Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Jeep Heritage:
The Comanche, based on the Cherokee (XJ) platform, represented Jeep's entry into the compact pickup segment, leveraging the brand's reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Hilux/Tacoma
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information for a classic Jeep pickup, empowering owners and independent mechanics.
Manual Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, and detailed pictures ensure accuracy and ease of understanding for all repair tasks.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, and Troubleshooting
Included Regions:
North America (implied by Jeep's primary market)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact number not specified, but described as extensive)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Delivery Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (4WD/2WD systems, differentials, axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, parking), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams, Body Electronics, Power Accessories
Body:
Exterior body panels, Interior trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Body sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, specific component repairs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault finding guides
Diagnostics:
Wiring schematics for electrical system diagnosis, component testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, full electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Options 2 5L I4:
2.5L AMC/Jeep OHV Inline-4 (TBI and MPI variants)
Engine Options 4 0L I6:
4.0L AMC/Jeep OHV Inline-6 (MPI)
Engine Options 2 8L V6:
2.8L Chevrolet/GM LR2/LR4 V6 (early models, TBI)
Engine Options 2 1L Td:
2.1L Renault J8S Turbo Diesel (early models)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 100-120 HP (for 2.5L I4) to 177 HP (for 4.0L I6)
Torque Range:
Approx. 135-150 lb-ft (for 2.5L I4) to 220 lb-ft (for 4.0L I6)
Fuel Delivery:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) and Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), depending on year and engine
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (primarily 87 octane, check manual for specifics)
Standard Transmission Options:
Aisin Warner AX-5 5-speed manual
Optional Transmission Options:
Chrysler/Jeep AW4 4-speed automatic, Peugeot BA-10/5 5-speed manual (early models)
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (RWD), Command-Trac part-time 4WD
Transfer Case:
New Process (NP) 207, NP231 (depending on year and drivetrain)
Wheelbase Options:
113.0 inches (Standard Cab), 120.0 inches (Long Bed)
Bed Length Options:
6 ft (standard), 7 ft (long bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,200 - 4,000 lbs, depending on configuration.
Crash Test Information:
NHTSA and IIHS data may be available but not comprehensive by modern standards. Manual will detail safety system components.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional rear disc brakes on some later models.
Restraint Systems:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder), optional driver-side airbag (later models).
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction inherited from Cherokee XJ, offering a different safety profile than body-on-frame competitors of the era.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some trims.
Auxiliary Inputs:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions required.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact mileage and oil type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual transmission fluid inspection/change as per manual recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles for conventional coolant. Extended life coolants may differ.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40 for early models; 5W-30 for later 4.0L). API service category SG or higher.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for early AW4 recommendations, likely Dexron II/III compatible)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90 for AX-5 and BA-10/5)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems:
Rust (body and frame components), interior wear and tear, cooling system issues (radiator, water pump), minor electrical gremlins, differential seal leaks, wear on leaf springs.
Engine Reliability 4 0L:
The 4.0L inline-6 is generally considered very robust, though head gasket issues can occur with age and mileage.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's lineage is deeply rooted in rugged, go-anywhere vehicles, a reputation the Comanche aimed to extend into the compact pickup market.
Mj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the MJ Comanche shared its platform and many components with the highly successful Cherokee XJ, offering a blend of Jeep's off-road prowess with truck utility.
Key Updates:
Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.0L inline-6 engine (1987), improvements to fuel injection systems, and minor styling refreshes throughout its production run.
Production Period:
1984-1992 (though the manual covers up to 1996, indicating continued sales or manual updates for specific markets/remaining stock).
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA (Jeep's primary manufacturing facility)
