🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Year:

1989

Product Name:

Jeep XJ 1989 All Service Manual Repair Download

Chassis Code:

XJ

Platform:

Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1989 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was a highly capable and popular compact SUV, known for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, and unibody construction which provided a more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs of the era. It competed with vehicles like the Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder.

Comparison:

The XJ's unibody design was revolutionary for its time, offering a lighter, stiffer chassis with better handling and fuel efficiency compared to its body-on-frame contemporaries. The available four-door body style also broadened its appeal beyond traditional Jeep buyers. Its strong inline-six engine options cemented its reputation for reliability and power.

Vehicle Highlights:

Compact SUV, unibody construction, excellent off-road capability (especially with Command-Trac 4x4), durable powertrains, relatively spacious interior for its size.

Value:

This manual is essential for owners who wish to maintain their 1989 Jeep XJ to a high standard, perform their own repairs, or understand the vehicle's systems in detail. It empowers owners to save on labor costs and ensure quality work.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete service, repair, and maintenance for 1989 Jeep Cherokee (XJ).

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6: diagnostics, repair, overhaul, component specifics.

Transmission:

AX4/AX4-N (Auto), BA/BA-10 (Auto), AX5 (Manual): repair, overhaul, adjustment, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

NP231/NP242 Transfer Case, Dana 30 Front Axle, Chrysler 8.25 Rear Axle (if applicable), AMC 20 Rear Axle (early XJs, though 1989 likely has Dana): service, repair, rebuilding, lubricant specifications.

Suspension:

Front Leaf Spring, Rear Leaf Spring: inspection, repair, component replacement, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power Steering System: pump, gearbox, linkage, repair, fluid types.

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard for 1989): hydraulic system, caliper/wheel cylinder rebuild, rotor/drum specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories.

Body:

Interior and exterior trim, body panels, doors, latches, glass, weatherstripping, structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems: component testing, refrigerant handling (R12), repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, throttle body, evaporative emissions (EVAP).

Exhaust System:

Manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes: inspection and replacement.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication points.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I diagnostic codes (if applicable to specific components).

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilds, and adjustments.

Installation:

Guidance for installing factory-specified accessories and replacement parts.

Torque Specs:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Digital PDF, often searchable and printable. Quality depends on the source scan.

Quality:

N/A (for digital download, print quality is user-dependent)

Binding:

N/A (for digital download)

Paper:

N/A (for digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L AMC I4 (150 cu in)

Engine 1 Code:

AMC 150

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2464 cc)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.250 in (98.4 mm x 82.5 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

121 hp @ 4800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Engine 2:

4.0L AMC I6 (242 cu in)

Engine 2 Code:

AMC 242

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3960 cc)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.410 in (98.4 mm x 86.6 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

173 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for both engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for 4.0L, Distributor with Electronic Control for 2.5L.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

AX4/AX4-N 3-speed Automatic (commonly with 2.5L I4)

Transmission 2:

BA/BA-10 4-speed Automatic (Peugeot transaxle, commonly with 4.0L I6)

Transmission 3:

AX5 5-speed Manual (commonly with 2.5L I4 and sometimes 4.0L I6)

Transfer Case:

NP231 (Command-Trac) 2-speed 4WD, NP242 (Selec-Trac) 2-speed 4WD with full-time option.

Gear Ratios Manual Ax5:

First: 3.90:1, Second: 2.15:1, Third: 1.42:1, Fourth: 1.00:1, Reverse: 4.10:1 (Typical ratios, may vary slightly).

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+3 (or equivalent like Dexron II/III for early versions)

Manual Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific grade)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.1 in (4244 mm)

Width:

69.2 in (1758 mm)

Height:

65.5 in (1664 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.4 in (2626 mm)

Front Track:

57.5 in (1460 mm)

Rear Track:

57.5 in (1460 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg), depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33 cu ft

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69 cu ft

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) depending on engine and axle ratio.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA ratings from this era are less comprehensive than modern standards. Typically focused on frontal impact.

ABS:

Rear Anti-lock Braking System (RABS) was optional or standard on some models/trims for 1989.

Airbags:

No driver or passenger airbags were standard or optional in 1989.

Seat Belts:

Front lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts.

Frame Type:

Unibody construction.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems.

Display:

Basic analog gauges and dashboard indicators. No digital displays or infotainment screens.

Features:

Very limited. ABS on rear wheels was the primary electronic driver assistance feature available.

Features:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific oil type and capacity.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on usage.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH classification. SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. 2.5L I4: 5 Quarts (4.7L) with filter. 4.0L I6: 6 Quarts (5.7L) with filter.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically green). 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 11.5 Quarts (10.9L).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 or Mopar power steering fluid.

Common Problems 1:

Rusty floor pans, rocker panels, and unibody frame rails (critical structural areas).

Common Problems 2:

Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L (less common by '89, but possible).

Common Problems 3:

Leaking valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets.

Common Problems 4:

Worn leaf spring bushings and sway bar links due to age and use.

Common Problems 5:

Peeling clear coat and faded paint.

Common Problems 6:

Failure of the BA/BA-10 automatic transmission (Peugeot unit), often issues with torque converter or internal seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep, a brand with roots in WWII military vehicles, has a long-standing reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness.

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary compact SUV, replacing the full-size SJ Cherokee and Wagoneer models in this segment. It was one of the first compact SUVs and pioneered the unibody construction for this vehicle type.

Xj 1989 Updates:

The 1989 model year saw refinements and potential minor feature updates, but the core design remained consistent with the early XJ generation. The 4.0L inline-six engine, introduced in 1987, was a significant improvement and became the dominant engine for the XJ.

Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America)

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 1989 model year are not prominently listed, the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) platform consistently received accolades throughout its production run for its design, capability, and value. It was frequently named to '10 Best' lists by automotive publications and recognized for its off-road prowess.