Jeep Cherokee 2nd Generation 1984-2001 (XJ) Review

The 2nd-gen Jeep Cherokee was facelifted for the 1997 model year and the changes were quite subtle on the outside, but with wholesale changes on the inside.

The headlights grow a little bigger, and the horizontal turn-signal strips below them are thinner and amber in color. The side marker lights on the front fender are considerably smaller and thinner¹. The vertical strakes in the grille's seven slots are a lot thinner and there are now four of them per slot, no longer two². The sharp edges of the nose are subtly sanded off³.

The rear sees more changes, with new, more rounded, and taller taillights with a rearranged lens layout¹. The liftgate is redesigned with fewer sharp edges, smoother styling², a bigger numberplate holder, a smoothed-out brow above the numberplate³, a third high-mounted center brake light⁴, and a new wraparound bumper⁵.

From the side, new wheel styles can be seen¹, as well as the changes to the front side-marker lights² and the taillights³. The new wraparound rear bumper is obvious⁴ and the fender flares blend into the revised bumpers⁵. The front quarter lights are removed in exchange for one-piece door glass⁶, and the side mirrors are bigger⁷.

The 1997 Cherokee gets a new dashboard with far fewer sharp angles and much more rounded styling¹. Everything inside is new, from the rounded hood over the instruments², the location and styling of the air vents³, and the design of the center stack⁴, to the new door panels⁵, center console, gauge cluster⁶, and steering wheel⁷. The interior is far more modern and less old-fashioned than before.

From the day the second-generation Jeep Cherokee was launched as a 1984 model until it went out of production in 2001, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and top 4.0-liter inline-six engines were part of the lineup. These two engines also happen to be directly related and share many characteristics, such as their cylinder spacing and bore widths. The four-cylinder was developed from the inline-six, with two cylinders removed and some other smaller changes to its geometry.

The 2.5 was offered with 4WD from the start and, from 1985, with 2WD. Four- or five-speed manual transmissions and three- or four-speed automatic transmissions were offered on the 2.5, depending on the year and model. The 4.0 was initially offered as a 4WD only in 1987 before 2WD versions arrived the next year. The only transmission choices for the 4.0 were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Two different 4WD systems were on offer - the Command-Trac part-time system and the Selec-Trac part-/full-time system.

For the first three (1984-1986) model years, a 2.8-liter V6 engine was offered too, namely the LR2 engine from the GM 60-degree V6 engine family. It developed about the same power as the base 2.5 and was soon dropped and replaced by the 4.0. The Renault-sourced Douvrin 2.1-liter turbo-diesel engine was also short-lived and available from 1985 to 1987. It offered only 85 hp and despite very good fuel economy, was woefully short on power.

Besides the short-lived diesel engine, very few XJ Cherokees manage a 20-mpg combined EPA estimate or better, and the best you can hope for on the highway from the thriftiest 2WD manual is 24 mpg. Few user-submitted real-world fuel-consumption figures are available from owners for most years except for the 4.0-liter engine, and owners' figures closely correspond to the EPA's. The fuel-tank size of 1984-1988 models is 13.5 gallons, and from the 1989 model year, 20 gallons.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety was seen in a very different light in the '80s, and besides the promise of crumple zones of unknown strength, you were left to the laws of physics in a crash, with no ABS or airbags to speak of - at least initially. Safety features did arrive later. Remote keyless entry became optionally available on the 1985 Laredo and standard on the 1987 Limited, 1993 Country, and 1996 Classic. ABS became optionally available on the Limited from the 1989 model year, but only in conjunction with 4WD and the automatic transmission. Significantly upgraded three-point seatbelts on the outboard seats are standard from the 1990 model year. The 1994 models have side-impact beams in the doors and a strengthened roof. A driver's airbag is standard on all 1995 trims.

A brake interlock feature was introduced for the 1996 model year, requiring the driver to depress the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of Park. The facelifted 1997 Cherokee gets a standard high-mounted center stoplight on the tailgate and a standard front passenger airbag. Take note that ABS was never a standard feature on the XJ and was always optional. To check whether an XJ has ABS, lift the hood and check for the presence of the square ABS control module mounted right next to the brake booster's fluid reservoir with its five brake lines sprouting out of the top.

