🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Engine:

2.5L Inline-4 (AMC 150)

Year Range Covered:

1988-2001

Engine Code:

AMC 150

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-road utility vehicle

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, Jeep enthusiasts, owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge

Competitors:

Ford Bronco II, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder (early models)

Vehicle Design:

Unibody construction (unique for its class at the time), robust 4x4 systems, strong off-road capability

Manual Value Proposition:

Authoritative resource for maintaining and repairing one of Jeep's most iconic and capable models

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Workshop Repair

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Digital Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF/eBook)

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, timing system, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, throttle body, fuel lines

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ECU control

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox assembly, gear shift linkage, transfer case (NP231, NP242)

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission assembly (e.g., AW4), torque converter, valve body, transmission control module (TCM)

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle (Dana 35, Chrysler 8.25), driveshafts, U-joints, differential service

Suspension:

Front (leaf springs, solid axle), rear (leaf springs), shock absorbers, control arms, steering stabilizer

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear (recirulating ball), power steering pump, steering linkage

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or discs on some models), ABS (if equipped), master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, ignition switch

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, chassis components, rust repair guidance

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant servicing

Body Controls:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, interior lighting

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, brake inspections, battery maintenance

Engine Repair:

Complete engine rebuild, cylinder head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement, manual gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission internal repairs

Drivetrain Service:

U-joint replacement, differential fluid changes, axle seal replacement, axle shaft replacement

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock absorber replacement, leaf spring replacement, power steering system repairs

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagram interpretation, fault finding for lighting, starting, charging, and accessory systems

HVAC Repair:

Component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), refrigerant handling and charging, leak detection

Bodywork And Interior:

Panel replacement, door hinge repair, tailgate repair, interior trim removal and installation

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation, component testing specifications

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement, and reassembly instructions for major components

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC (later OHV), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2507 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.95 in x 3.03 in (100.3 mm x 77.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 (approx.)

Horsepower Range:

121-130 hp @ 4500-4800 rpm (depending on year and configuration)

Torque Range:

160-170 lb-ft @ 2400-2800 rpm (depending on year and configuration)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Timing Mechanism:

Timing chain (later models may have slightly different configurations)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (e.g., AW4) or 5-Speed Manual (e.g., AX-5)

Transmission Options:

Refer to specific vehicle configuration for exact transmission pairings

Transfer Case Options:

Command-Trac (NP231) Part-Time 2WD/4WD, Selec-Trac (NP242) Full-Time 4WD

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (or equivalent Dexron/Mercon depending on year, consult manual for specifics)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.5 - 172.1 inches (4255 - 4371 mm) (depending on model year/bumper)

Width:

69.3 - 70.0 inches (1760 - 1778 mm)

Height:

63.4 - 65.6 inches (1610 - 1666 mm)

Curb Weight:

3100 - 3500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg) (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4750 - 5000 lbs (2154 - 2268 kg) (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

3 out of 5 stars (varies slightly by year)

Braking System:

Front Disc, Rear Drum standard; Optional ABS available on later models

4X4 System:

Standard or Optional 4WD with selectable transfer cases for enhanced traction

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard from ~1994; Passenger airbag optional on some later models

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear lap belts (later models may have 3-point rear)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, optional CD player (later models)

Speakers:

Base models typically had 2 speakers, higher trims 4 or 6

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on later models

Connectivity Features:

None (modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports are not factory standard)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used, consult manual for specifics)

Engine Coolant Flush:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (automatic and manual, depending on usage, consult manual)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, consult manual)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter, 5W-30 or 10W-30 (consult manual based on temperature)

Coolant Type:

Conventional Green Ethylene Glycol (50/50 mix with distilled water), consult manual for exact specification

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III (consult manual)

Common Issues:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially earlier 2.5L OHV), oil filter adapter leaks, rear main seal leaks, rust (especially on floor pans, rockers, and rear quarters), worn leaf springs, transfer case chain stretch (NP231), starter solenoid failure

Troubleshooting Tips:

Manual provides specific diagnostic steps for these common problems

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Continuation of Jeep's reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess

Generation:

First Generation XJ (1984-2001) - this manual covers a significant portion of its lifespan

Key Updates During Period:

Engine updates (introduction of MPI 2.5L), airbag introduction, interior and exterior styling refinements, ABS availability, improved transmissions

Production Period:

1984-2001 (North America), longer in other markets

Manufacturing Locations:

USA (e.g., Toledo, Ohio)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine Awards:

Frequently cited by off-road publications for its capability and durability

Truck Of The Year:

Has been recognized in various truck and 4x4 'of the year' lists by automotive media