Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV, pioneering the segment.
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families needing utility.
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner.
Unibody Construction:
One of the first SUVs with unibody construction, offering a lighter and more car-like ride.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its robust 4x4 system (Selec-Trac/Command-Trac) and solid axles (front/rear on early models).
Durability And Simplicity:
Known for its ruggedness and relatively straightforward mechanical design.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, and repair procedures for 2.5L AMC I4 and 4.0L AMC I6 engines.
Engine Performance:
Includes ignition timing, fuel delivery, emissions control systems, and troubleshooting related to performance.
Transmission Automatic:
Coverage for the AW-4 (30-40LE) automatic transmission, including service, adjustment, and overhaul.
Transmission Manual:
Information on manual transmissions (e.g., AX-4, AX-5) including clutch service and gear selection.
Drivetrain And Axles:
Comprehensive coverage of Dana 30 (front) and AMC 20 or Chrysler 8.25 (rear) axles, transfer case (NP229, NP231), and driveline components.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension (leaf springs, coil springs), steering gear, and power steering system.
Brake System:
Front disc and rear drum brake systems, including hydraulic components, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped on later models).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, and common electrical fault diagnostics.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel injection systems (Renix, MPI), fuel pump, lines, tank, and exhaust manifold/system.
Cooling And Heating:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, and A/C system components.
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, and underbody protection.
Interior And Trim:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, and interior trim components.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul (e.g., head gasket replacement, piston rings), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper/wheel cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic trees and common fault identification for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I code retrieval procedures and interpretation for Renix and early MPI systems.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, and CV joints.
Alignment And Calibration:
Wheel alignment specifications and basic calibration procedures where applicable.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Includes DTC definitions and troubleshooting steps for OBD-I systems used during these years.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all major vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for certain repair procedures.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cu in)
Engine 1 Type:
AMC 150, Inline-4 (OHV)
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Carbureted (early), Renix Fuel Injection (later)
Engine 1 Approx Hp:
125 hp @ 4,800 rpm (carbureted), 130 hp @ 4,800 rpm (FI)
Engine 1 Approx Torque:
190 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (carbureted), 200 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (FI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cu in)
Engine 2 Type:
AMC 242, Inline-6 (OHV)
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Renix Fuel Injection (1987-1990), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) (1991-1993)
Engine 2 Approx Hp:
173 hp @ 4,700 rpm (Renix), 182 hp @ 4,700 rpm (MPI)
Engine 2 Approx Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (Renix), 225 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (MPI)
Engine Management:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics I) system.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for this era, consult manual for specifics).
Engine Oil Filter:
Mopar MO-090 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual).
Engine Coolant:
50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant and distilled water. (Chrysler HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology for later models, consult manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent (check manual).
Common Problem 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L engines (especially 1991-1992 models due to heat management).
Common Problem 2:
Renix EFI system issues (e.g., fuel pressure regulator, TPS, MAP sensor failures).
Common Problem 3:
Leaf spring perch cracks on the rear axle.
Common Problem 4:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, heater core, hoses).
Common Problem 5:
Door hinge rust and sagging.
Common Problem 6:
Headliner sagging.