The first time the NHTSA ever tested a 2nd-generation Jeep Cherokee was in 1990, and that was against long-outdated safety standards of yesteryear. Even by those low standards, the Cherokee only managed to secure three stars out of five for the frontal impacts. This rating improved to four stars for both tests from 1995. From 1997, these two ratings were downgraded back to three stars, presumably due to stricter criteria being implemented. Comprehensive crash testing was performed for the first time in 1999 and 2000, with the existing three-star ratings remaining, joined by a three-star rating for the driver's side crash and a full five stars for the passenger side crash. The 2001 4WD model was tested for rollover resistance and only scored two out of five in this test.

The lineup kicked off with Base, Pioneer, and Chief trims in 1984. Many additional trims and special editions came and went over the years, and by the time the last 2001 model year arrived, the base trims were Sport, Classic, and Limited. The 1984-1990 Cherokee Wagoneer was a luxury version of the Cherokee that ran alongside the Grand Wagoneer, based on the previous-generation SJ Cherokee. The Wagoneer was succeeded by the Briarwood in 1991 and 1992.

There were various special editions over the years:

• 1988 Pioneer Olympic edition. This special edition has the same equipment as the 1988 Pioneer trim, but additionally gets air-conditioning.
• 2000 Freedom edition. This special edition is based on the 2000 Sport trim and adds the SE Appearance Group package, unique badging, 16-inch Ultrastar alloys, a chrome grille and headlight bezels, black bumper caps and fender flares, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette deck and CD player. Both 2WD and 4WD versions were offered. The Freedom was available in red, yellow, white, and silver and Jeep built 2,821 of them.
• 2001 60th Anniversary edition. This special edition is based on the 2001 Sport trim and adds special floor mats and badging, 16-inch alloys, monotone paintwork, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette deck.

Here is a summary of the main annual changes:

1984:

• Aisin-Warner AX-4 four-speed manual replaces Borg-Warner T-4 four-speed on 2.5
• Optional Aisin-Warner AX-5 five-speed manual replaces optional Borg-Warner T-5 five speed on 2.5

1985:

• Laredo trim added
• Passenger assist handles and front headrests debut
• 2WD drivetrain becomes available
• 2.1-liter 85-hp turbo-diesel engine becomes available

1986:

• 2.5-liter gas engine exchanges carburetor for throttle-body injection
• Off-Highway Vehicle package made available, optimizing the Cherokee for off-road use

1987:

• Limited trim added
• 2.8-liter V6 gas engine discontinued
• 4.0-liter inline-six gas engine introduced with 4WD Selec-Trac
• Three-speed automatic replaced with four-speed automatic
• Four-speed manual transmission discontinued

1988:

• Turbo-diesel engine discontinued
• 4.0-liter inline-six engine offered with 2WD drivetrain as well
• Eight-slot grille replaces ten-slot grille
• Two-door body style introduced

1989:

• ABS becomes available
• Power steering becomes available
• Aisin-Warner AX-15 five-speed manual replaces Peugeot BA-10 mid-year on 4.0

1990:

• Safety upgraded with new outboard three-point seatbelts

1991:

• 2.5-liter engine exchanges throttle-body injection (TBI) for multi-port injection (MPI)
• 4.0-liter engine exchanges Renix MPI for Chrysler MPI
• Briarwood trim replaces old Cherokee Wagoneer
• Double-sided keys introduced
• Illuminated entry systems become available

1993:

• Limited trim discontinued
• Laredo trim discontinued
• Country trim added
• Long-life stainless steel exhaust system added to all models

1994:

• Side-impact door beams made standard
• Roof structure strengthened
• Air-conditioning updated to use CFC-free refrigerant
• Base trim renamed SE

1995:

• A driver's airbag made standard

1996:

• Classic trim added
• Engines refined with new PCMs and aluminum pistons

1997:

• Classic trim discontinued
• Facelift applied to the lineup and an all-new interior fitted
• High-mounted center rear stoplight made standard
• Passenger airbag made standard
• Audio system gets cassette deck/CD player combo

1998:

• Limited trim re-introduced, replacing Country
• Classic trim re-introduced and positioned between Sport and Limited
• Sport trim added
• Country trim discontinued

1999:

• 4.0-liter engine made more efficient

2000:

