🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Chassis Code:

XJ

Platform:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep XJ Cherokee is an iconic compact SUV renowned for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and durability, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and off-roaders. This manual serves as an essential resource for owners and mechanics maintaining and repairing these vehicles.

Competitors:

Competed against models like the Ford Bronco II, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder during its production run. The XJ's unibody construction set it apart as a more car-like SUV with enhanced on-road comfort while retaining significant off-road prowess.

Features:

Revolutionary unibody construction for its time, strong off-road performance with available 4x4 systems, durable powertrains, and a versatile interior. The XJ is celebrated for its simplicity and ease of modification.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (estimated total for all applicable years)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF or similar)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All gasoline and diesel engine variants, including detailed diagnostics, component identification, removal/installation, and overhaul procedures.

Transmission:

Manual (AX-5, AX-15) and Automatic (AW-4, 30RH, 42RE) transmissions, including diagnosis, service, and rebuild instructions.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axles (Dana 30, Dana 35, Chrysler 8.25), transfer cases (NP231, NP242), driveshafts, U-joints, and 4WD system operation and repair.

Suspension:

Front leaf spring (early models) and coil spring (later models) suspension systems, rear leaf spring suspension, shocks, struts, bushings, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, and linkage components.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum/disc brake systems, hydraulic system diagnosis, ABS (if equipped), calipers, rotors, drums, lines, and master cylinder.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagrams, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition system, instrument cluster, and body control modules.

Body:

Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, convertible top (if applicable), locks, and chassis structural information.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, components, refrigerant handling, and service procedures.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control system, and diagnosis.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, catalytic converter, mufflers, and emission control components.

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter function, oxygen sensors, EGR system, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, and troubleshooting related to emissions.

Maintenance:

Routine scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, fluid checks, and inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems, including electrical and mechanical issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for component removal, installation, adjustment, and replacement, including torque specifications.

Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Testing procedures for all sensors, actuators, and electronic control modules (ECMs/PCMs), including OBD-II diagnostic codes and procedures for applicable years.

Body Exterior:

Body panel alignment, door and tailgate adjustments, glass replacement, trim installation, and minor dent repair techniques.

Body Interior:

Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, instrument panel repair, console service, and interior trim panel replacement.

Wheel Tire:

Tire changing, balancing, wheel alignment procedures, and hub bearing replacement.

Lighting System:

Headlight, taillight, interior light bulb replacement, and troubleshooting of lighting circuits.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic DIY maintenance to advanced diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and experienced enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using basic hand tools, specialized automotive tools, and diagnostic equipment (like multimeters, scan tools for applicable years).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (typically with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams)

Quality:

High-resolution scanned pages replicating original factory publications, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.5L I4:

Engine Code: AMC 150. Displacement: 2.5 Liters (150 cu in). Horsepower: ~125 hp. Torque: ~150 lb-ft. Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder. Fuel System: MPI (Multi-Point Injection).

4.0L I6:

Engine Code: AMC 242. Displacement: 4.0 Liters (242 cu in). Horsepower: ~180-190 hp (varies by year). Torque: ~220-245 lb-ft (varies by year). Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder. Fuel System: MPI (Multi-Point Injection).

Hp Range:

125-190 hp

Torque Range:

150-245 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for all covered gasoline engines.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher may be specified for certain conditions).

🔧 Transmission

Manual:

AX-5 (2.5L) and AX-15 (4.0L) 5-speed manual transmissions were common.

Automatic:

AW-4 (4-speed automatic, Japanese origin) and later 30RH / 42RE (3-speed automatic) were optional.

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac (NP231) part-time 2-speed transfer case or Selec-Trac (NP242) full-time 4x4 2-speed transfer case.

Gear Ratios:

Manuals: AX-5 (e.g., 3.93 first gear), AX-15 (e.g., 3.83 first gear). Automatics: AW-4 (e.g., 2.80 first gear). Transfer Case (NP231): 2.72:1 low range.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for later models), Dexron III compatible for earlier AW-4.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).

Transfer Case Fluid:

NP231/NP242: ATF+3 or ATF+4 compatible.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Length:

Approximately 166.8 - 172.0 inches (depending on year/trim)

Width:

Approximately 69.9 - 70.0 inches

Height:

Approximately 64.0 - 65.0 inches (depending on year/trim/lift)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (depending on engine, drivetrain, and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

No specific NHTSA ratings available for this model year range as testing standards have evolved significantly. Early models pre-date comprehensive standardized testing.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option in later years (typically 1990s onwards), usually on rear wheels or all four.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became standard equipment in later model years (around 1994/1995).

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts are standard. Lap and shoulder belts in the front, lap belts in the rear (or three-point belts on later models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player was common. Optional CD player available in later years. Speaker configurations varied.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control was available on most trim levels.

Trailer Towing:

Provisions for trailer towing with wiring harnesses and receiver hitches were available options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Service:

Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect clutch and fluid at 30,000 miles, change fluid if needed.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plugs:

4.0L I6: Typically 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs. 2.5L I4: Varies, consult manual for specific plug type and interval.

Engine Oil:

2.5L: 5W-30 or 10W-30. 4.0L: 10W-30 (preferred for older engines), 5W-30 for later or synthetic oil. API Service SJ or higher.

Coolant:

Conventional green ethylene glycol coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant recommended for later models.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Engine 40L Idle Issue:

The 4.0L inline-six engine is generally robust but can experience issues like cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier 4.0L), camshaft wear, and idle control valve problems.

Transmission Aw4:

The AW-4 automatic transmission is durable but can develop issues with the torque converter clutch solenoid or input shaft seal leaks.

Suspension Wear:

Leaf spring bushings, control arm bushings, and ball joints are common wear items, especially for off-road driven vehicles.

Electrical Gremlins:

Older wiring harnesses can become brittle, leading to intermittent electrical faults, particularly in grounds and connections.

Rust Concern:

Rust can affect floor pans, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and frame rails, especially in areas with road salt.

Engine Oil 40L:

6 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter change (10W-30).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10-11 US quarts (9.5-10.4 Liters).

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 US gallons.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Building on Jeep's military heritage, the XJ Cherokee was designed to offer off-road capability in a more compact and user-friendly package than the full-size Grand Wagoneer or Cherokee (SJ).

Xjs Development:

Introduced for the 1984 model year, the XJ Cherokee was a groundbreaking vehicle, featuring the industry's first mass-produced unibody SUV chassis. It was available in two-door and four-door configurations. Key updates over its lifespan included powertrain enhancements, interior refinements, and revised exterior styling (facelifts occurred in 1987 and 1997).

Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America), with production continuing longer in other markets (e.g., Egypt until 2010).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine:

Frequently cited in off-road publications for its capability and reliability in its class.

Value Retention:

The Jeep XJ is known for its strong resale value, particularly well-maintained examples or those with desirable configurations (e.g., 4.0L engine, Selec-Trac).