🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1990

Vin Designator:

J

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, casual SUV users, DIY mechanics.

Competitors 1990:

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

Design Philosophy:

Rugged, capable off-road vehicle with unibody construction for a more refined on-road ride compared to body-on-frame SUVs of its era.

Value Proposition:

Provides owners and technicians with the same authoritative repair information used by official Jeep dealerships, empowering effective maintenance and repair.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete workshop procedures, dealer-level diagnostics, and maintenance.

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Emissions.

Trim Level Coverage:

Applicable to all trim levels offered for the 1990 Jeep Cherokee XJ.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Documentation Style:

Technical, clear, and concise, with a focus on accurate procedural steps.

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (including teardown and reassembly), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine diagnostics.

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Transfer Case (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), Axles (Front and Rear), Driveshafts, U-Joints, Wheel Hubs.

Suspension Steering:

Front Suspension (Solid Axle), Rear Suspension (Leaf Springs), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Control Arms, Steering Gear, Power Steering System.

Brake Systems:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake, Brake Hydraulics, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical Systems:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Horn, Power Windows/Locks (if equipped), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams.

Body Chassis:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Frame Inspection, Chassis components.

HVAC Emissions:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system, Catalytic Converter.

Body Interior:

Interior components, seating, dashboard, door panels, headliner, and exterior body panel removal/installation.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake, transmission, differential), filter replacements (air, fuel), spark plug replacement, battery maintenance, tire rotation.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, circuit testing, component testing.

Special Tools Procedures:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.

Wiring Diagrams Detail:

Detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Charts:

Flowcharts and diagnostic trees to systematically identify causes of malfunctions.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, with detailed torque specifications and diagnostic flowcharts.

Torque Specifications:

Includes specific torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and component life.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick access to information.

Clarity:

High-resolution scans ensuring clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Content Scope:

Covers all aspects of repair and maintenance for the specified model year, including all engine and transmission variants offered.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (High Output)

Engine Displacement:

3964 cc (242 cu in)

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron

Valve Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 Valves (2 per cylinder)

Firing Order:

1-5-3-6-2-4

Horsepower:

173 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Induction Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Engine Code Optional:

2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder (AMC 150)

Engine Displacement Optional:

2465 cc (150 cu in)

Horsepower Optional:

121 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Optional:

178 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual (AX-5)

Type Optional:

3-Speed Automatic (AW-4)

Type Optional 2:

4-Speed Automatic (Select)

Transfer Case Options:

2-speed part-time (Command-Trac NV231), 2-speed full-time (Selec-Trac NV242)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

169.1 in (4300 mm)

Width:

70.2 in (1783 mm)

Height:

65.9 in (1674 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.4 in (2575 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.5 in (216 mm)

Curb Weight:

3100-3500 lbs (1406-1588 kg) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4700 lbs (2132 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

N/A (ratings not consistently available for this era).

Braking System:

Front Disc / Rear Drum (ABS optional on select models).

Seat Belts:

3-point front, 2-point rear (standard). Driver's side airbag not standard for 1990 model year.

Body Construction:

Unibody construction with integrated roll cage elements.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player and premium sound system.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models, primarily on front wheels.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years for automatic, refer to manual for manual transmission.

Coolant Change:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter for 4.0L I6.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf Type:

Mopar ATF+3 (or equivalent).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent) for AX-5.

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

Mopar light weight transfer case lubricant or Dexron III (or equivalent).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Rear Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (or synthetic equivalent).

Front Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (or synthetic equivalent) for 4x4 models.

Common Problems Xj:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L), heater core leaks, leaf spring sagging, rear main seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, alternator failures, exhaust manifold cracks (less common on later 4.0L).

Troubleshooting Tips Manual:

The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures for common issues like intermittent electrical faults, poor engine performance, and driveline noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness dating back to WWII Willys Jeeps.

Xj Introduction:

The Cherokee XJ was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

1990 Updates:

The 1990 model year saw the introduction of the 4.0L High Output inline-six as the primary engine option, replacing the older 4.2L engine for most models, significantly improving performance.

Production Period Xj:

1984-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Impact:

The XJ platform is widely recognized for its durability, off-road prowess, and its role in popularizing the compact SUV segment.