Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, off-roaders, DIY mechanics, and owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Mitsubishi Montero
Manual Value Proposition:
The 'real deal' comprehensive A-Z coverage for all mechanical and electrical repairs, with extensive visual aids.
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its off-road capability, robust design, and iconic status in the SUV market.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all XJ engines (2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6, 4.2L AMC I6, 2.1L VM Turbodiesel)
Transmission:
Coverage for manual (AX-4, AX-5, AX-15) and automatic (AW-4, TF-999, TF-727) transmissions, including fluid service, rebuild procedures, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Transfer case (NP228, NP229, NP231) and axle (Dana 30 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear, Dana 44 rear on some models) service, repair, and specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including leaf springs, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and steering components. Bushing replacement and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including front disc and rear drum (or rear disc on some later models), master cylinder, power booster, lines, and parking brake. ABS system coverage if equipped.
Electrical System:
Complete electrical diagnostics, wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, gauges, power accessories, and fuse/relay identification.
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and evaporative emissions control system. Carbureted models (early years) and fuel injection systems.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and heater core. Troubleshooting overheating issues.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics, repair, and refrigerant service.
Body And Frame:
Unibody construction details, body panel replacement, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, and chassis repair procedures.
Emissions Control:
Diagnosis and repair of emissions control systems, including catalytic converters, EGR, and O2 sensors.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt and hose inspections, and tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.
Transmission Rebuild:
Comprehensive guides for overhauling automatic and manual transmissions.
Brake System Service:
Pad and shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, brake bleeding, and rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and testing procedures for electrical circuits.
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant handling, compressor replacement, evaporator/condenser service, and leak detection.
Body Panel Replacement:
Procedures for replacing fenders, doors, hoods, and tailgates.
Depth Of Information:
Expert-level; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using specialized diagnostic tools and equipment common for the era.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Detailed specifications for engine and drivetrain component clearances.
Component Identification:
Identification and location of all major and minor vehicle components.
Standard Transmission:
AX-4 (4-speed manual, early models), AX-5 (5-speed manual), AX-15 (5-speed manual, later models)
Optional Transmission:
AW-4 (4-speed automatic), TF-999 (3-speed automatic, some early models), TF-727 (3-speed automatic, later models, often with heavier-duty engines)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for AW-4, hydraulic for TF-series.
Ax 15 Gear Ratios:
Example: 3.83:1 (1st), 2.03:1 (2nd), 1.43:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th), 0.79:1 (5th OD)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on use. Manual transmissions often less frequent, or checked as needed.
Coolant Change Interval:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 10W-30 for 4.0L I6, 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 2.5L I4. Consult manual for precise OEM recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 for AW-4; Dexron II/III for TF-series; Manual transmission fluid (GL-3/GL-4) for AX-series.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based, typically green conventional coolant. Check manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues 1:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.0L), CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure, O2 sensor failure, interior component wear, rust (especially rocker panels and unibody mounts).
Common Issues 2:
Water pump leaks, radiator issues, aging suspension bushings, worn leaf springs (rear).