• 4.0-liter engine refined and made LEV compliant
• New Venture Gear NV3550 five-speed transmission replaces Aisin-Warner AX-15 on 4.0

2001:

• 2.5-liter AMC 150 four-cylinder engine discontinued

Here is the trim breakdown:

Compared to the previous-generation SJ, the Jeep Cherokee XJ 2nd generation is 31 inches shorter, six inches narrower, and four inches lower, while weight 1,200 pounds less, yet it retains 90 percent of the SJ's interior volume in a triumph of packaging and thanks to an integrated new unibody shell instead of the SJ's body-on-frame construction. Still, with an external length never exceeding 170 inches over its lifetime, the XJ is not a large car.

Because the XJ ran for an inordinately long time of 18 model years, many of them were sold, and parts remain readily available even today - and at reasonable prices. As long as you stick to the durable AMC 150 2.5 and 242 4.0 engines, problems should be minimal. Maintenance is, of course, essential, and even the bullet-proof AMC engines will call it a day if neglected and not given fresh oil on schedule. Avoid the diesel engine, as it's rare, support is limited, and it's severely underpowered. Skip the 2.8 V6, too, because it's on par with the four-cylinder's outputs but thirstier and more unreliable.

All early Cherokees should get fresh oil every 5,000 miles. Every 15,000 miles, the fuel filter should be replaced, and the cooling system drained, flushed, and refilled. Every 30,000 miles, the fluids for the transfer case, manual and/or automatic transmissions, and differentials should be replaced, as well as the air filter and spark plugs. At 60,000 miles, the spark plugs and battery are due for replacement. That 60,000-mile service contains all of the items included in all the previous services and is a big one, likely to cost you at least $2,800 at Jeep and $2,200 at an independent shop on the 4.0 and only around $100-$200 less on the 2.5.

As the years went on and lubricants improved, the basic lube service's interval was stretched to 6,000 miles. Fuel filters now lasted 30,000 miles and the replacement of the coolant and manual transmission's fluid was pushed out to 36,000-mile intervals. The 60,000-mile marker now called for the replacement of the spark-plug wires as well, as well as the replacement of the brake fluid. Despite Jeep relaxing the requirements somewhat for later models, we'd stick to the more conservative intervals specified for the older models because these old Cherokees need all the TLC they can get at their advanced age today, and shorter intervals are better anyway if you are going to tow with it and/or do off-road work.

The early AMC 150 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the GM LR2 2.8-liter V6 engines both have an oil capacity of 4.5 quarts. The oil and filter should cost you around $65 to buy if you perform this service yourself. Oil capacity varies over the years and the 2000 AMC 150's oil capacity is only listed as four quarts, so check your owner's manual. The AMC 150's and LR2 V6's air filters are likely to cost between $12 and $20. A set of four spark plugs on the AMC 150 costs around $30 and on the LR2 V6, it costs around $45.

The 2.1-liter Douvrin J8S turbo-diesel engine has a generous 6.2-quart oil capacity and a typical max-duty diesel oil and filter should set you back around $87. The air filter should cost around $38. Many other service items for this rare French engine can no longer be sourced in the US and you will have to enquire with suppliers importing European engine parts or have parts ordered and shipped from European suppliers across the pond.

The early AMC 242 4.0-liter inline-six takes 5.5 quarts of oil and the oil and filter costs around $75. This engine's capacity also fluctuates over the years and the 2000 model, for example, takes six quarts. Check your owner's manual. A set of six spark plugs should cost around $30 for normal ones and $60 for platinum-tipped ones and air filters vary between $10 and $20.

This is an introduction to the problems section and you can mention the major ones.

