Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Jeep Heritage:
Cherokee XJ is a cornerstone of Jeep's reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.
Competitors 1988:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Jeep Xj Distinction:
Unibody construction offered a lighter, more car-like ride than body-on-frame competitors, yet retained significant off-road prowess.
Value For Owner:
Essential for owners looking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their 1988 Jeep Cherokee XJ, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper service.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling systems
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, tank, lines
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing, electronic control module (ECM)
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, sensors
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, maintenance
Transmission Automatic:
Overhaul, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic controls, maintenance
Driveline:
Transfer case, driveshafts, U-joints, axles, differentials (front and rear)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shocks, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, control modules
Climate Control:
HVAC system, blower motor, AC compressor, heater core, refrigerant charging
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, glass, headliner
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, trim, paint
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tune-ups, inspections
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid types, capacities, electrical specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
4.0L Inline-6 (Often referred to as the '242' engine)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Cylinder Head
Displacement:
242 cubic inches (3.96 liters)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Horsepower:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4,000 RPM
Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Firing Order:
1-5-3-6-2-4
Oil Capacity With Filter:
6 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
Oil Type:
API SN, SAE 10W-30 (Check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 US Quarts (11.8 Liters) with heater
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/water mixture (50/50)
Spark Plug Gap:
0.035 inches (0.89 mm)
Ignition Timing Base:
12 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC) at idle (ECU controlled)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AW4)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (AX-5)
Aw4 Features:
Electronically controlled, renowned for durability and off-road suitability. Selectable 2WD/4WD.
Ax5 Features:
Robust manual gearbox, suitable for moderate off-road use. Selectable 2WD/4WD.
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Refer to manual for exact specification for 1988)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.8 US Quarts (6.4 Liters) for fluid change
Fluid Specifications Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 US Quarts (2.3 Liters)
Length:
176.1 inches (4473 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
63.4 inches (1610 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg), depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 33.1 cubic feet (937 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 70.6 cubic feet (2000 liters)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems available.
Gauge Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models for improved braking control.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
Power Windows Locks:
Optional power windows and power door locks available on higher trim levels.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Consult manual for specifics.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on towing and driving conditions). Check manual.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Check manual)
Common Wear Item 1:
Radiator tanks (plastic tanks prone to cracking/leaking)
Common Wear Item 2:
Leaf spring perches and mounting points (rust and fatigue)
Common Wear Item 3:
Headliner fabric deterioration (sagging)
Common Engine Issue:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L HO versions, though less common in later revisions like 1988)
Common Electrical Issue:
TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) failure, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure on later models, door panel wiring harness wear.
Common Suspension Issue:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and track bar bushings.