🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee Model Code: XJ Year: 1999 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Jeep Cherokee XJ established itself as a highly capable and durable compact SUV, particularly favored for its off-road prowess and iconic design. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Blazer, often distinguishing itself with its unibody construction and legendary Selec-Trac or Command-Trac 4x4 systems. Key Features Features: Renowned for its robust build, excellent articulation for off-roading, comfortable ride for its class, and long-term reliability. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete official full service repair Page Count Page Count: N/A (typically 1000+ pages for this model's comprehensive manual) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all 1999 XJ engine variants. Transmission: Detailed service and repair information for automatic (e.g., 42RE, 30RH) and manual transmissions. Drivetrain: Service and repair of 4WD systems, transfer cases (e.g., NP231), axles, and differentials. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension (leaf springs, coil springs), steering system, alignment specifications, and repair. Brakes: Diagnosis, repair, and service for front disc and rear drum brakes, ABS (if equipped). Electrical: Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of lighting, ignition, charging, starting, and accessory systems. Body Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, structural components, and corrosion prevention. HVAC: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnosis and repair. Fuel System: Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, and diagnostics. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, and troubleshooting. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and lubrication. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all vehicle systems. Rebuilds: Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances. Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation and systematic diagnostic strategies. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits and components. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans or original digital files, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (for digital format); typically spiral or perfect bound for print. Paper Type Paper: N/A (for digital format); typically high-quality paper for print versions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Variant 1: 4.0L Inline-6 (242 cu in) OHV MPI Engine Code 1: ERH Displacement 1: 3956 cc Bore X Stroke 1: 3.875 in x 3.580 in (98.4 mm x 90.9 mm) Compression Ratio 1: 8.8:1 Horsepower 1: 180-190 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 220-235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) Optional Engine Engine Variant 2: 2.5L Inline-4 (150 cu in) OHV MPI Engine Code 2: ENF Displacement 2: 2469 cc Horsepower 2: 125 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.) Torque 2: 150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Octane Rating: 87 octane (minimum recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 4-speed Automatic (42RE, 30RH) Optional Transmission Type Opt: 5-speed Manual (AX-15, NV3550 for later models - check specific build) Features Transfer Case: Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD) or Command-Trac (part-time 4WD) NV231 transfer case. Gear Ratios 42Re: First: 2.74, Second: 1.57, Third: 1.00, Reverse: 2.20 (typical) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches (2576 mm) Length: 164.1 inches (4168 mm) Width: 70.5 inches (1791 mm) Height: 63.7 inches (1618 mm) Ground Clearance: Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm) depending on configuration. Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: 33.5 cubic feet (0.95 cubic meters) (approx.) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: 69.0 cubic feet (1.95 cubic meters) (approx.) Weights Curb Weight: 3400-3800 lbs (1542-1724 kg) depending on configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4700-5200 lbs (2132-2359 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Impact: Not rated for 1999 model year. IIHS Frontal Impact: Good (for 1999-2001 models). Active Features ABS: Available on some models (rear-wheel ABS typically). Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags. Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trim levels. Connectivity Power Accessories: Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months (typical for this era, but consult manual for specific recommendations). Engine Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on usage (more frequent for severe service). Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000...
The Jeep Cherokee XJ established itself as a highly capable and durable compact SUV, particularly favored for its off-road prowess and iconic design.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Blazer, often distinguishing itself with its unibody construction and legendary Selec-Trac or Command-Trac 4x4 systems.
Key Features
Features:
Renowned for its robust build, excellent articulation for off-roading, comfortable ride for its class, and long-term reliability.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
Complete official full service repair
Page Count
Page Count:
N/A (typically 1000+ pages for this model's comprehensive manual)
Manual Type
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all 1999 XJ engine variants.
Transmission:
Detailed service and repair information for automatic (e.g., 42RE, 30RH) and manual transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Service and repair of 4WD systems, transfer cases (e.g., NP231), axles, and differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (leaf springs, coil springs), steering system, alignment specifications, and repair.
Brakes:
Diagnosis, repair, and service for front disc and rear drum brakes, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of lighting, ignition, charging, starting, and accessory systems.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, structural components, and corrosion prevention.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnosis and repair.
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm) depending on configuration.
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
33.5 cubic feet (0.95 cubic meters) (approx.)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
69.0 cubic feet (1.95 cubic meters) (approx.)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3400-3800 lbs (1542-1724 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4700-5200 lbs (2132-2359 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Not rated for 1999 model year.
IIHS Frontal Impact:
Good (for 1999-2001 models).
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some models (rear-wheel ABS typically).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trim levels.
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months (typical for this era, but consult manual for specific recommendations).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on usage (more frequent for severe service).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper, platinum).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L), SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (for 2.5L). Consult manual for specific API service classification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 6 quarts (5.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for automatic transmissions, although ATF+3 was likely spec'd originally and ATF+4 is a backward-compatible upgrade). Manual transmissions typically use GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (typically Mopar or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Crankshaft position sensor failures, rear main seal leaks, heater core leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), differential pinion seal leaks, power steering pump leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Intermittent gauge sweep, power window motor failures, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history in off-road vehicles, dating back to its military origins in WWII, establishing a reputation for ruggedness and capability.
Model Evolution
Xj Lineage:
The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, revolutionized the SUV market with its unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride while retaining significant off-road capability. The 1999 model is part of the second generation of the XJ.
Production
Production Years:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Awards:
Consistently ranked high by off-road publications for its capability and value, often lauded for its durability in challenging conditions.
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