Here are all the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee recalls:

• Along with many automakers' vehicles, 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokees were subject to various recall notices to replace non-compliant replacement amber reflectors, side reflect reflectors, combination lights, high-mount brakelights, and headlights.
• There were many brake-related recalls:
• 1985-1987 Cherokees were recalled to have their brake-booster vacuum canisters replaced, which could leak and lead to a loss of braking assistance.
• 1989-1991 Cherokees equipped with ABS were recalled to have their ABS hydraulic control units repaired because a prematurely worn seal could cause the pump motor to deteriorate, leading to a loss of the anti-lock braking function.
• 1989-1990 Cherokees equipped with ABS were recalled to inspect and replace, if necessary, a low-pressure ABS brake hose that may start to leak due to brake fluid becoming contaminated by condensation, leading to a loss of braking power.
• 1990-1991 Cherokees were recalled to replace brake rotors that may separate from the hub and lead to a loss of brake effectiveness.
• 1990-1991 Cherokees equipped with ABS were recalled to replace a high-pressure ABS hose that had been improperly secured and may detach, leading to a loss of ABS function and potentially a fire.
• 425 1991 Cherokees were recalled to reposition a brake tube that may contact the steering intermediate shaft, sustain damage, leak brake fluid, and lead to a loss of braking power.
• 160 1991 Cherokees to replace a left rear brake tube that may contact a suspension jounce bumper, causing it to collapse, restricting the flow of brake fluid and leading to a loss of braking power.
• 1995-2001 Cherokees were recalled to replace hydraulic brake master cylinders of which an internal seal can leak in low temperatures, leading to a reduction in braking performance.
• 1995 Cherokees were recalled to have a parking-brake handle assembly replaced that may fail and cause the set parking brake to release inadvertently.
• 1998 Cherokees were recalled to replace brake boosters that have diaphragms that may tear or split, leading to a loss of braking assistance.
• There were a lot of speed-control-related recalls:
• As part of a recall of more than a million Jeeps, 1984-1995 Cherokees with automatic transmissions were recalled to have a shift interlock installed to prevent unintended acceleration.
• 1985 Cherokees with the 2.8-liter V6 engine were recalled for repairs to prevent the accelerator pedal from jamming open.
• 1986 Cherokees were recalled to have their accelerator pedal bracket and lever assemblies replaced because otherwise, the cable bushing may disconnect from the pedal, returning the engine to idle, even if the pedal is pressed.
• 1987 Cherokees with the 4.0-liter engine were recalled to replace out-of-tolerance throttle bodies that may jam open.
• 1987 Cherokees were recalled to replace faulty cruise control modules that may lead to unpredictable cruise control operation and a crash.
• 1989-1990 models with the 4.0-liter engine and automatic transmission were recalled to have the throttle position sensor replaced because it can malfunction, send incorrect signals to the fuel injection system, and cause high-idle problems on the 1989-1990 Jeep Cherokee that may lead to unintended acceleration when the vehicle is placed in gear.
• There were a few steering-related recalls as well:
• There were some problems with the steering shaft on the 1985 Jeep Cherokee and models from this year were recalled to have the shaft properly secured - a bolt may come loose and lead to a loss of steering control.
• 1986-1987 Cherokees were recalled to replace out-of-tolerance steering-linkage couplers that could lead to a misaligned steering wheel and a loss of steering control.
• 2,500 1993-1996 Cherokees were recalled to have their frame rails inspected and reinforced if cracks are found where the steering gear attaches to the frame.
• Three recalls were for potential fuel leaks:
• 1986 Cherokees were recalled to properly connect fuel-line fittings that may leak, spill fuel, and lead to a fire.
• 1987 Cherokees were recalled to remove a stud and/or fuel hose on the intake manifold that may chafe against each other and leak fuel.
• There were some 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee fuel pump problems and these years were recalled to replace aftermarket Airtex electric fuel pumps that contain pump-module connectors that may degrade and leak fuel.
• 1997 Cherokees were recalled to replace the fuel-level sending unit that may show an inaccurate fuel-level reading. The P0463 error code will usually be triggered if there is a problem with the fuel-level sensor.
• 2,500 1993 Cherokees were recalled to replace incorrect certification labels that may cause owners to fit the wrong size tires.
• These are the restraint-system recalls:
• 12,000 1994 Cherokees were recalled to replace two rear inboard seatbelt anchor bolts of inadequate strength.
• 70,000 1995 Cherokees were recalled to check for the presence (and fit, if absent), an airbag-module arming lever. In its absence, an airbag cannot deploy when needed.
• 77,000 1996 Cherokees were recalled to add washers to the rear inboard seatbelt anchor attachments to properly secure them.
• 395,000 1997-1999 Cherokees were recalled to replace and relocate an airbag control module that may corrode due to road salt and lead to inadvertent airbag deployment.
• 1998 Cherokees were recalled to have their front-seat shoulder belts' turning loops replaced because their anchors were improperly manufactured and may fail.
• 2001 Cherokees were recalled and supplied with an addendum to the owner's manual because it lacks proper child-seat attachment instructions.
• 1996 Cherokees were recalled to have their alternator fuses replaced with a fuse link, because the fuse fastener may not be tight enough, potentially resulting in arcing an a fire.
• 1997-2001 Cherokee Forest River-equipped models fitted with a refrigerator were recalled to repair a boiler tube that may leak pressurized coolant and pose the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
• In a recall of more than 1.1 million vehicles, 2000-2001 Cherokees with the 4.0-liter engine were recalled to have an intake manifold shield installed to prevent debris from building up at the #3 cylinder, posing a fire risk.

