Sub Model:
        
        
            Cherokee Chief, Pioneer, Laredo, Sport, Briarwood, SE, Limited
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Chassis Variant:
        
        
            YJ (Jeep Wrangler - though the manual primarily covers XJ Cherokee, YJ is often bundled for this era due to platform similarities and consumer interest)
        
     
    
    
        
            Vin Code:
        
        
            J (10th digit of VIN typically indicates the model year for Chrysler/Jeep products)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
        
     
    
        
            Key Attributes:
        
        
            Compact size, rugged construction, off-road capability, versatility
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors 1985:
        
        
            Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
        
     
    
    
        
            Distinguishing Features:
        
        
            Unibody construction (pioneering for SUVs), COMMAND-TRAC and Selec-Trac 4WD systems, robust AMC engines
        
     
    
    
        
            Benefit To User:
        
        
            Enables accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and proper maintenance, extending vehicle life and performance.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            2.5L AMC 150 I4, 4.2L AMC 258 I6, 5.0L AMC 304 V8 (for select markets/later XJ variants, confirm specific engine coverage in manual)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            AX4/AX4-1 (2WD), AX5 (4WD), AW4 (Automatic Transmission)
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Transfer Cases (NP207, NP231), Front & Rear Axles (Dana 30, Dana 35)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front Leaf Springs (early XJ), Front Coil Springs (later XJ, standard for 1985), Rear Leaf Springs
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front Disc, Rear Drum; Power Brakes; ABS (if equipped)
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power Steering System
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injection (Renix EFI), Carburetor (older models/variants)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges, Fuses, Relays
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Chassis
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Lubrication Schedules, Belt Inspections
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (for EFI models)
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Engine Performance Diagnostics, Electrical System Troubleshooting, HVAC System Checks
        
     
    
        
            Assembly Disassembly:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to major component overhauls and rebuilds)
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Level:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostic procedures, including wiring schematics and sensor data interpretation for EFI systems
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
        
     
    
        
            Clearances And Tolerances:
        
        
            Precise specifications for engine, transmission, and drivetrain component clearances
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Displacement 1:
        
        
            2.5 Liters (150 cu in)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration 1:
        
        
            Inline 4-Cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            ~115 hp @ 4500 rpm (estimated)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            ~170 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (estimated)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System 1:
        
        
            Renix Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Displacement 2:
        
        
            4.2 Liters (258 cu in)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration 2:
        
        
            Inline 6-Cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            ~112 hp @ 3200 rpm (estimated)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            ~200 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (estimated)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System 2:
        
        
            Renix Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Top Speed Estimated:
        
        
            95-105 mph (depending on engine and gearing)
        
     
    
        
            Acceleration 0 60 Estimated:
        
        
            12-16 seconds (depending on engine and drivetrain)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Capacity:
        
        
            20 Gallons (approx.)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type Manual:
        
        
            Aisin-Warner AW4 (4-speed Automatic)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type Automatic:
        
        
            New Process NP207 (2WD/4WD Part-Time Transfer Case)
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Selections:
        
        
            Selec-Trac (Full-Time 4WD - Optional)
        
     
    
    
        
            Gear Ratios Aw4 Estimated:
        
        
            2.45:1 (1st), 1.45:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd), 0.75:1 (4th), 2.87:1 (Reverse)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific manual for OEM recommendation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            8.7 inches (approx., depending on tire size and suspension)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Estimated:
        
        
            3100 - 3500 lbs (depending on configuration)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Estimated:
        
        
            4500 - 4800 lbs
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
        
        
            32.1 cubic feet
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
        
        
            69.3 cubic feet
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Rollover Resistance Score Estimated:
        
        
            3 out of 5 stars (typical for SUVs of this era)
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Assist:
        
        
            Power Assist
        
     
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver-side airbag (typically standard by 1985, but verify)
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Front and Rear Seat Belts (with driver and passenger shoulder belts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM Radio, Optional Cassette Player, Optional Premium Sound System
        
     
    
        
            Gauges:
        
        
            Speedometer, Tachometer (optional), Fuel Gauge, Temperature Gauge, Oil Pressure Gauge, Voltmeter
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Connectivity Features:
        
        
            N/A for this era (basic automotive systems)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical, check manual)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (typical, check manual)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (typical, check manual)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (for standard plugs) or 60,000 miles (for platinum plugs if applicable)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec:
        
        
            API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Spec:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Spec:
        
        
            Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems Engine:
        
        
            Head gasket leaks (especially with the 4.0L in later years, less common on 2.5L/4.2L), cooling system leaks, Renix EFI system glitches
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Suspension:
        
        
            Leaf spring sag (rear), worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Electrical:
        
        
            Corrosion on grounds, failing sensors, intermittent electrical issues
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems Body:
        
        
            Rust, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Jeep Legacy:
        
        
            Founded in 1941 with the Willys MB Jeep, known for its off-road prowess and military heritage.
        
     
    
    
        
            Xj Introduction:
        
        
            The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
        
     
    
        
            1985 Updates:
        
        
            The 1985 model year saw refinements and the introduction of optional features and engine choices, solidifying its market position.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Toledo, Ohio, USA
        
     
    
        
            Production Span Xj:
        
        
            1984-2001