Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Jeep owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicles
Competitors 1988:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Unique Selling Points:
Renowned off-road capability, unibody construction for lighter weight and smoother ride compared to body-on-frame competitors, legendary 4.0L engine
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Specifications, Wiring Diagrams, Exploded Views
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine:
4.0L Inline-6 (AMC 242), 2.5L Inline-4 (AMC 150)
Transmission:
AX-4 (4-Speed Manual), AW4 (4-Speed Automatic), NP231 (Transfer Case)
Drivetrain:
4WD (Command-Trac), Dana 30 Front Axle, Dana 35 Rear Axle
Suspension:
Leaf Spring Rear, Coil Spring Front, Solid Axles
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard), Optional Rear Disc
Steering:
Power Steering System
Electrical:
12V System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories
Fuel System:
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Tank, Lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses
Exhaust System:
Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes
Body And Frame:
Unibody Construction, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I), Sensor Testing, Circuit Testing
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Specifications, Electrical Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 rpm (varies slightly by year/tune)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (varies slightly by year/tune)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.570 in (98.4 mm x 90.7 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Oil Capacity:
5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Engine 1 Recommended Oil:
API SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific conditions)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) / Throttle Body Injection (TBI) on some early models
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 116-125 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 135-145 lb-ft
Transmission 1 Type:
AX-4 (4-Speed Manual)
Transmission 2 Type:
AW4 (4-Speed Automatic)
Transfer Case:
New Process NP231 Command-Trac (Part-Time 2WD/4WD)
Transmission Fluid Type Aw4:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Aw4:
Approx. 7 US quarts (6.6 Liters) for refill
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Overall Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Overall Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Overall Height:
62.1 inches (1577 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm) (stock)
Curb Weight Approx:
3200-3600 lbs (1450-1630 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4600-4750 lbs (2087-2154 kg)
Standard Wheel Size:
15 x 7 inch
Standard Tire Size:
215/75R15
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inch (5 x 114.3 mm)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3/5 stars (typical for 80s SUVs, manual will detail specific test protocols for the era)
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum; power assist standard
Seatbelts:
Front: Shoulder/lap belts; Rear: Lap belts (standard, manual will detail adjustability/retraction features)
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bar structure within the unibody design
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player (optional CD player on some models), basic speaker system
Dashboard Controls:
Analog gauges, physical climate controls, radio knobs
ABS:
Available on some models, typically rear-wheel only for 1988
Connectivity Features:
None (basic automotive technology of the era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depends on driving conditions)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type
Engine Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III
Transfer Case Fluid:
NP231: ATF Dexron II or III
Differential Fluid Front Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (check manual for specific axle types and limited-slip additives if applicable)
Common Issues 40L:
Cracked cylinder heads (later versions improved), oil filter adapter seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, rear main seal leaks, oil pump drive gear wear
Common Issues Xj:
Rust (particularly rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and unibody frame rails), worn leaf springs, sagging headliner, electrical gremlins (especially grounds), radiator leaks, water pump failures, tie rod ends and ball joint wear
Common Issues Aw4:
Solenoid issues, internal seal wear, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) issues affecting shift quality
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II with the Willys MB, known for its ruggedness and off-road prowess.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market as the first mass-produced 'compact' SUV with a unibody construction.
Xj Generation 1:
1984-1996. The 1988 model is part of the first generation, with significant styling and mechanical updates occurring throughout its lifespan.
Engine Development:
The legendary AMC 4.0L inline-six engine was introduced in 1987, quickly becoming the preferred engine for its power and durability, and would be a staple for Jeep for decades.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years Xj:
1984-2001
