Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction, offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Powertrain Options:
Known for robust 4.0L inline-six engine and capable 4x4 systems.
Manual Benefit:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics to maintain and repair the iconic Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, cooling system, lubrication system.
Engine Management:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, electronic fuel injection (EFI).
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission service, clutch, gear shift mechanisms.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission service, torque converter, valve body, hydraulics.
Drivetrain:
Transfer case operation and service, front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, universal joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, proportioning valve.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, wiring diagrams.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, frame repair.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service and repair.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and axle overhaul procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation, electrical system diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code 1:
2.5L AMC 150 (Iron Duke)
Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters / 150.5 cubic inches
Configuration 1:
Inline-4, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 115 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI)
Engine Code 2:
4.0L AMC 242 (High Output)
Displacement 2:
4.0 Liters / 241.7 cubic inches
Configuration 2:
Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Generally considered good for its class, but prone to rollover in extreme off-road situations or aggressive cornering.
ABS:
Not widely available or standard in 1988.
Seatbelts:
Standard three-point seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (based on typical driving conditions of the era).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months for automatic, 50,000 miles for manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type 2 5L:
API SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Engine Oil Type 4 0L:
API SF, SAE 10W-30
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Leaf spring bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, water pump, radiator, exhaust system.
Engine 4 0L Potential:
Cracked cylinder heads (less common in early models but a known issue over time), distributor issues.
Transmission Auto Potential:
Leaking seals, worn clutch packs.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability dating back to WWII.
Xj Generation:
The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, revolutionized the SUV market with its unibody construction.
Production Period:
1984-2001 (First Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.