Below are some OBD-II error codes you may encounter on an XJ Cherokee if you have the appropriate scanning tool. Keep in mind that the XJ Cherokee only became compatible with the OBD-II standard from the 1996 model year onward. 1996 was the model year the standard became compulsory on all vehicles sold in the US, as per federal regulations.

• On a 1996-2001 Cherokee, P1280 means there is a problem with the fuel's injection control pressure. P0001, P0002, and P0004 indicate problems with the fuel regulator. P0202, P0206, and P1200 are fuel-injector error codes.
• On any 1996-2001 Jeep Cherokee, P0031, P0036, P0051, P0132, P0133, P0135, P0136, P0138, P0141, P0171, P0172, and P0174, are error codes triggered by one or more oxygen sensors and have to do with the fuel trim, mixture richness, catalyst efficiency, or the O2 sensors themselves. P1156 and P1195 are also error codes related to signals sent by the oxygen sensors. P1128 indicates that closed-loop fueling has not been achieved on bank one, which can also be caused by a faulty oxygen sensor.
• P0545 is an exhaust-gas temperature (EGT) error code.
• On a 1996-2001 Jeep Cherokee, P0042, P0441, P0442, P0443, P0448, P0455, P1443, P1449, P1494, and P1495 are error codes related to the evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system.
• P0010 and P0340 on a 1996-2001 Cherokee are error codes that have to do with problems with the camshaft position sensor or its reading. P1391 means that the distributor and cam sensor are phased incorrectly.
• P0320 on a 1996-2001 Cherokee is an engine-speed error code.
• On 1996-2001 Cherokees, P0084 indicates a problem with the exhaust valve timing or its control magnet.
• On any 1996-2001 Cherokee, P0103 and P1419 indicate problems with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor or a reading received from it. P0107 and P0108 are error codes from the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. P1185 is likely to indicate either a MAP sensor or PCM fault. On a 1996-2001 Cherokee, P0068 means there is a disagreement between the data received from the MAF and MAP sensors.
• P1385 is a knock sensor error code.
• On a 1996-2001 Cherokee, P0112 and P0113 are intake-air temperature (IAT) error codes.
• P0505 on 1996-2001 Cherokees is an idle-air control-system error code. P1294 is a low idle speed error code.
• P0118, P0125, and P1281 on a 1996-2001 Jeep Cherokee are coolant temperature error codes. P1296 indicates a cooling-system malfunction. On the 1996-2001 Cherokee, P1491, P1489, P1499, and P1642 are codes related to the engine's cooling fans. P1489 and P1491 are radiator cooling fan error codes, P1499 is a hydraulic cooling fan solenoid error, and P1642 is a fan control relay circuit error.
• P1191 is an electronic throttle system (ETS) error code.
• P0198 is an oil-temperature error code.
• Engine misfires are indicated by error codes such as P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, and P0306 on 1996-2001 Cherokees. P0300 is a random misfire and the last digit of the other ones indicates which cylinder is misfiring. P1342 indicates a misfire in cylinder one during startup and P1351 means there is a cylinder misfire with fuel cutoff on cylinder five. P0352 and P0353 are error codes from ignition coils B and C, respectively. P1318 and P1319 are also ignition coil error codes.
• P0405, P1402, and P1404 on a 1996-2001 Cherokee often accompany exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) problems.
• The P1247 error code means the turbo boost pressure is low, so will probably only be encountered on the rare turbo-diesel XJ.
• P0500 on a 1996-2001 Cherokee is a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) error code.
• P0700, P0705, P0711, P0720, P0740, P0743, P0748, P0756, P0758, and P0905 on a 1996-2001 Cherokee are automatic transmission error codes. P0700 is a transmission control system error, P0705 is a range-sensor error, and P0711 is an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) temperature error. P0720 is an output-speed sensor error, P0740 a torque converter clutch (TCC) error, P0743 a TCC solenoid error, and P0748 a pressure control (PC) solenoid valve error. P0756 and P0758 are shift-solenoid errors. P0905 is a shift-position error. Other auto 'box error codes on 1996-2001 Cherokees include P1634, P1694, P1696, P1698, P1715, P1716, P1718, P1722, P1734, P1739, and P1745, as well as P1756, P1757, P1762, P1763, P1764, P1765, P1767, P1768, P1776, P1781, P1784, P1786, P1792, P1794, and P1797. P1694 and P1698 mean that no CCD/J1850 messages are received from the Aisin AW-4 transmission's PCM, P1696 and P1716 are shift-solenoid errors, P1715 is a transmission pulse-generator assembly circuit error, and P1718 is an EEPROM integrity failure code from the PCM. P1722 is a gear-ratio error, P1734 a gear-control malfunction, P1739 a slip-solenoid error code, and P1745 a line-pressure error code, while P1756 and P1757 are governor error codes. P1765 is a transmission 12-volt circuit error code, P1767 is a TCC solenoid error, P1768 is a transmission relay output error, and P1776 is a solenoid switch-valve error code. P1781 is an overdrive pressure-switch sense circuit error, P1784 an L-R pressure switch circuit error code, P1786 indicates a second- or third-gear fault, P1792 indicates a temporary loss of battery power at the TCM, P1794 is a transmission speed sensor error code, P1797 a Park or Neutral range signal error, and P1634 points to a faulty TCM.
• On a 1996-2001 Cherokee, P1720 is a vehicle speed meter circuit malfunction error.
• P1685 and P1685 on a 1996-2001 Jeep Cherokee indicate that there is something wrong with either the ignition key or the smart-key immobilizer module (SKIM).
• On a 1996-2001 Cherokee, P1595, P1596, and P1683 are electronic speed-control system errors.
• P1492, P1493, P1594, and P1682 on 1996-2001 Cherokees are battery-related error codes. P1492 and P1493 battery temperature sensor errors. P1594 points to a battery over-charge condition and P1682 means the charging voltage is too low.
• On 1996-2001 Cherokees, P1388 and P1389 point to a faulty auto shutdown (ASD) relay.

