🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle

Key Competitors 1988:

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

Body Styles:

2-door, 4-door

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)

Reputation:

Known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and relatively compact size compared to larger SUVs of the era.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Specific Systems And Components:

Drive Belt, Charging System, Rear Bumper, Rear Axle Beam, Receiver Condenser Assy, Horn, Fender Panel Mudguard, Parking Brake Cable, Wiper And Washer System, Fuel System, SFI System, Steering System, Roof Antenna Pole Sub-Assy, Sun Roof, License Plate Lamp Assy, Heater Radiator Assy, Output Shaft Assy, Side Mudguard, Back Door Garnish, Steering Column, Rear Combination Lamp Assy, Emission Control Systems, Hood, Antenna Cord Sub-Assy, Front Stabilizer Bar, Outer Rear View Mirror Assy, Front Marker Lamp Assy, Skid Control Sensor, Wiper Rubber, Transmission Control Cable, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Radio Receiver Assy, Seat Belt, Thermostat, Clutch Pedal Sub-Assy, Radiator Assy, Cigarette Lighter Assy, Rear Seat Belt, Fuel Tank, Spiral Cable Sub-Assy, Valve Clearance, Preparation, Instrument Panel, Brake Master Cylinder, Wiring Diagrams, Yaw Rate Sensor, Brake System, Window Defogger System, Cylinder Block Assy, Body Repair, Rear Wiper Motor Assy, Floor Shift Parking Lock Cable, Center Stop Lamp Assy, Clutch System, Front Door, Cylinder Head, Power Steering, Shift Lock System, Washer Nozzle, Speed Sensor Front, Seat Belt Warning System, Center Cluster Module Switch, Front Seat Belt, Power Mirror Control System, Air Conditioning Amplifier Assy, Front Suspension System, Exhaust Pipe, Brake Pedal, Front Brake, Rear Suspension System, Front Drive Shaft, Front Suspension, Front Seat Airbag Assy, Rear Wheel Alignment, Shift & Select Lever Shaft, Horn Button Assy, Exhaust, Rear Door Glass Weatherstrip, Air Conditioning System, Torque Converter Clutch, Fuel Pump, Wheel And Tire System, Starter Assy, Rear Wiper Rubber, Wiper & Washer, Front Bumper, Audio & Visual System, Rear Door Window Frame Moulding, Knock Sensor, Amplifier Antenna Assy, Inner Rear View Mirror Assy, Rear Door, Seat, Rear Speaker Assy, Differential Case Assy, Oil Filter, Windshield Glass, Brake Actuator, Introduction, Engine Control System, Rear Brake, Front Differential Oil Seal, Transmission Valve Body, Windshield Wiper Switch Assy, Rear Axle Hub, Engine Coolant, Pulley Compressor Assy, Heater & Air Conditioner, Clutch Master Cylinder Assy, Front Speaker Assy, Cylinder Head Assy, Back Door Glass, Manual Transaxle Oil, Engine Mechanical, Name Plate, Power Steering Link Assy, Maintenance, Manual Transaxle Assy, Headlamp Dimmer Switch Assy, Transmission Wire, Rear Suspension, Partial Engine, Air Bag Sensor Rear, Clutch Start Switch Assy, Passenger Air Bag Assy, Supplemental Restraint System, Cooling System, Rear Coil Spring, Parking Brake Lever, Brake Fluid, Curtain Shield Air Bag Assy, Combination Meter, Front Shock Absorber, Power Window Control System, Parkneutral Position Switch, Generator Assy, Charcoal Canister, Power Source, Throttle Body Assy, Front Axle Hub, Clutch Unit, Tire & Wheel, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Drive Shaft, Front Wheel Alignment, Roof Headlining, Front Door Glass Weatherstrip, Air Conditioning Refrigerant, Camshaft, Air Conditioning Blower Assy, Floor Shift Assy, Quarter Window Assy, Automatic Transaxle Assy, Manual Transaxle System, Chain Sub-Assy, Headlamp Protector Retainer, Automatic Transaxle Fluid, Heater Or Boost Ventilator Control, Starting System, Parking Brake, Windshield Wiper Motor Assy, Camshaft Position Sensor, Water Pump Assy, Oil Pump, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Wire Harness Repair, Headlamp Assy, Steering Sensor, Center Air Bag Sensor Assy, Sun Roof System, Rear Shock Absorber Assy, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assy, Cooling Fan System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Input Shaft Assy, Air Bag Sensor Front, Fuel Injector, Power Door Lock Control System, Clutch Release Cylinder Assy, Lubrication System, Brake Booster, Back Door, Starter Switch, Front Suspension Arm

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages based on typical factory workshop manuals

Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Win/Mac

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete coverage including cylinder block, cylinder head, camshaft, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve clearance, partial engine disassembly and assembly, oil pump, water pump.

