Jeep Cherokee 2,5 L Td Service Manual 8403

MEMBER SERVICES

No. 650

National Roads and Motorists’ Association Limited

ROAD TEST REPORT

ABN 77 000 010 506

trading as

By Bob Hudson MIAME Vehicle Evaluation Engineer August

NRMA Member Services

June 2002

JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 2.5 Litre Turbo Diesel Manual FEATURES BEST New diesel engine gives improved on-road performance Good off-road ability Improved luggage space

WORST Cramped footwell in manual version Rear tailgate needs a lot of space to fully open Small rear door openings

The new Jeep Cherokee that debuted late last year not only presented a bold new look, it also introduced two new engines, new suspension and steering, and a number of new features. In this report we test the Sport version, powered by the all-new 2.5 litre DOHC direct injection common rail turbo diesel engine built by DaimlerChrysler. The previous diesel engine was an Italian-made 2.5 litre OHV unit with indirect mechanical fuel injection. The Sport also comes with a 3.7 litre SOHC V6 that produces more power and torque than the previous 4.0 litre OHV in-line six. The more upmarket Cherokee Limited comes only with the V6 petrol engine. There’s no choice of transmissions - if you buy the V6 you get an automatic, if you buy the diesel you get a manual. The diesel model comes with CommandTrac part-time 4WD while the two V6 models have Selec-Trac (selectable) full-time 4WD. Prices start at $43,990 for the Sport V6, the Sport diesel is $1,000 more at $44,990 and the Limited V6 costs $47,990. Suspension changes include a switch from rear leaf springs to links and coils and a revised coil spring independent front suspension. There’s also a new aluminium front diff housing, designed for use with the IFS. A rack and pinion steering system replaces the old recirculating ball system. Though this latest Cherokee’s braking system retains a front disc/rear drum set-up, both the discs and drums have been enlarged for greater cooling capacity. The Limited model’s ABS has been refined and electronic brake force distribution introduced. Equipment levels in the Sport version aren’t quite as extensive as those in the Limited, but it still scores pretty well. In addition to items already mentioned, it has dual front airbags, air conditioning, power windows, remote central locking, engine immobiliser, stereo system with single CD player, exterior mirrors that are heated, electrically adjustable and fully foldable, a tilt steering column and roof rails. The Limited adds ABS, alloy wheels, leather trim, power adjustable front seats, an alarm, front fog lamps, an overhead console with trip computer, a cargo compartment cover, a higher grade sound system with 6-stack CD changer, cruise control and front seat map pockets. Though the Cherokee is quite a competent off-road performer in standard form, there is the option of an ‘Off Road Group’ pack which includes heavier duty tyres, and fuel tank and transfer case skid plates, for $1,090.

These latest Cherokees to some extent at least, re-invent the traditional Jeep look, with the front end featuring a very prominent seven-slot grille flanked by round headlights. The body coloured wheel arches protrude a lot more than on the previous model and the new body is also taller. For greater cargo space, the spare wheel has been moved outside and is mounted on the swing-out lower tailgate. The upper section is glass and it can be opened via the remote, or by exerting gentle pressure on the lower gate release handle. Access to the now usefully larger rear load area is easy with this system, however like most swing-out tailgates, a lot of room is needed behind the vehicle to fully open it. Occupant space and comfort is still much the same as we reported for the previous model. Up front there’s a reasonable amount of legroom, but the footwell is cramped, leaving nowhere for drivers of the manual version to comfortably rest their left foot. Seat comfort is a personal thing, however for me, the cushion was too short to provide effective thigh and the backrest shaping didn’t suit me. Rear leg space is reasonable and seat comfort rates as average, but the seat width is a bit narrow to take three adults and the small rear door openings make access awkward. As is usual for a diesel engine, best performance is available within a specific rev range and this new DOHC unit gives its best from 2,000 to around 3,500 rpm. Below or above those speeds, there’s not a lot of urgency about its response. Nevertheless, this model (which is also heavier) shaved 1.4 seconds off the 0-100 km/h time recorded by the previous diesel we tested. It was 1.2 seconds faster from 0-80 km/h and took 0.6 seconds less to cover the standing 400 metres. We also recorded better fuel consumption figures – 1.6 litres/100 km better in city running, 1.1 better in highway-type conditions and 1.3 litres/100 more economical overall. SUMMARY:

With its latest technology diesel engine giving more power and better fuel economy, and the new suspension and steering providing an improved on-road driving performance, the latest series Cherokee Sport diesel is a more attractive proposition than the previous model. Though the two Cherokee V6 petrol models will provide stronger performance, plus the convenience of automatic transmission and selectable full-time 4WD, the combination of a diesel engine and manual transmission will generally prove superior when the going gets tough, and will also save you money on fuel bills.

JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: Type ....Four cylinder, in-line, DOHC, 16 valves Capacity in litres..................................... 2.499 Induction ......... Direct injection, turbocharged Fuel .......................................................Diesel Claimed max. power ...... 105 kW at 3800 rpm Claimed max. torque ...... 343 Nm at 2000 rpm Specific power output.................42.0 kW/litre TRANSMISSION: Type .................................. Five speed manual Driving wheels .....Selectable four wheel drive Speed per 1000 rpm in top gear....... 42.5 km/h WHEELS: ....................... Steel, 7.0 x 16 inch TYRES: ...... Goodyear Wrangler, 235/70 R16 Spare: ....................... Matching size and type STEERING: Type ............... Power assisted rack and pinion Turns lock to lock....................................... 3.5 Turning circle (measured) .............11.0 metres DIMENSIONS: Mass ................................................... 1735 kg Length .............................................. 4496 mm Width (incl. mirrors 2100 mm) ........ 1819 mm Height............................................... 1866 mm Ground clearance (measured)............. 175 mm Seating capacity ............................................ 5 Fuel tank capacity............................... 70 litres TOWING: Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)........ 2250 kg Max. towball (laden trailer) . 225 kg NRMA THEFT RATING: Points on 0-110 scale (high score best) ....... 67 WARRANTY: .........Three years, 100,000 km MANUFACTURED IN:............... Ohio, USA

TEST RESULTS ACCELERATION: 50 - 80 km/h (in 3rd) ............................ 5.2 sec 60 -100 km/h (in 3rd) ........................... 8.7 sec 0 - 80 km/h ......................................... 10.2 sec 0 - 100 km/h ....................................... 15.6 sec 0 - 400 metres..................................... 19.8 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION: Litres/100 km in city ................................ 10.2 Litres/100 km on highway.......................... 9.0 Litres/100 km overall ................................. 9.4 BRAKING: Distance to stop from 80 km/h ......33.4 metres NOISE: Interior at constant 80 km/h.............. 70 dB(A)

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Test vehicle supplied by DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd

Call NRMA Technical Advice on 1300 655 443, should you require additional information on this vehicle, on other makes, or for general advice on automotive matters.