🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Year:

1985

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Historical Significance:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a landmark vehicle, credited with popularizing the compact SUV segment and introducing unibody construction to this class of vehicle, revolutionizing its design and handling.

Key Competitors 1985:

Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Unibody Construction:

Revolutionary for its time, offering better on-road manners and reduced weight compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Jeep Capability:

Retained Jeep's renowned off-road prowess, often equipped with Command-Trac or Selec-Trac 4WD systems.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on typical product)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 800-1200+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory-style service manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, rebuild, diagnostics for all 1985 XJ engine options (e.g., 2.5L I4, 4.0L I6)

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection (Renix), starting and charging systems, sensors, wiring diagrams

Transmission Manual:

Service, repair, and overhaul for all manual transmissions (e.g., AX4, BA10/5, AW4)

Transmission Automatic:

Service, repair, and overhaul for all automatic transmissions (e.g., AW4)

Drivetrain:

Transfer case (e.g., NP228, NP229), front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, U-joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, components

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic components, parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan operation, heater core

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, evaporative emissions control

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, operation, and service

Electrical Body:

Interior and exterior lighting, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, instrument cluster

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, frame repair, structural components

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, reassembly, and replacement

Diagnostics:

Fault code interpretation, diagnostic connector locations, using diagnostic tools

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized tools and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Digital Resolution:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Digital Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick access to specific information.

Digital Portability:

Easily transferable and accessible on multiple devices.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement I4:

2.5 Liters (150.5 cubic inches)

Engine Code I4:

AMC 150

Engine Type I4:

Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 4-Cylinder

Horsepower I4:

Approx. 112 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque I4:

Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Engine Displacement I6:

4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)

Engine Code I6:

AMC 242

Engine Type I6:

Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline 6-Cylinder

Horsepower I6:

Approx. 140-170 hp (depending on specific configuration/tune, early 4.0L was lower)

Torque I6:

Approx. 190-220 lb-ft (depending on specific configuration/tune)

Fuel Injection System:

Renix (Renault Electronics) Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

0 60 Mph Approx:

12-15 seconds (highly variable by engine and drivetrain)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Gearbox:

4-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Peugeot BA10/5 or Aisin-Warner AX4)

Optional Gearbox:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., Chrysler Torqueflite A904, later Aisin-Warner AW4)

Transfer Case Options:

Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time)

Transfer Case Model:

New Process NP228 (part-time), NP229 (full-time)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2761 mm)

Length:

167.2 inches (4247 mm)

Width:

69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

63.7 inches (1618 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,000 - 3,400 lbs (1360 - 1542 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings 1985:

NHTSA ratings for 1985 vehicles are less comprehensive than modern standards. Likely received 3 or 4-star ratings for frontal impact.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS available on some later models, but less common/standard on 1985.

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear seat belts (or 3-point on some later bench seats)

Airbags:

Not standard or available on 1985 models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

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

Gauges And Instruments:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure. Warning lamps for brake, battery, oil pressure.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern standards; analog systems only.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era, consult manual for specific oil type/weight)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Every 30,000 miles

Engine Oil Type:

API SF, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity for climate)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol (green type) antifreeze/water mix (50/50)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (for early AW4), check specific manual for correct type

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron-III (for NP228/NP229, check manual)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron-II or Dexron-III

Common Wear Items:

Leaf spring bushings, track bar bushings, water pump seals, radiator, exhaust components, U-joints, rust (especially on floor pans and rockers).

Engine Specific Notes 40L:

The 4.0L inline-six is generally robust but can develop oil leaks from the rear main seal or oil pan gasket. Early Renix fuel injection can be finicky if not properly maintained.

Transmission Specific Notes Ba10:

The Peugeot BA10/5 manual transmission is known for its potential durability issues, especially when subjected to heavy off-road use or abuse. The AW4 automatic is generally reliable.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Built on Jeep's long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII Willys Jeeps.

Introduction Year:

1984

First Generation Design:

Introduced a radical departure from traditional Jeep SUVs with a compact, unibody design, but maintained rugged appeal and off-road capability.

Production Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Years Xj:

1984-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine Ranking:

Frequently praised by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.

Popular Mechanics Design Award:

While not specific to 1985, the XJ platform received various design and utility accolades during its production run for its innovation.