🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families requiring utility and ruggedness.

Key Competitors:

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

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction, offering a lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to body-on-frame SUVs of the era.

Offroad Capability:

Renowned off-road prowess due to solid axles (early models), robust suspension, and available four-wheel-drive systems.

📋 Manual Details

Comprehensive Coverage:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

All engine variants, including inline-4 and inline-6 configurations, internal components, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, exhaust system.

Engine Performance:

Engine tuning, diagnostics, emission controls, turbocharging (if applicable).

Transmission Manual:

NV3500, AX-15, BA-10/5 (Peugeot) transmissions: disassembly, assembly, repair, troubleshooting, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

AW4 (Aisin-Warner) automatic transmission: overhaul, adjustments, diagnostic procedures, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Transfer case (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, NP231, NP242), front and rear axle assemblies (Dana 30, Dana 35, Chrysler 8.25), driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including leaf springs (rear), coil springs (front), shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, drag links, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum/disc brake systems, anti-lock braking system (ABS) where applicable, brake component replacement, bleeding procedures, hydraulic system diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting systems, horn, power windows, power locks, interior and exterior lighting troubleshooting, wiring diagrams.

Body And Frame:

Unibody construction, body panel repair, rust prevention, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, exterior trim, sealants, undercoating.

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, controls.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbag system (if equipped), passive restraint systems.

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I and early OBD-II), sensor testing, actuator testing, pressure testing, resistance testing, continuity testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component connections.

Depth:

Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution scans, searchable text (OCR enabled), bookmark functionality for easy navigation.

Quality:

Professionally digitized for clear text and legible diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Variant 1:

2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4

Variant 1 Power:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm

Variant 1 Torque:

Approx. 160 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Variant 2:

4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6 'High Output'

Variant 2 Power:

Approx. 177-190 hp @ 4750 rpm (depending on year)

Variant 2 Torque:

Approx. 220-255 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm (depending on year)

Engine Management:

Renix, Mopar, Chrysler EFI systems.

Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (e.g., AX-15, NV3500) or 3-speed/4-speed automatic (e.g., AW4)

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (AW4) became increasingly common and refined through the years.

Transfer Cases:

Command-Trac (NP231), Selec-Trac (NP242), part-time and full-time 4WD options.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2575 mm)

Length:

167.1 - 173.3 inches (4244 - 4399 mm)

Width:

69.3 - 70.0 inches (1760 - 1778 mm)

Height:

63.7 - 64.3 inches (1618 - 1633 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Varies by year and specific test; generally adequate for its era, but lacking modern safety advancements like side curtain airbags.

ABS:

Available on some later models and higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard from early 90s, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models. No side airbags or advanced airbag systems.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player in later models. Speaker configuration varies by trim.

Features:

Limited to basic features like power steering and optional cruise control. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Features:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB ports, or smartphone integration. Aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Check fluid condition; typically longer intervals.

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil:

API Service SG, SH, SJ or higher. Viscosity: 10W-30 recommended for most climates (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 ( Chrysler spec)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (refer to manual for specific SAE weight).

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron II/III for some years).

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket issues on the 4.0L I6 (especially earlier models), cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L, intake manifold gasket leaks on I4.

Common Problems Transmission:

AX-15 shift fork wear, AW4 torque converter lock-up issues, BA-10/5 (Peugeot) reliability concerns.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn control arm bushings, worn tie rod ends, sagging leaf springs (rear), steering box play.

Common Problems Electrical:

Intermittent electrical gremlins, faulty sensors (CPS, TPS), wiring harness degradation, instrument cluster issues.

Common Problems Body:

Rust, particularly on rocker panels, floor pans, and wheel arches; aging weather stripping leading to leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Continuation of Jeep's off-road heritage, established with the CJ and Wagoneer lines.

Xj Introduction:

Introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the CJ-5 based Scrambler, initially as a 2-door model. The 4-door model arrived in 1987.

Major Updates:

Facelift in 1991 (new grille, fenders, interior updates), introduction of OBD-II in 1996, minor powertrain and option changes throughout its run.

Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America)

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine:

Consistently ranked high by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.

Value Proposition:

Renowned for its strong value proposition as a rugged and capable SUV for its price point, especially on the used market.