Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, everyday drivers seeking utility and capability
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Body On Frame:
Yes (robust construction for off-road durability)
Unibody Construction:
Yes (revolutionary for its time, contributing to lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to body-on-frame competitors)
4X4 Capability:
Yes (iconic Selec-Trac and Command-Trac transfer cases)
Compact Size:
Yes (agile and maneuverable for urban and trail use)
Applicable Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Yes (including disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and overhaul)
Engine Electrical:
Yes (including ignition, fuel injection, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (for manual transmissions like AX-5, AX-15)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (for automatic transmissions like AW4, 30RH)
Drivetrain 4X4:
Yes (including NP231 transfer case, Dana 30 front axle, Dana 35/44 rear axle)
Suspension:
Yes (front leaf spring/coil spring systems, rear leaf spring suspension, shocks, bushings)
Steering:
Yes (power steering system, steering column, linkages)
Brakes:
Yes (front disc, rear drum/disc systems, ABS where applicable, hydraulics, parking brake)
Cooling System:
Yes (radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant types)
Fuel System:
Yes (fuel tank, pump, injectors, lines, pressure)
Exhaust System:
Yes (manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes)
Electrical System Body:
Yes (lighting, wipers, horn, power windows/locks, interior components)
HVAC:
Yes (heating, ventilation, air conditioning system)
Body Interior:
Yes (trim panels, seats, dashboard components)
Body Exterior:
Yes (doors, fenders, hood, tailgate, glass, bumpers)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting)
Repair Procedures:
Yes (step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation)
Overhaul Rebuild:
Yes (detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds)
Diagnostics:
Yes (including OBD-I system information for applicable years)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (comprehensive electrical schematics)
Specifications Data:
Yes (torque values, clearances, tolerances)
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds)
Engine Code 2.5L:
2.5L AMC "Tech" I4 (Standard for most years)
Engine Code 4.0L:
4.0L AMC I6 (Optional for most years, standard on higher trims later in generation)
Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Horsepower:
Approx. 177-190 hp @ 4750 rpm (varies by year)
Torque:
Approx. 220-235 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery 2.5L:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) early, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) later
Fuel Delivery 4.0L:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Required Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (AW4) became common, 5-speed manual (AX-15) also prevalent
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (30RH, later years), 3-speed automatic (904, early years), 5-speed manual (AX-5, early years)
Transfer Case:
New Process NP231 (part-time 4WD with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, Neutral options) common; Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD) available on some models
Fluid Type:
Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid
Fluid Specifications Ax15
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 or equivalent manual transmission fluid (check specific manual for exact spec)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
Approx. 167.4 inches (4252 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.8 inches (1621 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 30.5 cu ft (864 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 70.2 cu ft (1988 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1451 - 1633 kg), varies by configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,900 lbs (2041 - 2223 kg), varies by configuration
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (for later models with improved structural integrity and restraint systems, early models may vary)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (for later models with improved structural integrity and restraint systems, early models may vary)
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on later 4.0L High Output models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag introduced mid-generation (around 1994-1995), passenger airbag not typically available for this generation
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear seat belts (later models may have 3-point rear)
Service Intervals Oil Change
Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Service Intervals Oil Filter
Interval:
Replace with every oil change.
Service Intervals Air Filter
Interval:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Service Intervals Coolant Flush
Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years, using appropriate coolant type.
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Interval:
Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Manual: Check for leaks, fluid replacement per manual recommendation.
Engine Oil 2.5L:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for climate specific recommendations)
Engine Oil 4.0L:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for climate specific recommendations)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Head Gaskets 4.0L:
Historically, some 4.0L engines experienced head gasket failures due to coolant leaks and overheating. Regular maintenance and preventing overheating are crucial.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Cps:
Common failure point on 4.0L engines, leading to stalling or no-start conditions. Often located in a difficult-to-access spot.
Power Steering Pump:
Can develop leaks or whine over time.
Rust And Corrosion:
Can affect floor pans, rocker panels, and frame rails, especially in rust-belt regions.
Leaf Spring Sag:
Rear leaf springs can sag over time, affecting ride height and load capacity.
Jeep Legacy:
Founded on military vehicle development, Jeep has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles.
First Generation Xj:
Launched in 1984, the XJ was a radical departure for Jeep, featuring unibody construction and a more modern, car-like interior and driving experience while retaining significant off-road prowess.
Major Updates 1984-1996:
Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine (1987), updated interior and exterior styling cues (facelifts in 1991 and 1997), and improvements to safety and emissions systems.
Production Start Year:
1984
Production End Year:
2001 (XJ production for North America ended in 2001, with some export markets continuing longer)
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA