Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ was a groundbreaking compact SUV, a pioneer of the unibody construction in its class, offering a blend of off-road capability and everyday usability.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer of its era.
Features:
Renowned for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, compact size, and relatively comfortable ride compared to body-on-frame SUVs.
Value For Owner:
This manual is indispensable for owners and mechanics looking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the robust and capable Jeep XJ.
Engine Mechanical:
Comprehensive coverage of all engine mechanical components and systems.
Engine Performance:
Diagnosis and repair of engine performance issues, including fuel delivery, ignition, and emissions.
Transmission Manual:
Detailed procedures for manual transmission removal, repair, and installation.
Transmission Automatic:
In-depth coverage of automatic transmission (e.g., AW4, Aisin Warner) operation, diagnosis, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Includes front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, transfer cases (e.g., NP231), and driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front (leaf spring or coil spring depending on year/spec) and rear suspension components, alignment, and repair.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, and linkage.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum or disc brake systems, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic components, and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnosis of electrical faults, fuses, relays, and lighting.
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal, glass replacement, and frame straightening procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Emissions Control:
Diagnosis and repair of emissions control systems, including catalytic converters, O2 sensors, and EVAP.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, and tire rotation.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, fault codes, and diagnostic procedures.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component on the vehicle.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle electrical systems.
Specifications Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications, measurement tolerances, and adjustment procedures.
Depth:
Full factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine 1:
2.5L AMC 150 I4
Engine 1 Power:
Approximately 105-125 hp (varies by year)
Engine 1 Torque:
Approximately 130-150 lb-ft (varies by year)
Engine 2:
4.0L AMC 242 I6 (High Output)
Engine 2 Power:
Approximately 173-190 hp (varies by year)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approximately 215-220 lb-ft (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Throttle Body Injection (TBI) early models, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) later models.
Ignition:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based systems depending on year.
Cooling:
Pressurized radiator system with fan (mechanical or electric).
Transmission 1:
5-speed manual (e.g., Peugeot BA-10/5, AX-15)
Transmission 2:
3-speed automatic (e.g., Chrysler Torqueflite A904)
Transmission 3:
4-speed automatic (e.g., AW4, Aisin Warner)
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac NP231 part-time 4WD system standard on most models.
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
64.4 inches (1636 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,000-3,500 lbs (1360-1588 kg), varies by configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4,600-5,000 lbs (2087-2268 kg).
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) or more depending on configuration and year.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic: Check every oil change, change every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Manual: Inspect and change as needed.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil:
API Service SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT or OAT depending on year) or equivalent ethylene glycol based, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for later models) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine 4 0 Head:
Early 4.0L engines (pre-1991) were prone to cracking cylinder heads, particularly around the exhaust valves.
Transmission Aw4:
The AW4 automatic transmission can develop solenoid issues or torque converter problems with high mileage.
Cooling System Common:
Radiator leaks, water pump failure, and hose degradation are common wear items.
Electrical Grounds:
Corrosion or loose electrical ground connections can cause various electrical gremlins.
Rust:
Rust, especially in floor pans, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels, is a significant concern for XJs in rust-prone climates.
Jeep Legacy:
Built upon Jeep's strong legacy of rugged, go-anywhere capability.
Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984 as a radical departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs, featuring unibody construction for lighter weight and better on-road manners.
Xj Updates:
Key updates include the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine in 1987, interior and exterior styling refreshes, and drivetrain improvements throughout its production run.
Production Years:
1984-2001 (global production, US market production ended in 2001).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.
