🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Applicable Years:

1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle

Reputation:

Known for ruggedness, off-road capability, and Jeep's iconic styling.

Competitors:

Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction, a significant departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs, offering improved on-road manners and weight savings.

4X4 System:

Renowned Selec-Trac (optional full-time 4WD) and Command-Trac part-time 4WD systems.

Offroad Capability:

Solid front and rear axles (on most models), good ground clearance, and robust suspension geometry.

📋 Manual Details

All Systems:

True

Engine Mechanical:

True

Engine Performance:

True

Fuel System:

True

Exhaust System:

True

Transmission Manual:

True

Transmission Automatic:

True

Drivetrain 4X4:

True

Axles Differentials:

True

Suspension Front:

True

Suspension Rear:

True

Steering System:

True

Brake System Front:

True

Brake System Rear:

True

Electrical System:

True

Lighting System:

True

HVAC System:

True

Body Exterior:

True

Body Interior:

True

Body Glass Seals:

True

Troubleshooting:

True

Wiring Diagrams:

True

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Types:

4.0L Inline-6 (242 cu in) OHV, 2.5L Inline-4 (150 cu in) OHV

Engine Management:

EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), ignition timing, sensors, actuators

Transmission Options:

AX-5 Manual, AX-15 Manual, AW4 Automatic

Transfer Case:

NP231 Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time)

Suspension Type:

Front: Leaf Spring Solid Axle, Rear: Leaf Spring Solid Axle

Braking System Details:

Front: Disc Brakes, Rear: Drum Brakes (some later models may have rear discs)

Electrical Diagnostics:

Battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, lighting, instrumentation, ignition system

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Engine Overhaul:

Engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, valve jobs, piston replacement

Transmission Rebuild:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul procedures

Brake Service:

Pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service

Suspension Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod replacement, shock/strut replacement, leaf spring service

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, wiring harness repair

HVAC Repair:

Component replacement (compressor, condenser, heater core), refrigerant system servicing

Body Panel Repair:

Dent repair, panel replacement, rust remediation guidance

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all fasteners

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

P-codes and manufacturer-specific codes for engine management systems

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full component rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Explains use of common diagnostic tools and procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable if a well-produced digital document.

Printable:

Typically printable, though quality may vary with source.

Quality:

Variable (Digital quality depends on original scan/creation).

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L (3960cc) OHV Inline-6, 'High Output' in later years.

Engine 1 Code:

242 cu in (often referred to as the '242')

Engine 2:

2.5L (2467cc) OHV Inline-4 'Tech' or 'AMC 150'.

Engine 2 Code:

150 cu in

4.0L Horsepower Est:

Approx. 177-190 hp (depending on year and tuning)

4.0L Torque Est:

Approx. 220-235 lb-ft (depending on year and tuning)

2.5L Horsepower Est:

Approx. 121-130 hp

2.5L Torque Est:

Approx. 170-175 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Required Octane:

87 Octane (89 Octane recommended for optimal performance in the 4.0L)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

AX-5 Manual Transmission (typically with 2.5L engine), AX-15 Manual Transmission (typically with 4.0L engine)

Optional Transmission:

AW4 Automatic Transmission (4-speed with torque converter lock-up)

Transfer Case Standard:

New Process (NP) NP231 'Command-Trac' (Part-time, 2WD High, N, 4WD High, 4WD Low)

Transfer Case Optional:

New Process (NP) NP242 'Selec-Trac' (Full-time 4WD available, 2WD High, N, 4WD High, 4WD Low)

Axle Ratios:

Typically 3.73 or 4.10 (depending on trim and original equipment)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Length:

167.4 - 172.6 inches (depending on bumper/spare tire carrier)

Width:

69.3 - 69.8 inches

Height:

62.0 - 63.3 inches

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine, transmission, and 2WD/4WD configuration)

Towing Capacity Est:

Up to 2,000 lbs (may vary with engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance Est:

2WD: 7.55, 4WD: 7.22 (all models tested had a high center of gravity)

Braking System:

Standard front disc, rear drum brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels in later years (1993+ on some models).

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts. Shoulder belts for front occupants.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag introduced in 1994 model year. Passenger airbag not generally available during this period.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Optional CD player in later years.

Speakers:

Typically 4 speakers (2 front, 2 rear). Optional premium sound systems may have more.

ABS:

Available on rear wheels in later years (1993+).

Cruise Control:

Optional feature, standard on higher trim levels.

OBD Ii Compliance:

Introduced with the 1994 model year, supporting On-Board Diagnostics II.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000-50,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-45,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

4.0L: Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum tipped). 2.5L: Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (copper tipped).

Drive Belt Inspection:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 60,000-100,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L), SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 2.5L

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0L: 5 quarts (with filter). 2.5L: 5 quarts (with filter).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

AX-5: NVGL-4 (GL-4 rated gear oil, e.g., Red Line MT-90). AX-15: NVGL-4 or NVGL-5 (GL-5 rated gear oil, e.g., Royal Purple Synchromesh).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Chrysler spec, equivalent to Mopar MS-7176 or MS-9224). Check manual for precise specification.

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler spec, equivalent to Mopar MS-9224 for NP231/NP242)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 (check specific year)

Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a green or orange color. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Common Problem 1:

Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.0L engines, though later ones are more robust).

Common Problem 2:

Cracked cylinder heads (less common than head gasket, but a known issue).

Common Problem 3:

Rust on body panels, especially rockers, fenders, and rear quarter panels.

Common Problem 4:

Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, track bar on some models).

Common Problem 5:

Leaking rear main crankshaft seal.

Common Problem 6:

Failure of the Automatic Transfer Case (ATC) shift module on NP242 Selec-Trac models if equipped.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Descended from rugged, utilitarian military vehicles, Jeep has a long history of off-road prowess and durability.

Xj Introduction:

Introduced for the 1984 model year, the XJ was a revolutionary vehicle, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction.

Major Updates Within Years:

Mid-cycle refresh around 1991 included updated interior and exterior styling, improved aerodynamics, and revised powertrains. 1994 saw the introduction of airbags and OBD-II compliance on some models.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Span:

1984-2001 (globally, with North American production ending in 2001)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine Awards:

Frequently cited by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.

Jeep Heritage:

Carries the Jeep nameplate, synonymous with off-road adventure and ruggedness.