Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
        
     
    
        
            Jeep Heritage:
        
        
            Cherokee XJ is a cornerstone of Jeep's reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors 1988:
        
        
            Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
        
     
    
    
        
            Jeep Xj Distinction:
        
        
            Unibody construction offered a lighter, more car-like ride than body-on-frame competitors, yet retained significant off-road prowess.
        
     
    
    
        
            Value For Owner:
        
        
            Essential for owners looking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their 1988 Jeep Cherokee XJ, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper service.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling systems
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel injection (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, tank, lines
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing, electronic control module (ECM)
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, sensors
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, maintenance
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Overhaul, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic controls, maintenance
        
     
    
        
            Driveline:
        
        
            Transfer case, driveshafts, U-joints, axles, differentials (front and rear)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, springs, shocks, control arms, bushings
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, control modules
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            HVAC system, blower motor, AC compressor, heater core, refrigerant charging
        
     
    
        
            Body Interior:
        
        
            Interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, glass, headliner
        
     
    
        
            Body Exterior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, trim, paint
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspections
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque values, clearances, fluid types, capacities, electrical specifications
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            4.0L Inline-6 (Often referred to as the '242' engine)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Cylinder Head
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            242 cubic inches (3.96 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 173 hp @ 4,000 RPM
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM
        
     
    
    
        
            Induction:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Block Material:
        
        
            Cast Iron
        
     
    
        
            Cylinder Head Material:
        
        
            Aluminum
        
     
    
        
            Firing Order:
        
        
            1-5-3-6-2-4
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity With Filter:
        
        
            6 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            API SN, SAE 10W-30 (Check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 12.5 US Quarts (11.8 Liters) with heater
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/water mixture (50/50)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Gap:
        
        
            0.035 inches (0.89 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition Timing Base:
        
        
            12 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC) at idle (ECU controlled)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (AW4)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual (AX-5)
        
     
    
    
        
            Aw4 Features:
        
        
            Electronically controlled, renowned for durability and off-road suitability. Selectable 2WD/4WD.
        
     
    
        
            Ax5 Features:
        
        
            Robust manual gearbox, suitable for moderate off-road use. Selectable 2WD/4WD.
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specifications Automatic
    
 
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Refer to manual for exact specification for 1988)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 6.8 US Quarts (6.4 Liters) for fluid change
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specifications Manual
    
 
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 2.4 US Quarts (2.3 Liters)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            176.1 inches (4473 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            69.4 inches (1763 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            63.4 inches (1610 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            101.4 inches (2576 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg), depending on configuration
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
        
        
            Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
        
        
            Approx. 33.1 cubic feet (937 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
        
        
            Approx. 70.6 cubic feet (2000 liters)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems available.
        
     
    
        
            Gauge Cluster:
        
        
            Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models for improved braking control.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Optional cruise control system.
        
     
    
        
            Power Windows Locks:
        
        
            Optional power windows and power door locks available on higher trim levels.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Consult manual for specifics.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on towing and driving conditions). Check manual.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Check manual)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Item 1:
        
        
            Radiator tanks (plastic tanks prone to cracking/leaking)
        
     
    
        
            Common Wear Item 2:
        
        
            Leaf spring perches and mounting points (rust and fatigue)
        
     
    
        
            Common Wear Item 3:
        
        
            Headliner fabric deterioration (sagging)
        
     
    
        
            Common Engine Issue:
        
        
            Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L HO versions, though less common in later revisions like 1988)
        
     
    
        
            Common Electrical Issue:
        
        
            TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) failure, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure on later models, door panel wiring harness wear.
        
     
    
        
            Common Suspension Issue:
        
        
            Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and track bar bushings.