Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Jeep owners seeking detailed repair information
Key Competitors Era:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Vehicle Strengths:
Renowned off-road capability, rugged construction, relatively simple mechanicals, strong aftermarket support
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing the XJ's robust mechanicals, crucial for enthusiasts and owners
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Diagnostic Procedures
Component Coverage:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Fuel System, Electrical System, Body Panels, Interior Trim
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Category:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (Renix & OBD-I), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer case, axles, drivelines
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front leaf spring, rear leaf spring), steering (power steering system), brakes (front disc, rear drum), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, starting and charging systems, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, radio, fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, door mechanisms, glass, weatherstripping
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pinpoint tests
Maintenance Procedures:
Fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections, tune-up procedures
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and assembly, adjustments, specifications for all major systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, clearance measurements, exploded views, wiring schematics
Engine Option 1:
2.5L (150 cid) AMC I4
Engine Option 2:
4.0L (242 cid) AMC I6
Engine Option 3:
4.2L (258 cid) AMC I6 (early models)
4 0L Horsepower Est:
170-190 hp (depending on year and tune)
4 0L Torque Est:
220-245 lb-ft (depending on year and tune)
2 5L Horsepower Est:
110-130 hp (depending on year and tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) in later models, Distributor Ignition (DI) in earlier models
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Cast Iron (early), Aluminum (later, some variants)
Standard Transmission Early:
5-speed Manual (e.g., AX-5)
Standard Transmission Later:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW-4)
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Automatic (e.g., 30-32RH)
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac NV231 (part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac NP242 (full-time 4WD option)
Transmission Fluid Spec Aw4:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF
Transmission Fluid Capacity Aw4 Qt:
Approximately 6.5 quarts (service fill)
NHTSA Rollover Rating Est:
3-star (typical for SUVs of this era, prone to higher rollover risk)
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on later models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from 1994 onwards
Seatbelts:
3-point front, 2-point rear (later models may have 3-point rear)
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (later years), simple climate controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to basic safety features like seatbelts and optional ABS.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration).
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,000-5,000 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
30,000-50,000 miles or every 2-3 years
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil Spec 4 0L:
API SN/SP, SAE 10W-30 (preferred), 5W-30 (cold climates)
Engine Oil Capacity 4 0L Qt:
5 quarts with filter
Coolant Spec:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 or equivalent
Common Issue Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, thermostat issues (especially with the 4.0L)
Common Issue Engine 4 0L:
Cracked cylinder heads (later years), distributor O-ring leaks, valve seat recession (less common but noted), head gasket failures
Common Issue Electrical:
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) failures, alternator issues, intermittent electrical gremlins due to aging wiring and grounds
Common Issue Suspension:
Leaf spring sag, worn bushings, tie rod end wear
Common Issue Interior:
Headliner sagging, worn seat fabric, interior trim component failures
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, dating back to the WWII Willys MB.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee, introduced for the 1984 model year, was a revolutionary vehicle, pioneering the unibody construction for SUVs, offering a more car-like ride while retaining significant off-road prowess.
Xj Updates 1988 1995:
This period saw significant updates including improved interiors, optional airbags, revised engine management (Renix to OBD-I), and styling tweaks. The 4.0L inline-six became the dominant and most desirable engine.
Manufacturing Location:
USA (Toledo, Ohio)
Jeep Ownership Era:
Chrysler Corporation acquired American Motors Corporation (AMC), the original manufacturer of the XJ, in 1987.
