1996 XJ - any issues?

[PacificEd]

Due to my wife's van having issues and not wanting to hold on to a vehicle with 250,000 miles, I'm on the hunt for a nice stock Cherokee.

Is there any reason to not look at a 1996 model? I know there are some unique features of this year since it was an "inbetweener" model. I know there fuel pump and sending units are unique to the 1996 year. What else should I watch out for?

 

[256offroad]

I had a 96 for years and loved that jeep. no issues at all.

 

[souske]

Couple little odd things, such as you mentioned.
You also get better side impact protection, and sound deadening in the old interior.



I would buy another 96

 

[PacificEd]

Great info guys. Thanks!

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

Sensors under the hood are a little tricky to replace. Some 96's came with pre-96 style sensors, while others came with 97+ style. As long as you know what you have you can order replacements easily. I don't recall ever seeing one that had a mix of both on the same Jeep.....not to say it doesn't exist though.

 

[highspeed]

I had a 96......only issue was the cooling system for me. Had to replace the fuel sending unit O ring, but was easy as the fuel pump is in the front of the tank. HP D30 and 8.25 with a split of 27 and 29 spline. Had 242xxx miles when I sold it. Good running jeep.

 

[Alexia]

Sensors under the hood are a little tricky to replace. Some 96's came with pre-96 style sensors, while others came with 97+ style. As long as you know what you have you can order replacements easily. I don't recall ever seeing one that had a mix of both on the same Jeep.....not to say it doesn't exist though.

My 1996 apparently had a 1996 style CPS with a 1997 CPS connector. It was a dealership only item, but it was not expensive either.

 

[Wayne Sihler]

Ed,My 96 has 406,000 on it now.
Replaced the motor(it had No problems but age) at 400,000.
Have been thru 4 fuel pumps,,,,I have extra assembly,s .
Other than that ,only normal maintenance items....