Some problems are not quite as common but appear nevertheless:

• The interior headliner tends to come loose and sag, but this should be quite easy to fix.
• More of a bother on 1987-1988 and some 1989 models is the infamous C-101 connector at the top of the firewall. On these models, this connector joins the interior wiring harness with the engine-compartment harness and water can penetrate it, causing all kinds of problems, especially with the functioning of the crank-position sensor. In fact, Jeep even issued a TSB in 1989 describing how to install a crank-sensor bypass kit to avoid the C-101 connector, or else a bad signal can leave you stranded. From 1989, this connector was slowly phased out and the wires passed through the firewall through a rubber grommet without any type of connector.
• Liftgate latches seem to fail quite commonly, making it impossible to open the tailgate via the latch handle.
• Brake caliper pistons can seize too and you can either have them rebuilt or replace them. New ones are often under $20 each.
• A thumping noise at the rear when pulling away from a standstill is often just a slip yoke that needs to be greased.
• There have been some reports of electric problems with the power windows of the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee. Occasionally, all the electric window switches except for the driver's one may go on the blink, which probably means that the lockout switch has shorted. Window regulators may also sometimes fail. Occasionally, it's the driver's master window-control panel, which costs around $400 to replace at a dealer.
• Though not as common as on Wranglers and heavy-duty Rams, the dreaded "Jeep death wobble" may occasionally rear its head on the XJ Cherokee too. Due to a combination of factors including the suspension geometry, loose suspension bolts, faulty tie rods, or problems with wheel alignment, Jeep Cherokees may develop a suspension vibration above around 35 mph that turns into a wobble that shakes the car like a washing machine until you slow down. Each instance will have to be diagnosed specifically. Symptoms often start from around 100,000 miles but can vary wildly and usually start sooner on suspension systems battered by lots of off-roading.
• Owners listed a few problems with the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee's air-conditioning/AC and heater, with the air-conditioner's compressor being mostly reliable, but the blower motor not always - these sometimes give out after around 150,000 miles and the dealer will charge you around $240 to replace it. Make sure the HVAC system works properly because invasive repairs can cost well north of $1,000. Issues seem to start at around 100,000 miles.
• The instrument gauges seem to go on the blink occasionally due to electrical issues on 1998 and 1999 models especially. Check that all the gauges are working. The P1687 OBD-II error code means there is no cluster bus message, which could point to a faulty instrument cluster. P1692 means there was a failure to communicate with the instrument cluster.
• Be on the lookout for transfer cases and front and rear differential pinion seals leaking.
• Ignition coils and wires can give up the ghost. A set of six ignition coils should cost around $170.
• Stalling, misfire, or coil-pack problems, or with the engine's starter on 1084-2001 Jeep Cherokee models were reported and these had various causes, from dirty throttle bodies and duff spark plugs to tired ignition coils and transmission anomalies.

