Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Key Attribute:
Off-road capability, ruggedness, compact size, unibody construction
Contemporaries:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Design Philosophy:
Compact, capable, unibody construction for lighter weight and better on-road manners than body-on-frame competitors.
Off Road Legacy:
Continues Jeep's heritage of off-road prowess, with strong aftermarket support.
Engine:
2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6, 4.2L AMC I6 (if applicable for the specific model year and market)
Transmission:
Manual (AX-4, AX-5), Automatic (AW-4, 32RH)
Drivetrain:
4x2, Selec-Trac 4x4, Command-Trac 4x4
Suspension:
Front leaf spring (early 1988), Front coil spring (late 1988 and standard XJ), Rear leaf spring
Brakes:
Front disc, Rear drum (standard); Optional front and rear discs
Steering:
Power Steering (Recirculating ball)
Electrical:
Body electrical, Engine control, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (if equipped)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (MPI for 4.0L, Carburetor for 4.2L if still present), Fuel tank, Pump, Lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, Catalytic converter, Muffler, Tailpipe
Body And Frame:
Unibody construction, Interior trim, Exterior panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuilds, Suspension component replacement, Brake system service, Electrical component repair, Body panel repair
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I relevant codes), Component testing, Wiring diagrams analysis
Calibration:
Wheel alignment, Steering system adjustments
Installation:
Component replacement, Accessory installation guides (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance and fluid changes to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.
Target Audience:
Primarily professional technicians, but with sufficient detail for advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cu in)
Engine 1 Type:
AMC 150 I4 (Inline-4)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (likely Renix MPI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 115-120 hp @ 4500-4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 170-180 lb-ft @ 2000-2500 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cu in)
Engine 2 Type:
AMC 242 I6 (Inline-6)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (Renix MPI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 173-177 hp @ 4500-4700 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 220-225 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 4.0L and later 2.5L; Carbureted 4.2L may still be found on some very early production or modified vehicles, though less common for '88.
Manual Transmission:
Aisin-Warner AX-4 or AX-5 (4 or 5-speed manual)
Automatic Transmission:
Aisin-Warner AW-4 (4-speed automatic) or Chrysler 32RH (3-speed automatic, likely introduced later in the XJ generation but manual may cover its precursor/related units).
Transfer Case Options:
2WD, Selec-Trac (part-time 4WD with 2WD option), Command-Trac (full-time 4WD)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most conditions (check manual for specific engine).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (or equivalent DEXRON II/III for older AW-4).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF for Selec-Trac, typically manual transmission fluid (like AX-5/AX-4) for Command-Trac; consult manual for precise spec.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, typically green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Engine 4 0L Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (later years, but can affect earlier ones), oil filter adapter seal leaks, distributor drive gear wear.
Electrical Issues:
Renix fuel injection system issues (e.g., sensor failures, ECM issues), grounds, wiring harness degradation.
Suspension Wear:
Leaf spring sag (rear), worn control arm bushings (if coil spring front), ball joint wear.
Rust:
Common in rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and unibody frame rails due to age and environmental exposure.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, dating back to WWII Willys Jeeps.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction.
1988 Updates:
1988 saw the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine, which quickly became a hallmark of the XJ's performance and durability, replacing the less refined 4.2L engine in many applications.
Production Period:
1984-2001 (North America)
