🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, adventurers, and families seeking a capable and rugged vehicle.

Key Competitors:

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

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction (a significant differentiator for SUVs at the time), offering better on-road manners than body-on-frame rivals.

4X4 System:

Renowned Jeep Command-Trac 4WD system, known for its robust and reliable performance.

Durability:

Known for its rugged build quality and off-road capability, cementing Jeep's reputation.

📋 Manual Details

All Major Topics:

true

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, often scanned from original print)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul procedures for all engine variants.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection, sensor testing, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Service, repair, and overhaul for manual transmissions (e.g., AX-4, AX-15).

Transmission Automatic:

Service, repair, and overhaul for automatic transmissions (e.g., AW4).

Drivetrain 4X4:

Operation, diagnosis, and repair of the Command-Trac 4WD system, transfer case service.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, component replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, pump and linkage service, steering column repair.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, disc and drum brake service, ABS diagnostics (if equipped), parking brake.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, and coolant maintenance and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank service, evaporative emissions control.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and manifold service.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting, accessories, power distribution.

Body And Interior:

Door mechanisms, glass, trim, seats, dashboard, and body panel repair.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system service and repair.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.

Engine Rebuilds:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine overhauls.

Transmission Overhauls:

Comprehensive disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of transmission units.

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing major and minor components.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Using test equipment, interpreting wiring diagrams for fault finding.

Body Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, rust prevention.

Torque Specifications:

All critical fastener torque values for assembly and disassembly.

Special Tool Identification:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized Jeep service tools.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds).

Diagnostic Focus:

In-depth diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including engine control and electrical faults.

Rebuild Instructions:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major mechanical assemblies like engines and transmissions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text content for efficient information retrieval.

Print Readability:

High resolution scans, ensuring clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4.0L Inline-6 "Renegade" (AMC 242)

Displacement 1:

3960 cc (242 cubic inches)

Horsepower 1:

177 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque 1:

220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Bore X Stroke 1:

3.875" x 3.562" (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)

Compression Ratio 1:

8.8:1

Valvetrain 1:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel System 1:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Cooling System Capacity 1:

11.2 quarts (10.6 L)

Engine Code 2:

2.5L Inline-4 "Tech" (AMC "Hemi" - though not a true Hemi)

Displacement 2:

2469 cc (150.5 cubic inches)

Horsepower 2:

121 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque 2:

170 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel System 2:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine Recommendation:

The 4.0L Inline-6 is widely considered the superior and most sought-after engine for its power and reliability.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

AX-4 4-Speed Manual Transmission (Rarely equipped, primarily on base models)

Optional Transmission 1:

AX-15 5-Speed Manual Transmission (Commonly paired with 4.0L)

Optional Transmission 2:

AW4 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Commonly paired with both engines, built by Aisin-Warner)

Transfer Case Type:

NP231 Command-Trac (2-speed, part-time 4WD system)

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled for shift points.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

172.5 inches (4382 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

64.4 inches (1636 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm) depending on tires and suspension

Curb Weight 4Cyl 2Wd:

Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)

Curb Weight 6Cyl 4Wd:

Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with proper equipment and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

NHTSA 4-star rating for rollover resistance (typical for SUVs of this era).

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or optional 4-wheel ABS.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became standard in 1990.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.

Speaker System:

Standard 4 or 6 speaker systems.

ABS Availability:

Optional 4-wheel ABS system available, though not standard on all trims.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions, no integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) with synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for the AW4 automatic transmission.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for the AX-15 manual transmission.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for conventional plugs, up to 60,000 miles for platinum.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for colder climates).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent, e.g., Dexron III compatible).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

NP-231: ATF+3 or Dexron II/III.

Coolant Type:

Chrysler Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Engine 40L Common:

Head gasket leaks (especially earlier models), oil filter adapter leaks, occasional camshaft sensor issues.

Engine 25L Common:

Less power, can be prone to overheating if not maintained, piston slap on cold starts.

Transmission Aw4 Common:

Leaking solenoids, erratic shifting due to age or solenoid failure, potential torque converter shudder.

Suspension Common:

Leaf spring sag in rear, worn ball joints and tie rod ends, worn control arm bushings.

Body Common:

Rust in rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and tailgate; interior wear and tear.

Electrical Common:

Window regulator failures, power lock issues, dashboard indicator light failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing heritage in producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.

Cherokee Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, revolutionized the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction.

1990 Updates:

The 1990 model year saw the introduction of the driver-side airbag as standard, and refinements to the 4.0L engine.

Production Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

4X4 Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 1990 model year are hard to pinpoint without detailed historical archives, the XJ platform as a whole consistently received accolades for its off-road capability and utility from automotive publications throughout its production run.

Off Road Capability Ranking:

Consistently ranked highly among compact SUVs for its off-road prowess during its era.