While the list of potential problems is quite long, this is partly a function of the number of years the XJ was on the market, and many of its important components were quite trouble-free:

• Electrical problems or recalls on the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee's PCM, ignition switch, clock spring, headlights, brake lights, or turn signals are rare, but door locks sometimes play up.
• Under-hood electrical problems with the Jeep Cherokee's PCM or the alternator's charging are not commonly reported.
• Emission-related issues are rare too and there are few problems with the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee's O2 sensors or catalytic converters - and no recalls.
• There were isolated problems with fuel tanks leaking and warping, but nothing that established a widespread pattern and there were no gas-tank recalls on the Jeep Cherokee.

Unless you want to experience the XJ in its truest down-to-earth essence, we'd forego the base SE trim because according to modern standards, it's really very bare. In fact, anything below Limited will really be a throwback to basic '90s motoring. The older models are also unsafer and before 1989, ABS was not even an option on the Cherokee. Pre-1995 models don't even have a single airbag. Even if you do go for an old Cherokee, we wouldn't consider the pre-1987 models, because the base gas 2.5 is weak, the 2.8 V6 is not a worthy upgrade, and the rare diesel is so dreadfully slow that you'd be rendered thoroughly unimpressed - if you manage to find one. Cherokees are good off-road, so you'll have to inspect a prospective purchase very carefully for abuse and damage, as well as rust and under-body damage and dents. We'd avoid any XJ with evidence of off-road use or that has traversed salted roads or was used or registered in rust-belt states.

1997 is the first year we wouldn't rule out. From this point, all Cherokees have two airbags and benefit from all the luxury and safety upgrades of the preceding few years, as well as the 1997 facelift. We'd go for a 1997-1999 Limited with the optional ABS fitted, so check for that ABS block close to the brake booster. Newer is usually better but in the case of the XJ, we'd avoid the 0331 cylinder head used for 2000 and 2001 models, just in case it's weak and cracks. You can identify it by checking whether an XJ has a distributor or not. The good heads still have the old distributor ignition system with the plug wires going from the distributor to the plugs. The 0331 head has no distributor and a head-mounted coil rail with coil-on-plug ignition. A well-specced 1997-1999 Limited with ABS in good condition is hard to find, but it's the best of the XJ breed. The perfect one was hardly taken off-road, was meticulously maintained by the owner, is free of rust and cosmetic damage, did not see salted roads, and preferably comes from a dry, snow-free state.

The first unibody Jeep ever has its pros and cons and the innovative construction at the time meant unprecedented efficiency and a low weight compared to other large and lumbering SUVs, lending the Cherokee a fleetness of foot and off-road ability that might surprise you. However, some owners might have pushed some of these beyond their limits off-road and such abuse will cost you down the road in terms of structural issues, rust, water leaks, wear and tear, and mechanical trouble. More so than normal passenger cars, then, it is important to take an expert along to evaluate any XJ you are considering. Buy smartly and opt for a 1997-1999 Limited and you'll revel in the little Jeep's confident demeanor, torquey AMC straight six, and perfectly acceptable number of creature comforts.