🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

XJ

Related Models Covered:

Comanche, Wagoneer, Wrangler

Generation:

Second Generation (XJ)

Vin Code:

J

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Essential resource for owners and technicians of the 1988 Jeep Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer, and Wrangler, offering factory-level repair and maintenance information.

Value Proposition:

Enables significant cost savings on vehicle maintenance and repairs by empowering owners to perform tasks themselves, reducing reliance on dealership labor costs.

Competitive Analysis:

This factory service manual provides a level of detail and accuracy that surpasses aftermarket repair guides, offering direct access to manufacturer-specified procedures and specifications. Its digital format offers superior flexibility and accessibility compared to older printed manuals.

Key Features:

Comprehensive coverage, detailed illustrations and photos, accurate technical data, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step repair instructions. Allows for printing of specific sections as needed.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full vehicle service and repair

Page Count:

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

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

Accessibility:

Easily searchable PDF format, allowing quick navigation and retrieval of specific information.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Lubrication & Maintenance, Suspension, Differential & Driveline, Brakes, Cooling System, Battery, Starting Systems, Charging System, Ignition System, Instrument Panel Systems, Audio Systems, Horn Systems, Vehicle Speed Control System, Turn Signal & Hazard Warning Systems, Wipers & Washer Systems, Lamps, Passive Restraint Systems, Electrically Heated Systems, Power Lock Systems, Power Window Systems, Power Mirror Systems, Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems, Overhead Console Systems, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Exhaust System, Frame & Bumpers, Fuel System, Steering, Transmission & Transfer Case, Tires & Wheels, Body, Heating & Air Conditioning, Emission Control System

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, detailed, and clearly laid-out wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting.

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed coverage of engine block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, timing components, and all associated systems.

Emission Control System:

In-depth information on emission control components, diagnostic procedures for emissions-related faults, and system adjustments.

Procedures Included:

Step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, maintenance schedules, exploded views, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, component removal and installation, adjustment procedures

Diagnostic Procedures:

Specific diagnostic trees and flowcharts for common and uncommon issues across all major systems, facilitating efficient problem-solving.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approach to identifying and resolving malfunctions, often organized by symptom.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guides for replacing common wear items like brake pads, rotors, fuel pumps, alternators, starters, and sensors.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component overhaul, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Engine Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including specific machining tolerances and specifications.

Electrical System Diagnostics:

Thorough diagnostics for the entire electrical system, including lighting, starting, charging, ignition, and accessory circuits, supported by comprehensive wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable quality for all diagrams and text

Binding Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

4.0L "High Output" Inline-6 (AMC 242)

Alternative Engines:

2.5L "Tech" Inline-4 (AMC 150), 4.2L Inline-6 (AMC 258 - early production)

Horsepower 4.0L:

173 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

220 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Fuel System 4.0L:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Codes:

For AMC 242 (4.0L): Check manual for specific engine serial numbers and identification.

Horsepower 2.5L:

Approximately 105-125 hp (varies by year and specific tune)

Torque 2.5L:

Approximately 130-150 lb-ft (varies by year and specific tune)

Fuel System 2.5L:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) depending on specific variant.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Manual (e.g., Aisin-Warner AX-4)

Optional Transmission:

3-Speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A904), 4-Speed Automatic (A727/AW4 - depending on model and engine)

Transfer Case:

Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD), Command-Trac (part-time 4WD)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF+3 or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 160-170 inches (varies slightly by model)

Exterior Width:

Approx. 70 inches

Exterior Height:

Approx. 64 inches

Wheelbase:

101.5 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Typically around 4,500 - 5,000 lbs

Cargo Volume:

Significant cargo capacity for its class, with rear seats folded down. Specific cubic feet to be detailed in manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1988:

NHTSA data for this era is less comprehensive than modern standards; specific ratings for the 1988 model year should be verified in the manual or historical databases. Expect basic safety features for the time.

Active Features:

Four-wheel drive systems (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac), Power-assisted brakes (front discs, rear drums)

Passive Features:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced body structure

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Analog gauges and controls.

Driver Assistance:

Limited to basic safety features like power brakes. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available.

Connectivity:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but the manual will provide factory-recommended intervals based on driving conditions.

Service Intervals Tune Up:

Refer to manual for specific intervals, but generally includes spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, and fluid checks.

Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 (or 10W-40 depending on climate), API SF or SG classification (check manual for precise specification and capacity)

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for specific type and capacity).

Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify in manual)

Known Issues 4.0L Engine:

Head gasket leaks (less common in early 4.0L but possible), manifold cracks (exhaust), occasional camshaft wear.

Known Issues Transmission:

Automatic transmission solenoid issues, manual clutch wear, transfer case seal leaks.

Maintenance Schedules:

Detailed schedules for engine oil, filters, spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid, and chassis lubrication will be provided.

Fluid Specifications Power Steering:

Power steering fluid (specific type to be confirmed in manual, often Dexron II/III compatible for older models)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jeep, with its roots in military vehicles, is renowned for its off-road capability and ruggedness. The Cherokee embodies this heritage in a more compact and versatile package.

Model Evolution:

The 1988 model year falls within the highly successful XJ generation, which introduced unibody construction to SUVs, a significant departure from traditional body-on-frame designs. This era saw the refinement of the popular 4.0L inline-six engine.

Xj Unibody Innovation:

The XJ's unibody construction was revolutionary for SUVs at the time, contributing to a lighter, more rigid, and more fuel-efficient vehicle than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Production Period:

XJ Cherokee production ran from 1984 to 2001. The 1988 model year represents a key period of development and popularization for the platform.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The XJ Cherokee platform as a whole received numerous accolades during its production run for its innovation, durability, and off-road prowess. While specific awards for the '88 model might be hard to pinpoint, the model line was consistently praised.