Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Owners, Professional Mechanics seeking detailed repair and maintenance information for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Competitors 1988:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Rugged, capable off-road vehicle with compact dimensions and unibody construction for improved on-road manners compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Engine:
2.5L AMC 150 I4, 4.0L AMC 242 I6
Transmission:
AW4 Automatic, AX-4/AX-4A Manual
Drivetrain:
Command-Trac 4WD System, Selec-Trac 4WD System, Rear Wheel Drive
Suspension:
Front: Solid Leaf Spring (early XJ), Front Leaf Spring (later XJ - though 1988 is likely leaf), Rear: Leaf Spring
Steering:
Power Steering System
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (typical for base models); Optional Front/Rear Disc
Electrical:
Charging System, Ignition System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, Instrumentation, Body Electrical (Wipers, Horn, HVAC controls, etc.)
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (Renix EFI for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection for 2.5L)
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
Exhaust System:
Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes
Body And Frame:
Unibody Construction, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Fenders, Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing Procedures
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-I Diagnostic Codes (for applicable systems), On-Board Diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances, Diagnostic Values
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete Electrical Schematics
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Factory Level (covering diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and specifications)
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring legibility of text and diagrams
Binding Type:
Spiral Bound (common for workshop manuals for lay-flat use)
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine Coverage:
Detailed troubleshooting, repair, and overhaul for 2.5L I4 and 4.0L I6 engines.
Transmission Coverage:
Repair and maintenance for AW4 automatic and AX-4 manual transmissions, including clutches, gears, seals, and hydraulic systems.
Drivetrain Coverage:
Service procedures for transfer cases (Command-Trac/Selec-Trac), differentials, driveshafts, and axle shafts.
Electrical Coverage:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system diagnosis, ignition system troubleshooting, and body electrical system repairs.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound system
Gauges:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltmeter
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (for automatic, depending on usage)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 (preferred for most conditions), 5W-30 (for cold climates)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 4 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or Dexron II/III (for AW4); Manual transmission fluid (e.g., GL-4)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, green color (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Problems Engine:
Cracked cylinder head on 4.0L (less common in '88 than later models), exhaust manifold cracks on 4.0L, camshaft wear on 2.5L
Common Problems Transmission:
AW4 solenoids can fail, manual clutch wear
Common Problems Suspension:
Leaf spring sag/breakage, worn bushings
Common Problems Electrical:
Corrosion on grounds, failing sensors (MAP, TPS, O2), flickering gauges
Common Problems Body:
Rust (especially rocker panels, rear quarters, tailgate, unibody frame rails), interior wear
