Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, auto repair shops, Jeep enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain and repair their XJ
Key Competitors Era:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Unibody Construction:
Pioneering unibody construction in an SUV for lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to body-on-frame competition.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned Jeep off-road prowess with solid axles (front and rear in many configurations), available 4WD systems, and good ground clearance.
Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform a wide range of service and repair tasks, saving money and extending vehicle life. Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information.
Applicable Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Engine Coverage:
4.0L I6 (242 ci), 2.5L I4 (150 ci)
Transmission Coverage:
AX-4, AX-5, AX-15 Manual Transmissions, AW-4 Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain Coverage:
2WD, 4WD (Selec-Trac, Command-Trac)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, typically 1500+ pages for comprehensive factory-style manuals
Manual Classification:
Factory-Type Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul, transfer case service, drive shafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (leaf spring, solid axle), rear suspension (leaf spring), steering system, power steering, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, power windows/locks, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body control modules
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts, voltage/resistance testing of electrical components, checking for vacuum leaks
Installation Procedures:
Guidance on replacing various components, sometimes including aftermarket part considerations
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code 1:
242 ci (4.0L) OHV I6 (AMC 4.0)
Bore X Stroke 4.0L:
3.875 in x 3.414 in
Compression Ratio 4.0L:
8.8:1
Horsepower 4.0L Early:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque 4.0L Early:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine Code 2:
150 ci (2.5L) OHV I4 (AMC 150)
Bore X Stroke 2.5L:
3.875 in x 3.250 in
Compression Ratio 2.5L:
8.8:1
Horsepower 2.5L:
Approx. 121 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 2.5L:
Approx. 165 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Standard Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual (AX-4, AX-5 - early years) / 5-Speed Manual (AX-15 - later years)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AW-4, sourced from Aisin-Warner)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, 4-speed, with overdrive. Known for its robust design.
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac (2-speed part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac (2-speed full-time 4WD with part-time option)
NHTSA Crash Test Data:
Information typically available in separate NHTSA reports for specific model years; manual covers vehicle safety systems.
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum standard. Some later models may have optional ABS.
Seat Belts:
Front shoulder belts, rear lap belts (standard). Manual will detail adjustment and care.
Structural Integrity:
Unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones designed into the chassis.
Audio System:
Base AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, optional premium sound systems with amplifier. Manual covers speaker replacement and basic unit removal.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available on some models during this period. Manual will detail its components and troubleshooting.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Became available on higher trims in later years of this generation. Manual may cover basic operation and fob battery replacement.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, or as per specific oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendations).
Filter Replacement Intervals:
Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter, fuel filter replacement intervals vary but are typically in the 15,000-30,000 mile range.
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for climate/seasonal recommendations)
Engine Oil Type 2.5L:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for climate/seasonal recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Mopar coolant type if available.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil for manual transmissions (specific viscosity will be in manual).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF+3 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid, often compatible with Dexron II/III but check manual for precise specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar power steering fluid or ATF+2/ATF+3 (check manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid
4.0L Engine:
Cracking in the cylinder head (especially earlier versions), oil filter housing leaks, rear main seal leaks.
Aw-4 Transmission:
Solenoid issues causing shifting problems, torque converter shudder. Fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension Steering:
Worn bushings in control arms and track bar (if equipped), worn steering components (tie rods, drag link), leaf spring sag.
Electrical:
Common issues with the Overhead Console (OHC) display, HVAC blower motor resistors, and grounds in the engine bay.
Rust:
Prone to rust in common Jeep areas: floor pans, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and frame rails, especially in rust-belt regions.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability, established with the Willys Jeep and subsequent models.
Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the XJ was a revolutionary design for Jeep, moving from body-on-frame to a unibody chassis for SUVs.
Major Updates 1988-1993:
The 4.0L I6 engine became widely adopted and refined. Introduction of optional ABS. Cosmetic updates and interior refinements throughout this period.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Run For This Manual:
1988-1993
