Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, Jeep owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Body-on-frame construction, solid front axle (early models), coil spring suspension, legendary Jeep off-road capability
Design Philosophy:
Rugged, utilitarian, durable, trail-ready
Engine Variants Covered:
2.5L I4 (AMC 150), 4.0L I6 (AMC 242), 4.2L I6 (AMC 258)
Transmission Variants Covered:
4-speed automatic (AW4), 5-speed manual (AX-5, AX-15)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual (WSM)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission, transfer case, driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electrical, electronic control modules (ECMs), wiring diagrams
Body:
Body structure, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and chassis component rebuilds.
Base Engine:
2.5L AMC 150 I4
Optional Engine 1:
4.0L AMC 242 I6
Optional Engine 2:
4.2L AMC 258 I6
2.5L I4 Horsepower:
~112 hp @ 4000 rpm (varies by year)
2.5L I4 Torque:
~135 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (varies by year)
4.0L I6 Horsepower:
~177 hp @ 4750 rpm (varies by year)
4.0L I6 Torque:
~220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Bore Stroke 4.0L:
3.875 in x 3.56 in
Compression Ratio 4.0L:
8.8:1
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast Iron (early), Aluminum (later models)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (AX-5 for 2.5L, AX-15 for 4.0L/4.2L)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (AW4)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac NV231 (part-time 2-speed), Selec-Trac NV242 (full-time 2-speed, optional)
Aw4 Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 gear oil (check specific manual for exact spec)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (varies by configuration, check specific year reports)
Standard Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum
Optional Brakes:
Front and rear disc (later models, some trims)
Seatbelts:
Front shoulder/lap belts, rear lap belts (three-point belts became more common on later models)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1994 onwards.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with optional cassette or CD player. Speaker configuration typically 2 or 4.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter. Warning lights for various systems.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on later models, typically on rear wheels only initially, later on all four.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era. Primarily focused on basic functionality. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Tune Up Interval:
Refer to manual for specific spark plug and filter replacement schedules (typically 30,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (check specific manual for exact specification and capacity of ~5 quarts with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Capacity approx. 11-13 quarts.
Common Engine Problems:
Cracking cylinder heads on early 4.0L I6 engines, oil filter adapter housing leaks, distributor cap and rotor wear.
Common Transmission Problems:
AW4 shift solenoid issues, manual transmission synchro wear.
Common Chassis Problems:
Leaf spring wear and breakage (on CJ-7 if included), worn out rubber bushings, steering box play, rust on frame and body panels.
Common Electrical Problems:
Corroded grounds, failing alternator, dashboard gauge issues, door lock actuator failures.
Jeep Legacy:
Founded on military Jeep designs (Willys MB), renowned for off-road prowess and ruggedness.
Yj Introduction:
Replaced the CJ-7, introduced in late 1986 for the 1987 model year. Featured a significantly updated exterior and interior compared to the CJ. Notably moved away from leaf springs to coil springs in the front. This manual covers the first generation YJ, but the product description implies coverage from 1984, which would be the later CJ-7 era. The YJ designation is for 1987-1995, with the TJ succeeding it for 1997. The manual likely covers both late CJ-7 transitions and the full YJ run.
Yj Distinctive Feature:
Square headlights (a departure from Jeep's traditional round headlights, a common point of contention among enthusiasts).
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years Yj:
1987-1995 (though the description lists 1984-1996, suggesting potential overlap with the CJ-7 or early TJ references in marketing.)
