🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Body Style:

Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle

Chassis Code:

XJ

Generation:

First Generation (XJ)

Generation Years:

1984-2001 (North America)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was a groundbreaking vehicle, pioneering the unibody construction for SUVs, offering a blend of off-road capability, compact size, and everyday usability that set a new segment standard. It appealed to a wide demographic from outdoor enthusiasts to families.

Competitors:

Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, GMC S-15 Jimmy, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.

Key Features:

Unibody construction, capable 4x4 systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), durable powertrains, comfortable ride for its class, versatile cargo space, iconic boxy styling.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (dismantling, assembly, overhaul), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emission control systems, engine diagnostics, engine performance tuning.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (AX-4, AX-5, BA-10/5, NV1500, NV3550), Automatic transmission (TF-999, TF-30, AW4, NV242 Selec-Trac, NV249 Selec-Trac), transfer case (NP231, NP242, NP207, NP249), clutch system, drivetrain components (driveshafts, U-joints, axles).

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for applicable models, brake diagnostics and repair.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, ignition system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, audio system, diagnostics of electrical components.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers, steering knuckles), rear suspension (leaf springs, shock absorbers), steering system (power steering pump, steering gear, tie rods), wheel alignment specifications.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, frame repair, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass replacement, body panel repair, rust prevention and repair.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation and balancing.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair and replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-I and early OBD-II for later models), electrical system troubleshooting, mechanical system diagnostics.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications, engine data, dimensional data, alignment specifications.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2.5L I4:

2.5L AMC 'Tech' I4 (150 ci), 125 hp @ 4800 rpm, 145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (carbureted early years, then fuel injected).

Engine 4.0L I6:

4.0L AMC 'High Output' I6 (242 ci), 173-190 hp @ 4500-4750 rpm, 220-235 lb-ft @ 2000-3200 rpm (depending on year and specific variant).

Top Speed Approx:

100-110 mph (electronically limited on some models)

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (early 2.5L I4) and Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Early:

4-speed manual (Jeep/Peugeot BA-10/5)

Optional Transmission Auto:

3-speed automatic (TF-999), 4-speed automatic (AW4)

Optional Transmission Manual:

5-speed manual (AX-5, NV1500, NV3550)

Transfer Case Options:

NP207 (Command-Trac), NP231 (Command-Trac), NP242 (Selec-Trac), NP249 (Selec-Trac Full-Time).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Length:

167.5 inches

Width:

69.4 inches

Height:

63.7 inches

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 31.5 cubic feet

Curb Weight Approx:

3200 - 3600 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:

Varies by year, typically 4-star for driver/passenger frontal impacts in later models with airbags.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes (later models), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System - optional on some later models).

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, airbags (driver-side introduced in 1994, passenger-side later).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player, manual climate control, analog gauges.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS on later models. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (or 6 months), depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Coolant Interval:

Initial fill, then flush and refill every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-5 years.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Automatic: Inspect every 15,000 miles, change fluid and filter every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect fluid level periodically, change fluid around 100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green), or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (or Mopar ATF 7176), or equivalent (refer to manual for specific type based on transmission model).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific application).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (or Mopar ATF 7176), or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Radiator leaks, head gasket failure (especially on early 4.0L engines), cracking on unibody frame rails near front leaf spring mounts, water pump failures, starter motor issues, differential breather vent blockage leading to axle seal leaks, rust (especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate).

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Wix 51085, Fram PH8A, Purolator L30001 (for 4.0L I6); Wix 51515, Fram PH16 (for 2.5L I4) - Always verify compatibility.

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Wix 42073, Fram CA123 (for 4.0L I6); Wix 42037, Fram CA3802 (for 2.5L I4) - Always verify compatibility.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Heritage:

Founded on military utility vehicles, Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and durability, dating back to World War II.

Xj Evolution Highlights:

Introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary compact SUV with unibody construction. Received significant updates including the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine in 1987, interior and exterior styling refinements throughout its run, and safety feature upgrades (airbags).

Production Start Year:

1984

Production End Year Covered:

1996

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Frequently cited by automotive publications for its off-road capability and value. Named 'Four Wheeler of the Year' by Four Wheeler magazine in 1984.

Epa Fuel Economy City:

Approx. 15-17 MPG (4.0L I6), 17-19 MPG (2.5L I4) - Varies significantly with drivetrain and driving style.

Epa Fuel Economy Highway:

Approx. 18-20 MPG (4.0L I6), 19-21 MPG (2.5L I4) - Varies significantly with drivetrain and driving style.