Product Name:
Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-1996 Service Repair Manual
Covered Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, utility vehicle buyers, DIY automotive repairers
Key Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicle Characteristics:
Rugged construction, strong off-road capability, unibody construction (unique for SUVs at its introduction), durable powertrain options.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data and procedural guidance for maintaining and repairing the iconic Jeep Cherokee XJ, empowering owners to perform a wide range of service tasks.
Engine Coverage:
2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6, 2.1L turbodiesel (VM Motori)
Transmission Coverage:
4-speed automatic (Aisin AW-4, Chrysler 42RE), 5-speed manual (BorgWarner/Jeep T-4, T-5, AX-5, AX-15)
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac)
Suspension Coverage:
Leaf spring rear, coil spring front (Solid axles)
Brake Coverage:
Front disc, rear drum (some later models with rear discs)
Electrical Coverage:
Full electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, components
Body Coverage:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, seals
HVAC Coverage:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
Diagnostic Coverage:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), repair procedures
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication systems
Drivetrain And Chassis:
Clutch, transmission, transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials, suspension, steering, brakes
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, engine control modules (ECMs)
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, sunroof, safety restraints
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly, rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code identification
Diagnostics:
OBD-I diagnostic procedures, component testing, electrical system diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage for DIY mechanics and professional technicians, including detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions.
Engine 1:
2.5L AMC I4 (150 cu in)
Engine 1 Hp:
125 hp @ 4600 rpm (approximate, varies by year)
Engine 1 Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approximate, varies by year)
Engine 2:
4.0L AMC I6 (242 cu in)
Engine 2 Hp:
173-190 hp @ 4400-4700 rpm (varies by year)
Engine 2 Torque:
220-235 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm (varies by year)
Engine 3:
2.1L VM Motori Turbodiesel I4
Engine 3 Hp:
85 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Engine 3 Torque:
157 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (approximate)
0 60 Mph 4 0L:
Approximately 8.5 - 10.5 seconds (varies by configuration)
Fuel Delivery 4 0L:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery 2 5L:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Throttle Body Injection (TBI) in earlier models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel (for turbodiesel)
Transmission 1 Type:
5-speed manual (AX-5, AX-15 common)
Transmission 2 Type:
4-speed automatic (Aisin AW-4, Chrysler 42RE)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Overdrive gear
Manual Features:
Robust designs suitable for off-road use
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm) (early models), 170.2 inches (4323 mm) (later models)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
62.4 - 64.2 inches (1585 - 1631 mm) (varies by model/trim)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 30-35 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 65-75 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,000 - 3,500 lbs (1361 - 1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 4,750 - 5,200 lbs (2154 - 2359 kg)
NHTSA Ratings Era:
Ratings from this era are less standardized than modern tests; focus on specific vehicle year for available data. Generally considered robust for its class.
Active Safety:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models, typically rear-wheel ABS.
Passive Safety:
Seat belts, reinforced unibody structure, optional airbags on later models (primarily driver side).
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player, manual HVAC controls. Later models offered more advanced stereo systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by era. Primarily ABS (optional) and standard safety belts.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (using recommended oil type and viscosity).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on usage and transmission type).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-5 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type - e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG, SH, SJ; Viscosity SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for 4.0L; SAE 5W-30 for 2.5L in colder climates. Check specific year and temperature range.
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
ATF+4 (Chrysler spec) or equivalent for 42RE; Dexron II or III for AW-4. Manual transmission fluid: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Green or Orange type depending on year and original fill.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues Engine:
Cracked cylinder heads (4.0L I6, especially early models), oil filter adapter leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor drive gear wear.
Common Issues Transmission:
AW-4 rough shifting, AX-15 clutch wear, 2WD/4WD selector issues.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Worn leaf spring bushings, worn ball joints, steering box play, track bar wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Stretched or broken CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) wire connector (4.0L), intermittent wiper issues, power window regulator failure, headliner sagging.
Common Issues Body:
Rust in rocker panels, floor pans, and tailgate; door seal degradation.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles, dating back to WWII Willys MB.
Cherokee Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984 as the first compact SUV with unibody construction, a significant departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Cherokee Xj Updates:
Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.0L I6 engine in 1987, revised interior and exterior styling, and the implementation of OBD-I diagnostics.
Cherokee Xj Powertrain Changes:
The 2.5L engine saw updates from TBI to MPI. The 4.0L engine became the flagship, renowned for its torque and durability. The diesel option was phased out by 1993.
Production Period:
1984 - 2001 (North America), until 2001 for Cherokee, 2001 for XJ specifically in North America.
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
