)
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Torque 4.0L:
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Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (for 1997-2001 models)
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Performance 2.5L
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Horsepower 2.5L:
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Approx. 114 hp @ 4700 rpm (for 1997-2001 models)
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Torque 2.5L:
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Approx. 147 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (for 1997-2001 models)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded Gasoline
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Cooling System
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Coolant Type:
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HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant
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Lubrication
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Oil Type 4.0L:
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API SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges)
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Oil Type 2.5L:
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API SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific temperature ranges)
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Ignition System
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Ignition Type:
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Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Crankshaft Position Sensor
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Transmission
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Standard Transmission
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Manual Transmission Type:
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AX-15 (4.0L) / NV3550 (2000-2001 4.0L) 5-speed Manual
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Optional Transmission
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Automatic Transmission Type:
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AW4 (4.0L) / 30RH (2.5L) 4-speed Automatic
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Features
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Transfer Case Options:
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Selec-Trac (Command-Trac NV242) with 2WD, 4WD Part-Time, 4WD Full-Time modes; Command-Trac (NV231) with 2WD, 4WD Part-Time, 4WD Low modes.
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Fluid Specifications Auto
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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Mopar ATF+4 (preferred) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon (check manual for exact specifications and change intervals)
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Fluid Specifications Manual
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MTF) or equivalent API GL-3/GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual)
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Dimensions
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Exterior
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Wheelbase:
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101.4 inches (2576 mm)
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Length:
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167.5 inches (4255 mm)
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Width:
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69.4 inches (1763 mm)
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Height:
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64.4 inches (1636 mm)
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Weights
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Curb Weight Approx:
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3,300 - 3,700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg) depending on configuration
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
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4,800 - 5,300 lbs (2177 - 2404 kg) depending on configuration
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Cargo
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Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
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Approx. 33.8 cubic feet (0.957 cubic meters)
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Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
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Approx. 70.3 cubic feet (1.990 cubic meters)
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:
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4/5 stars (for 1997 models)
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Active Features
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ABS:
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Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels (standard on some later models, optional on others)
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Four Wheel Drive:
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Full-time 4WD (Selec-Trac) or Part-time 4WD (Command-Trac) options provide enhanced traction.
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Passive Features
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Airbags:
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Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
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Seat Belts:
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Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (later models may have three-point rear belts).
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Rollover Protection:
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Integral roll bar structure within the unibody design.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
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Air Filter Replacement Interval:
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Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
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Spark Plug Replacement Interval 4.0L:
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Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with modern spark plugs (check for specific plug types).
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Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
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Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or as recommended in the manual, especially under severe use.
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Fluid Specifications
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
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Power Steering Fluid Type:
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Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon automatic transmission fluid (check manual)
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Transfer Case Fluid Type:
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Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant (TCL) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon automatic transmission fluid (for NV231/NV242 - check manual)
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Known Issues
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Common Engine Issues:
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Head gasket leaks (especially on the 4.0L), oil filter housing leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L), distributorless ignition system (DIS) coil pack failures.
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Common Transmission Issues:
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AW4 automatic transmission can develop torque converter clutch shudder; manual transmissions (AX-15) can have clutch wear issues or input shaft bearing noise.
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Common Suspension Issues:
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Leaf spring 'saggy butt' syndrome, worn control arm bushings, ball joint wear, sway bar link wear.
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Common Electrical Issues:
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Failing instrument cluster voltage regulators, wiring harness chafing, door lock actuator failures, power window motor issues.
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