Years Covered:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a highly regarded compact SUV, known for its robust construction, off-road capability, and relative simplicity. This manual caters to owners who wish to maintain and repair their vehicles themselves.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota 4Runner during its production run.
Vehicle Appeal:
Unibody construction (a significant innovation for SUVs at the time), excellent off-road prowess, and a practical size.
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines offered for the XJ chassis during the specified years.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions (e.g., AX4, AX5, BA/800, AW4).
Drivetrain:
2WD and 4WD systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, NP231, NP242).
Suspension:
Front and Rear suspension components, including leaf springs and coil springs.
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, including ABS for applicable models.
Steering:
Power steering and manual steering systems.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, and accessories.
Body:
Body panels, interior components, glass, doors, and chassis structure.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, including Automatic Climate Control where applicable.
Safety Systems:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) for airbags.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual / Factory Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF, potentially zipped/rar)
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of engine overhaul, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, and emissions control systems.
Drivetrain:
In-depth information on transfer case operation and repair, front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, and CV joints.
Chassis:
Comprehensive guides for steering, suspension (front coil springs, rear leaf springs), wheel bearings, and brake system diagnostics and repair.
Electrical And Electronics:
Extensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures for all electrical systems, including lighting, instruments, power windows, and audio.
Body And Trim:
Procedures for interior and exterior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and body panel repair.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter changes, spark plug replacement, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Detailed diagnostic charts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete instructions for engine teardown and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system component replacement, suspension rebuilds, and electrical component repair.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing issues with engine control modules (ECMs), fuel delivery, ignition timing, and sensor operation.
Technical Specs:
Inclusion of all critical technical specifications, torque values, fluid capacities, engine timing settings, and component clearances.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Valve Timing:
Detailed procedures for valve timing adjustments, chain/gear replacement, and timing mark alignment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable:
Likely searchable if OCR (Optical Character Recognition) has been applied to the PDF.
Printability:
Printable on any standard printer.
Illustration Quality:
Illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions, including diagrams and exploded views.
Delivery Method:
Digital download, no physical binding.
Digital Delivery:
No physical paper type, as it is a digital file.
Engine Options:
2.5L AMC I4 (150 cu in), 4.0L AMC I6 (242 cu in), 2.1L Renault Turbo Diesel (J8S-41, less common in North America).
4.0L Power Output:
Approximately 173-190 hp and 220-240 lb-ft of torque (varies slightly by year and tune).
2.5L Power Output:
Approximately 105-121 hp and 130-140 lb-ft of torque (varies slightly by year and tune).
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for 4.0L and later 2.5L engines; Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for early 2.5L models.
4.0L Block Material:
Cast Iron
2.5L Block Material:
Cast Iron
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mopar HOAT or equivalent).
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual (e.g., AX4, AX5) or 5-speed manual (e.g., NV1500/NV3550 in later years, though less common in this range).
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic (e.g., Torqueflite A727/A904 variants) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., AW4).
Aw4 Features:
Electronically controlled automatic transmission, known for its durability and smooth shifts.
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
Approx. 167.2 - 170.2 inches (4247 - 4323 mm) depending on bumper/trim.
Width:
Approx. 69.3 - 70.3 inches (1760 - 1786 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.8 - 65.7 inches (1620 - 1669 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1450 - 1630 kg) depending on configuration.
NHTSA Ratings:
Ratings varied by year, but typically received acceptable to good ratings for its era in frontal impacts. Specific ratings require year-by-year verification.
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on later models and higher trims.
Passive Safety:
Seat belts, crumple zones in the unibody structure, and airbags (SRS) became available/standard on later models.
Audio Systems:
Factory AM/FM radio, cassette players, and optional CD players. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
ABS Availability:
ABS became available on rear-wheel anti-lock systems (RWAL) and later full four-wheel ABS systems on certain models from the late 80s onwards.
Factory Options:
Limited connectivity features by modern standards. Options included power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and intermittent wipers.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for automatics, depending on usage. Manual transmissions typically longer intervals. Refer to specific transmission type in the manual.
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 10W-40 for most engine variants (refer to manual for specific year and temperature range).
Aw4 Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (or equivalent specification like Mopar J-Matic).
Transfer Case Fluid:
NP231: ATF+3/4; NP242: ATF+3/4 (verify specific transfer case).
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 for both front and rear differentials (may vary for limited-slip units).
Common Problems:
Heater core leaks, radiator leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on later 4.0Ls), front unibody cracks at the lower control arm mounts, power steering pump leaks, and common electrical gremlins (e.g., grounds, sensors).
Engine Wear Points:
Head gaskets on early 4.0L, oil filter adapter housing leaks, distributor gear wear.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road capability and durable utility vehicles, stemming from its military origins with the Willys MB.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was revolutionary as the first mass-produced compact SUV with a unibody construction, launched for the 1984 model year.
Key Changes 1984 1993:
Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine (1987), improved interior amenities, updated exterior styling (1984, 1987, 1991), and the addition of ABS and airbags.
Production Period:
1984 - 2001 (globally, with North American production ending in 2001).
Assembly Plants:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA; also assembled in other international locations.
