Target Audience:
Jeep Cherokee owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Competitors 1991:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.
Platform Significance:
Unibody construction pioneered in the compact SUV segment, offering a car-like ride with SUV capability.
Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance guidance, enabling accurate diagnostics and repairs, reducing reliance on dealerships, and extending vehicle lifespan.
Engines Covered:
4.0L Inline-6 (242 ci) OHV, 2.5L Inline-4 (150 ci) OHV
Transmissions Covered:
4-speed Automatic (AW4), 5-speed Manual (AX-5, AX-15)
Drivetrains Covered:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1000-1500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front disc/rear drum, ABS availability)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, ignition switch, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay information
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, tailgate, glass, seals, body hardware
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine tune-up, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, valve train overhaul, fuel injector testing/replacement, water pump replacement, radiator service, starter motor repair, alternator testing/replacement, clutch service, transmission overhaul, brake pad/shoe replacement, suspension component replacement, steering component repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, braking system anomalies, starting and charging system failures
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid specifications to complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including detailed torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and component testing methods.
Engine 1 Name:
4.0L Inline-6 OHV (242 ci)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3960 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
98.5 mm x 86.6 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
177 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
2.5L Inline-4 OHV (150 ci)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2469 cc
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
97.5 mm x 82.7 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
125 hp @ 4600 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on usage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG, SAE 10W-30 recommended for 4.0L; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 2.5L.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (or equivalent Dexron II/III for AW4).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for NV242 Selec-Trac); NV231 Command-Trac typically uses Dexron II/III or ATF+3.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Limited-slip additive may be required for some differentials.
Engine 4 0L:
Cracked cylinder heads (later years more prone), camshaft wear, oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan).
Engine 2 5L:
Head gasket issues, piston slap.
Transmission Aw4:
Solenoid failures, torque converter shudder.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch wear, pilot bearing failure, synchronizer wear in AX-5.
Suspension:
Leaf spring sag (rear), worn control arm bushings, ball joint wear, track bar issues.
Electrical:
Failing fuel pump relay, starter issues, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's long history of producing capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.
Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the XJ Cherokee revolutionized the SUV market with its unibody construction, setting it apart from body-on-frame truck-based SUVs.
1991 Updates:
Minor styling updates, potential introduction of driver-side airbag, refinement of engine and transmission options. The 4.0L inline-six was becoming the dominant and preferred engine.
Production Span:
1984-2001 (North America)
