Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a highly regarded compact SUV, known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and utilitarian design. It filled a niche as a more affordable and maneuverable alternative to larger SUVs.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder in its early years, and later against compact SUVs from various manufacturers.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its off-road prowess due to its unibody construction (lighter than body-on-frame competitors), solid front axle (until 1984, then replaced by Dana 30 with U-joints), and robust 4x4 systems.
Durability:
Praised for its durability and longevity, with many examples still in service today.
Design Innovation:
One of the first SUVs to feature unibody construction, which contributed to a lighter weight and better handling compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Years Covered:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Vehicle Variants:
All XJ Cherokee variants (2-door, 4-door, Sport, SE, Classic, Limited, Country)
Geographic Coverage:
Primarily North American specifications, but broadly applicable globally for mechanicals.
Type:
Comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital PDF (Downloadable)
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Four-wheel drive (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, NP231, NP242 transfer cases), axles (Dana 30 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear, Dana 35 rear), drive shafts, U-joints.
Transmission:
Manual (AX-5, AX-15) and Automatic (AW4, 30RH) transmission service, repair, and overhaul.
Suspension Steering:
Front (leaf spring solid axle) and rear suspension systems, steering gear, power steering, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic lines, ABS (if equipped on later models).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, fuse/relay locations.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, frame straightening (if applicable).
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Emissions:
Emissions control systems, catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, tune-ups, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and repair across all systems.
Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds, including torque specifications and tolerances.
Adjustments:
Adjustment procedures for brakes, clutch, ignition timing (where applicable), and drive belts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and owners who want in-depth knowledge.
Engine 1 Name:
2.5L AMC I-4 (4.0L OHV I6 option became dominant)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cu in)
Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 121 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (Diesel variant available in some markets)
Engine 2 Name:
4.0L AMC I6 (High Output)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cu in)
Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 177 hp @ 4750 rpm (varied slightly over years)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (varied slightly over years)
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 9-11 seconds (4.0L, depending on configuration)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for both 2.5L and 4.0L engines.
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20.0 US gallons (75.7 L)
Transmission 1 Name:
AX-5 Manual (5-speed)
Transmission 1 Application:
Primarily with the 2.5L engine.
Transmission 2 Name:
AW4 Automatic (4-speed)
Transmission 2 Application:
Commonly paired with the 4.0L engine, also available with 2.5L.
Transmission 3 Name:
AX-15 Manual (5-speed)
Transmission 3 Application:
Later models, often with the 4.0L engine, offering improved durability over AX-5.
Transmission 4 Name:
30RH Automatic (3-speed)
Transmission 4 Application:
Used in some later models, often with the 2.5L engine.
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac (NV231) part-time 2WD/4WD, Selec-Trac (NV242) full-time 2WD/4WD.
Aw4 Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF (or equivalent)
Ax15 Fluid Type:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
171.2 inches (4348 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
64.4 inches (1636 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,700 lbs (1451 - 1678 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 30.3 cu ft (858 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 70.4 cu ft (1993 L)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated extensively by NHTSA for this era; early models pre-date rigorous testing. Known for robust construction.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Limited data from IIHS for this generation. Generally considered structurally sound for its time.
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on later ones, primarily on rear wheels or 4-wheel ABS.
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on most XJ models from this era.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags became standard during the production run (late models).
Seat Belts:
All seating positions equipped with three-point seat belts (front) or lap belts (rear, early models).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for conventional plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic, longer for manual depending on usage.
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 (API Service SG or SH) for 4.0L; 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 2.5L.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter for 4.0L; 4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter for 2.5L.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (or equivalent) or specific Mopar power steering fluid.
Common Problem 1:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier 4.0L engines) due to overheating. Manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures.
Common Problem 2:
Oil filter adapter leaks (common on 4.0L). Manual covers replacement.
Common Problem 3:
Leaf spring perch cracks on rear axle (due to off-road stress). Manual discusses inspection and repair.
Common Problem 4:
Interior electrical gremlins (e.g., gauge cluster issues, window regulators). Manual includes detailed electrical diagrams.
Common Problem 5:
Radiator and water pump failures (preventative replacement recommended). Manual details replacement procedures.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, dating back to its WWII origins with the Willys MB. This heritage is reflected in the Cherokee XJ's capabilities.
First Generation Xj Launch:
Introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the Cherokee SJ (full-size) and Wagoneer, setting a new standard for compact SUVs.
Major Updates 1988-2001:
Facelift in 1997 with revised interior and exterior styling, updated powertrains, and minor safety enhancements. The 4.0L inline-six became the dominant engine.
Production Start Year:
1984
Production End Year:
2001 (for the XJ model, replaced by the KJ Liberty)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Sales Figures:
Over 3 million XJ Cherokees produced globally during its 17-year run, making it a highly successful model.
