Vehicle Class:
Compact SUV
Target Audience Manual:
Jeep owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.
Competitors Vehicle 1990:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Unibody Construction:
Pioneering unibody construction for an SUV, offering lighter weight and improved ride compared to body-on-frame rivals.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned off-road prowess due to Command-Trac (2WD/4WD) or Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD) transfer cases and robust drivetrain options.
Completeness:
Comprehensive, factory-level information essential for accurate diagnosis and repair.
Value Proposition:
Enables cost-effective maintenance and repairs, extending the lifespan and preserving the value of the vehicle.
Engine Mechanical:
Comprehensive coverage including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting for all engine variants.
Engine Electrical:
Detailed diagrams and troubleshooting for ignition, fuel injection, starting, charging, and emissions control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions (e.g., AX-5, BA-10/5).
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., AW-4).
Drivetrain 4X4:
Detailed information on transfer case (e.g., NP231), front and rear axle assemblies, and hub operation.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and steering linkage.
Steering:
Power steering system components, hydraulic pump, steering box/rack, and linkage.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, and ABS (if equipped).
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, roof, and unibody structural components.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, gauges, interior controls, horn, wipers, and HVAC electrical components.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant charging, blower motor, heater core, and A/C compressor.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, often with flowcharts.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic steps, including use of diagnostic tools and interpretation of sensor data (OBD-I for this era).
Rebuilds:
Comprehensive procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, transfer cases, and axles.
Depth Level:
In-depth, professional level suitable for dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
File Format:
PDF (typically, for digital versions)
Searchability:
Likely fully text-searchable for quick access to specific topics.
Printability:
Printable pages, allowing for physical reference.
Page Count Estimated:
1000-2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era).
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans/digital reproductions ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding Type:
N/A (for digital format)
Paper Type:
N/A (for digital format)
Engine Code:
4.0L I-6 (High Output)
Engine Displacement:
3957 cc (242 ci)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.563 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Horsepower Net:
177 hp @ 4750 rpm (approx.)
Torque Net:
220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs (later models) or Distributor with Ignition Coil.
Cooling System Capacity:
10.5 US quarts (9.9 L)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
5 US quarts (4.7 L)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
API SG, SAE 10W-30
Engine Displacement:
2469 cc (151 ci)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower Net:
125 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque Net:
147 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Type:
Manual Transmission
Model:
AX-5 (2WD and 4WD versions)
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios, but typically 5 forward gears + reverse.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch
Type:
Automatic Transmission
Model:
AW-4 (4-speed electronically controlled)
Torque Converter Stall Speed:
Refer to manual for specifications.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8 US quarts (7.6 L) for AW-4 (dry fill)
Standard 4X4 System:
Command-Trac NV231 (Part-time, 2WD High, 4WD High, 4WD Low, Neutral)
Optional 4X4 System:
Selec-Trac NV242 (Full-time, 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, Neutral)
Fluid Type:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent, consult manual)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.75 US quarts (1.66 L) for NV231/NV242
Dimensions:
Approx. 167.5 in (L) x 69.9 in (W) x 64.4 in (H) (1990 Model)
Wheelbase:
103.4 inches (2626 mm)
Front Track:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Rear Track:
57.0 inches (1450 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm) for 4x4 models
Curb Weight Min Max:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), depending on configuration
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 32.1 cu ft (0.91 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 70.2 cu ft (1.99 m³)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) or 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) depending on engine and axle ratio (check manual for specifics).
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating 1990:
Likely 3-star (representative for vehicles of this era, specific data for 1990 XJ may vary).
Brake System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on 1990 models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard for 1990.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts, shoulder belts for front occupants.
Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks available.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Dashboard Controls:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter. Manual climate controls.
ABS Availability:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for rear wheels.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
OBD Standard:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation), requiring specialized diagnostic tools and procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, or every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for definitive recommendation).
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not applicable for 1990 models.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Power Steering Fluid Check:
Check every oil change. Flush and replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Service Intervals Ignition
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium (if applicable).
Engine Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (or equivalent, consult manual)
4.0L Common Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (though less common on 1990 models compared to later years), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan, lifter tick.
2.5L Common Issues:
Head gasket failures, oil consumption, valve seat issues.
Transfer Case Chain Slap:
NV231 transfer case chain can stretch and cause noise.
Axle Seal Leaks:
Rear axle pinion seal and axle shaft seal leaks are common.
Leaf Spring Sag:
Rear leaf springs can sag over time, reducing ride height.
Wiring Harness Issues:
Corrosion and chafing in wiring harnesses, particularly in engine bay and under the vehicle.
Alternator Failure:
Alternators can fail prematurely.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, go-anywhere vehicles, originating from military applications (Willys MB).
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction.
Xj Updates 1990:
1990 saw the introduction of the more powerful 4.0L High Output inline-six engine as a primary option and the driver-side airbag as standard equipment.
Production Period Xj:
1984-2001 (North America), later in other markets.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year 1984:
While not for 1990, the XJ was Motor Trend's SUV of the Year upon its introduction in 1984, highlighting its innovative design and capability.
Off Road Magazine Ratings:
Consistently praised by off-road publications for its capability and compact size.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets U.S. Federal EPA emissions standards for 1990 model year.