🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

YJ

Start Year:

1984

End Year:

1996

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, Jeep owners seeking DIY repair and maintenance solutions, professional mechanics.

Key Competitors:

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

Design:

Iconic square body styling, robust off-road capability, removable doors and top options.

Durability:

Renowned for its rugged construction and off-road prowess, built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis.

Versatility:

Suitable for daily commuting, recreational off-roading, and utility tasks.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair

Included Years:

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

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service Manual / Comprehensive Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All aspects including disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, repair, tuning, and specifications for 2.5L I4, 4.0L I6 (AMC 242), and 4.2L I6 (AMC 258) engines.

Transmission:

Manual transmissions (SR4, AX-5, AX-15) and automatic transmissions (TF-999, AW-4) including overhaul, diagnosis, and specifications.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive (4WD) systems (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), transfer cases (NP207, NP231), front and rear axles, differentials, and driveshafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs on later models), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS system (if equipped).

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkages, and hydraulic components.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, gauges, instrumentation, power windows/locks, and accessory circuits.

Fuel System:

Fuel tanks, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and cooling fan.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and emissions control components.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), frame repair, and rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, components, and service procedures.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, and inspection schedules.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and common fault identification.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems and components, including component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Rebuilding:

Complete overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, and electrical specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for various systems and trim levels.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Symptom-based troubleshooting for common driveability, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-the-go reference.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

2.5L AMC I4 (150 cu in)

Engine 1 Hp:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Engine 2 Name:

4.0L AMC I6 (242 cu in) - High Output

Engine 2 Hp:

Approx. 177 hp @ 4750 rpm (later models)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (later models)

Engine 3 Name:

4.2L AMC I6 (258 cu in)

Engine 3 Hp:

Approx. 112 hp @ 3200 rpm (early models)

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 210 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (early models)

Fuel Injection:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPFI) on 4.0L and later 2.5L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) on early 2.5L and 4.2L.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (e.g., SR4, AX-5, AX-15)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed automatic (TF-999) or 4-speed automatic (AW-4)

Transfer Case:

New Process NP207 (early), NP231 (later) Command-Trac (part-time 4WD), NP242 (optional) Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD capability).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

93.4 inches

Length:

Approx. 160 inches (early models), increased slightly in later models

Width:

Approx. 69.9 inches

Height:

Approx. 65 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3500 lbs depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,000 lbs (varies by engine and configuration).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (typical for SUVs of this era, high center of gravity).

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag not typically available.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (later models may have 3-point rear).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette or CD players. Basic speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system available on many models.

Power Features:

Optional power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors available on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH rated oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (with filter) for 4.0L I6, 5 quarts for 4.2L I6, 4.5 quarts for 2.5L I4.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar specification for later models), DEXRON II/III for earlier models.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to specific transmission type).

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 for NP231/NP242, SAE 75W-90 for NP207 (check manual).

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5 rated gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (with or without limited slip additive, depending on differential type).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (green) for proper freeze and corrosion protection.

Common Issue 1:

Cracked cylinder heads on 4.0L I6 engines (especially earlier models). Diagnosis and repair procedures covered.

Common Issue 2:

Leaking oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and rear main seals.

Common Issue 3:

Wear in suspension components (bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends) due to off-road use and age.

Common Issue 4:

Rust issues, particularly on the floor pans, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels.

Common Issue 5:

Electrical gremlins, often related to aging wiring harnesses, grounds, and connectors.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Jeep is an American brand with a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, originating from military vehicles during World War II.

Yj Introduction:

The YJ generation marked a significant shift from the CJ-series with its introduction of the coil-spring Quadra-Coil suspension in the front (replacing leaf springs), and a move to a more modern, car-like interior and features.

Yj Design Changes:

Notable changes include the move from round headlights to rectangular headlights (a controversial change for some enthusiasts) and the adoption of fuel injection for most engines by the end of its production run.

Production Plant:

Toledo Complex, Toledo, Ohio, USA.

Ownership Changes:

During the YJ's production, Jeep was owned by American Motors Corporation (AMC), then Chrysler Corporation acquired AMC in 1987.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Awards:

Consistently rated highly by off-road publications and enthusiasts for its capability and aftermarket support.