Engine Control And Fuel:

Engine Control System, SFI System, Fuel System, Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injector, Knock Sensor, Throttle Body, Charcoal Canister.

Cooling And Exhaust:

Cooling System, Radiator Assy, Thermostat, Engine Coolant, Cooling Fan System, Exhaust System, Exhaust Pipe.

Ignition Starting Charging:

Ignition System, Starting System, Starter Assy, Generator Assy, Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils, Starter Switch, Clutch Start Switch Assy.

Transmission:

Manual Transaxle Assy, Automatic Transaxle Assy, Manual Transaxle System, Torque Converter Clutch, Transmission Control Cable, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Output Shaft Assy, Drive Shaft, Front Drive Shaft, Differential Case Assy.

Suspension:

Front Suspension System, Rear Suspension System, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Front Shock Absorber, Rear Shock Absorber Assy, Front Stabilizer Bar, Front Coil Spring, Rear Coil Spring, Front Wheel Alignment, Rear Wheel Alignment.

Steering:

Steering System, Power Steering, Power Steering Link Assy, Steering Column, Steering Sensor, Horn, Horn Button Assy.

Brakes:

Brake System, Brake Master Cylinder, Brake Booster, Brake Pedal, Front Brake, Rear Brake, Brake Actuator, Parking Brake, Parking Brake Cable, Floor Shift Parking Lock Cable, Parking Brake Lever.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel And Tire System, Tire & Wheel, Front Axle Hub, Rear Axle Hub, Wheel Bolt Pattern.

Electrical Lighting:

Charging System, Lighting System, Headlamp Assy, Front Marker Lamp Assy, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assy, Rear Combination Lamp Assy, Center Stop Lamp Assy, License Plate Lamp Assy, Interior Lighting, Wiring Diagrams, Wire Harness Repair.

Body Chassis:

Body Repair, Hood, Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, Fender Panel Mudguard, Side Mudguard, Front Door, Rear Door, Back Door, Back Door Garnish, Windshield Glass, Rear Door Glass Weatherstrip, Front Door Glass Weatherstrip, Roof Headlining, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Sun Roof, Sun Roof System.

Interior Comfort:

Instrument Panel, Seat, Seat Belt, Front Seat Belt, Rear Seat Belt, Seat Belt Warning System, Air Conditioning System, Heater & Air Conditioner, Heater Radiator Assy, Air Conditioning Blower Assy, Wiper And Washer System, Wiper Rubber, Washer Nozzle, Radio Receiver Assy, Audio & Visual System, Cigarette Lighter Assy, Inner Rear View Mirror Assy, Outer Rear View Mirror Assy.

Safety Restraints:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Air Bag Sensor Front, Air Bag Sensor Rear, Center Air Bag Sensor Assy, Side Air Bag Sensor Assy, Front Seat Airbag Assy, Passenger Airbag Assy, Curtain Shield Air Bag Assy, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Air Bag System Components.

Emissions Diagnostics:

Emission Control Systems, SFI System, OBD-I Diagnostics (applicable for the era), DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), Troubleshooting, Component Testing.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, component testing procedures, diagnostic codes.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data, dimensions, alignment specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital format provides consistent clarity. Content is derived from original factory documentation.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4, 4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6

4.0L I6 Horsepower:

Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 rpm (figures can vary slightly)

4.0L I6 Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (figures can vary slightly)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual (e.g., AX-4, NV2500)

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed Automatic (e.g., TF-999), 4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW4)

4Wd System:

Command-Trac part-time 4WD system with NP231 transfer case, or Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA crash test data for this era may be limited or not directly comparable to modern standards. Focus on passive safety features.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, reinforced body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Features like ABS were optional. Primarily focused on mechanical capability.

Connectivity Features:

None (analog era, no Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for precise interval based on usage).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on transmission type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific intervals).

Engine Oil Type:

Typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG classification (verify with manual).

Coolant Type:

Conventional Green Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 or equivalent (verify with manual).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (viscosity varies based on temperature, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90).

Common Issues 1988 Cherokee:

Radiator leaks (especially the plastic end tanks on some models), head gasket issues on early 4.0L engines (less common by '88 but still possible), catalytic converter failure, distributor cap and rotor wear, rust (particularly in wheel wells and rocker panels).

Service Points:

Critical to monitor cooling system, check for oil and transmission fluid leaks, inspect exhaust system for corrosion, and ensure proper functioning of 4WD system components.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing robust, off-road capable vehicles, tracing its roots back to WWII military Jeeps.

Xj Generation Start:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as a groundbreaking unibody compact SUV, a departure from traditional body-on-frame construction.

1988 Updates:

The 1988 model year saw enhancements, including the introduction of the popular 4.0L inline-six engine, which quickly became a hallmark of Jeep performance and reliability.

Production Location:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

While specific awards for the 1988 model might be scarce, the XJ Cherokee platform was widely praised for its innovative design and off-road prowess, earning it a strong reputation in the automotive press.