Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Niche:
Jeep's only compact pickup truck offering of its era, known for its ruggedness and off-road capability derived from its Cherokee XJ platform sibling.
Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup
Unique Selling Points:
Unibody construction (shared with Cherokee XJ), Command-Trac and Selec-Trac 4x4 systems, robust powertrain options, Jeep brand off-road heritage.
Manual Value:
Essential resource for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the Jeep Comanche across its extended production run, offering significant cost savings compared to dealership servicing.
Years Covered:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Regions Covered:
North America (primarily US and Canada)
Trim Levels Covered:
Base, Custom, Sport, XLS, Pioneer, Laredo, Chief, Eliminator, Pioneer Olympic Edition, Eliminator Olympic Edition
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., Aisin Warner AX-4, AX-5, AW-4, NP231, NP242 transfer cases), clutch system, drivelines, axles (Dana 35, Dana 44), differentials, hubs.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms), power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors.
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), bumpers, tailgate/bed.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems across all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension joint replacement, electrical component repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for the disassembly and reassembly of all major mechanical and electrical components.
Depth:
In-depth diagnostic and repair procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and specialized tool requirements for professional-level servicing.
Engine 1:
2.5L AMC I4 (150 ci)
Engine 1 Hp:
Approx. 117 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Engine 2:
4.0L AMC I6 (242 ci) 'High Output'
Engine 2 Hp:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 rpm (later years)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later years)
Engine 3:
2.1L VM Motori Turbodiesel I4 (128 ci) - Early models
Engine 3 Hp:
Approx. 85 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 132 lb-ft
Engine 4:
2.8L Chrysler Turbocharged Diesel I4 (171 ci) - Later models (rare)
Compression Ratio 4.0L:
8.8:1
Fuel Delivery 4.0L:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection (SPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended for 4.0L)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) on later 4.0L models, Distributor ignition on 2.5L and early 4.0L.
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual (AX-4) / 5-speed Manual (AX-5)
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Automatic (TF-999) / 4-speed Automatic (AW-4)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time, NV231) / Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time, NV242)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (for manual transmissions)
Transmission Fluid Spec Aw4:
ATF+3 or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Spec Ax5:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent SAE 75W-90
Wheelbase Short:
113.0 inches
Wheelbase Long:
124.0 inches
Overall Length Short:
177.4 inches
Overall Length Long:
193.4 inches
Width Without Mirrors:
72.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 66.0 inches
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,400 - 4,000 lbs
Gvwr:
Varies by configuration, typically around 4,500 - 5,500 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (with proper equipment and engine)
NHTSA Crash Test Data:
Limited official NHTSA ratings for this era, generally considered robust for its class due to unibody design.
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes standard. Optional rear disc brakes on some models.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, lap belts in rear.
Airbags:
No airbags were standard during the majority of the Comanche production run. Later models may have driver-side airbags.
Frame Construction:
Unibody construction, integrating body and frame for increased rigidity and reduced weight compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, temperature, oil pressure. Warning lamps for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on most trims.
Connectivity Options:
None standard. Modern connectivity requires aftermarket installations.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission fluid change intervals.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
SAE 10W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Type 2.5L:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4 (check specific year/model recommendations).
Common Problems:
Radiator leaks (especially with the 4.0L), head gasket issues on the 4.0L (though less common than XJ of the same era), starter solenoid failure, HVAC blend door issues, rust on body panels and frame rails, worn leaf springs/bushings.
Diesel Engine Considerations:
VM Motori diesel engines can be prone to head lifting and injector issues; the 2.8L diesel is rarer and has its own set of potential problems. Manuals specific to these engines are crucial.
Jeep Legacy:
Built on Jeep's reputation for off-road prowess and durability, leveraging components and design cues from the popular Cherokee XJ.
Introduction:
Launched in 1986 as a compact pickup truck, intended to capture a segment of the market underserved by Jeep's larger offerings.
Updates And Changes:
Received powertrain updates, interior refinements, and trim level variations throughout its production. The 4.0L I6 engine became a highly sought-after option. The provided manual extends coverage to 1996, potentially including aftermarket modifications or extended production by other entities if original production ceased earlier.
Original Production End Year:
1992 (Official Chrysler)
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
