Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics, Jeep owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicles
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Manual Value Proposition:
Inexpensive way to keep vehicle working properly, comprehensive repair and service information, detailed illustrations and diagrams.
Vehicle Strengths:
Renowned off-road capability, durable construction, relatively simple mechanics for the era, strong aftermarket support.
Covered Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Covered Models:
Jeep Cherokee XJ
Covered Regions:
North America (implied by specifications)
Page Count Estimate:
Likely 1500-2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual (Factory Service Manual equivalent)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (4WD/2WD components)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear, ABS where applicable), Frame and Body Structure
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Audio System, Engine Control Module (ECM) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Modules
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake system service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Wiring:
Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, connector pinouts, component locations
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to full rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Completeness:
Full service and repair coverage for all specified model years and configurations
Print Quality:
Fully Printable (High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or entire manual)
Zoom Capability:
Yes (Allows for detailed viewing of diagrams and illustrations)
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF - No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for extraction if compressed)
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Option 1:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4 'Tech IV'
Engine Option 2:
4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6 'High Output'
Engine Option 3:
2.1L (128 cu in) Renault turbodiesel (early models, less common)
Engine Option 4:
2.8L (171 cu in) GM V6 (early models, less common)
4.0L I6 Horsepower Est:
177-190 hp (depending on year and specific calibration)
4.0L I6 Torque Est:
220-235 lb-ft (depending on year and specific calibration)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for most 1987+ models; Carbureted for some early models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed automatic (e.g., Chrysler A904/A999, later 42RE)
Transmission Option 2:
5-speed manual (e.g., Peugeot BA10/5, later NV3550)
Transmission Option 3:
3-speed manual (early models, rare)
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac (242) or Selec-Trac (231) part-time 4WD systems
Wheelbase:
103.4 inches (2626 mm)
Length:
Approx. 164.4 inches (4176 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.7 inches (1618 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1450 - 1630 kg) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity Est:
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) or 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package
Crash Test Performance:
Varies by year; generally considered adequate for its era, but lacking modern safety features. Manual will detail specific structural components and safety systems for each year.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some later models and trims
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, reinforced unibody structure
Infotainment Systems:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player (late models). Features are rudimentary by modern standards.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to ABS on later models. No electronic stability control or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Connectivity Features:
None (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration)
Oil Change Interval Est:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics)
Tune Up Interval Est:
Spark plugs typically every 30,000-60,000 miles; distributor cap/rotor inspected/replaced as needed.
Coolant Flush Interval Est:
Every 2-5 years or 30,000-50,000 miles, depending on coolant type.
Engine Oil Recommendation Est:
API Service SN or higher, viscosity 10W-30 or 5W-30 for most engines (consult manual for precise specification based on engine and climate)
Transmission Fluid Recommendation Est:
ATF+4 (or equivalent for earlier transmissions like Dexron III) for automatic transmissions. Manual transmission fluid specification varies by transmission type (e.g., GL-5 gear oil).
Coolant Recommendation Est:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific OAT/HOAT requirements if applicable.
Common Issue 1:
Jeep Wobble / Death Wobble (suspension/steering linkage issues)
Common Issue 2:
Head gasket failure (particularly on early 4.0L engines)
Common Issue 3:
Rust (frame, unibody, rocker panels, floor pans)
Common Issue 4:
Cracked cylinder heads (later 4.0L engines with casting issues)
Common Issue 5:
Automatic transmission issues (e.g., slipping, delayed engagement)
Common Issue 6:
Electrical gremlins (e.g., intermittent power, gauge issues)
Jeep Legacy:
Built upon Jeep's reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess, established with the CJ and Wagoneer models.
Cherokee Xj Introduction:
Introduced for the 1984 model year, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction and car-like ride.
Key Updates 1984 1996:
Significant updates include the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine (1987), updated interior and exterior styling (1984, 1987, 1991, 1997 redesign preparation), introduction of ABS, airbags (later models).
Production Plants:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Span:
1984-2001 (North America for XJ, later in other markets)
Automotive Press Accolades:
Frequently lauded by automotive journalists for its off-road prowess and practicality, often cited as a benchmark in its class during its production run.
Consumer Ratings:
Strong enthusiast following, often praised for durability and capability despite its age. The manual helps owners keep these reliable vehicles in top condition.
