🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1989

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ, particularly the 1989 model, represented a significant evolution in SUV design, offering a unibody construction that was lighter and more car-like than traditional body-on-frame SUVs. It targeted consumers seeking off-road capability in a more practical, everyday package.

Competitors 1989:

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

Vehicle Features:

Unibody construction, coil spring front suspension (a departure from earlier leaf springs), legendary 4.0L inline-six engine, robust 4WD systems (Selec-Trac and Command-Trac).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Engine Coverage:

4.0L Inline-6 (242 ci) and 2.5L Inline-4 (150 ci)

Transmission Coverage:

AX-4 (4-speed manual), BA/H (3-speed automatic), AW4 (4-speed automatic)

Drivetrain Coverage:

2WD (RWD) and 4WD (4x4) systems, NP231 transfer case

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 800-1000 pages (estimated for comprehensive factory manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Paperback/Bound)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, overhaul procedures for 4.0L and 2.5L engines

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, fuel tank

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, hoses, coolant specifications

Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, ignition coils, timing, electronic ignition

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, emissions control

Transmission Mechanical:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, rebuilding, and adjustment procedures

Transfer Case:

NP231 transfer case service, repair, and fluid specifications

Driveshafts Axles:

Front and rear driveshaft service, U-joints, axle shafts, differential service

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components, springs, shocks, bushings, alignment

Steering System:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes, parking brake, brake fluid, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, alternator, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types

Instrumentation:

Gauges, warning lights, speedometer, odometer

Climate Control:

HVAC system, heater core, A/C system components, refrigerant

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, interior components

Body Exterior:

Bumpers, fenders, hood, tailgate, glass replacement

Chassis Frame:

Unibody construction details, frame inspection, rust repair considerations

Restraints System:

Seat belts, airbag system (if applicable for later models, but typically not standard on '89 XJ)

Routine Maintenance:

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

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problems

Component Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing parts such as sensors, actuators, and modules

Rebuilding Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, fault finding in electrical systems

Specification Tables:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, diagnostic data

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and complex diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format If Applicable:

N/A (This product is described as a print manual)

Quality:

Factory original quality, easy-to-read text, high-quality diagrams.

Binding:

Likely perfect bound or saddle-stitched, designed for workshop use.

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments, often with coated pages for smudge resistance.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.0 L (242 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline-6 (I6)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approximately 173 hp @ 4500 rpm (for 1989 model)

Engine 1 Torque:

Approximately 220 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (for 1989 model)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.5 L (150 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline-4 (I4)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approximately 121 hp @ 4800 rpm (for 1989 model)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approximately 170 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (for 1989 model)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECM Type:

Chrysler SBEC (Single Board Engine Controller) or similar Chrysler-era system

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

AX-4 4-speed manual (4x2 and 4x4)

Optional Transmission 1:

BA/H 3-speed automatic (4x2 and 4x4)

Optional Transmission 2:

AW4 4-speed automatic with overdrive (4x2 and 4x4)

Transfer Case Options:

NP231 (Command-Trac part-time 4WD), NP242 (Selec-Trac full-time 4WD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+2 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron II)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Transfer Case Fluid:

NP231/NP242: ATF+2 or Dexron II

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Length:

166.5 inches

Width:

69.4 inches

Height:

61.7 inches

Curb Weight Approx:

3,100 - 3,500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

4,700 - 5,100 lbs

Towing Capacity Approx:

Up to 5,000 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)

Standard Wheel Size:

15 inches

Standard Tire Size:

P215/75R15 (varies by trim)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.5 inches (5x114.3 mm)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1989:

Specific NHTSA ratings for 1989 are difficult to pinpoint historically, but generally, SUVs of this era had lower safety ratings than modern vehicles. The XJ's unibody construction was an advantage in rollover resistance compared to some body-on-frame SUVs.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (optional/later models), power-assisted steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), padded dashboard and steering column, reinforced safety cage within the unibody structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System 1989:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound system with more speakers.

Driver Assistance 1989:

Very limited. Primarily power steering and power brakes. ABS was not standard and likely not available on this model year.

Connectivity 1989:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, GPS). Antennas for radio reception.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used; consult manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Service:

Automatic transmissions: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles; Manual transmissions: Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (fluid condition is key).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

4.0L: ~100,000 miles (platinum/iridium plugs); 2.5L: ~30,000-60,000 miles (standard plugs). Consult manual for exact type.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate; 10W-30 typically recommended for most conditions). Consult manual for exact API service classification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

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

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a green type (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent).

Common Problems 4.0L:

Head gasket leaks (especially later years, but can occur on '89), oil filter adapter O-ring leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, rear main seal leaks, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure.

Common Problems General:

Rust (especially on rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and unibody frame rails), aging suspension bushings, worn universal joints, leaking brake lines, electrical gremlins (especially wiring harness degradation).

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Heritage:

Jeep, originating from Willys-Overland in WWII, has a long history of producing rugged, go-anywhere vehicles. The Cherokee name itself has been associated with Jeep for decades, initially on larger, more traditional SUVs.

Cherokee Xj Introduction:

The Cherokee XJ was introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary compact SUV, pioneering the unibody SUV platform. The 1989 model year saw updates and refinements to the already successful formula.

Production Years Xj:

1984-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year:

Popular Mechanics praised the XJ as 'Four-Wheeler of the Year' upon its introduction in 1984, highlighting its innovative unibody design and capability.

Jeep Cherokee Legacy:

The Cherokee XJ is widely regarded as a highly capable and durable SUV, with a strong enthusiast following. Its platform and design principles influenced many subsequent SUVs.