To start with Im not positive what type of cherokee I have, as it was an old police jeep and a few different VIN decoders told me its a Sport or an SE or just classic. But its a 1996 Cherokee

Had a question about oil dipsticks. Previous owner had the wrong oil dipstick in the Jeep so Im looking for a new one or used one. Do dipsticks from other years fit a 96? I went to NAPA and Advanced and both only sold universal dipsticks. Im thinking either junkyard or if someone has a recommendation of an online site to order one from. Thanks.

 

just go to the junkyard. i think ones from the grand cherokees with the 4.0 will work too. should only be a couple bucks

 

I had this in file.

 

FYI, the trim level only identifies what extras the vehicle has, mostly interior goodies and a few trim panels outside. All you'll need to know for most mechanical questions is which engine, transmission, and transfer case you have. Since it's got a police package, I'm willing to bet you got the 4.0 engine with the AW4 automatic transmission.

 

Try this decoder, it was spot on for my Jeep.
http://www.jeepvindecoder.com/vincheck

 

Does it have an extended idle switch?
Some PD's bought the police package, others bought standard XJ's and ran them. The police package normally included the switch to raise the idle speed. I remember when the MSP had a fleet of blue ones with a single bubble on top.

 

Thanks all for the responses ill try to pick one up from a junkyard when I get some time.

Can anyone else confirm this? Im not doubting you mitch, would just like some other confirmation for peace of mind if for some reason I cant find one from a cherokee from the junkyard.

I threw my VIN in that decoder before and it came up as "1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L 6-cyl. 4x4 5-speed Manual" Which everything seems right except it is not a 5 speed manual, it is an automatic which is strange unless it was switched while it was owned by the police department?

It does have an extended idle switch on the left hand side. It also came with full locking diffs, fuel skidplate, engine skidplate and has the holes on the inside pillar where the exterior pillar lights were and also filled holes on the back quarter panels from old antennae's.

Is there any benefits to raising the idle speed or what is the reasoning police vehicles needed it?

 

It's possible they changed the transmission. And for that high idle switch, it'll be very helpful when you get a winch, increasing the engine's revs makes the alternator work harder so they winch gets more juice.

 

Bumps up the alternator, lots of electronics running at idle in PD vehicles.