🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops working on 1988 Jeep Cherokee XJ models.

Competitors 1988:

Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Vehicle Appeal:

Ruggedness, off-road capability, compact size, utility, distinctive styling.

Value:

Provides the same authoritative repair information used by official Jeep dealerships, enabling accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, saving significant costs compared to dealer service.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All workshop procedures, mechanical, electrical, body and chassis systems

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, repair, adjustments, specifications

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 (typical for factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF likely, sometimes printed available)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer case, axles, driveshafts

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front discs, rear drums likely), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, entertainment system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, exterior trim, collision repair information

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder repair, starter/alternator replacement, fuel pump replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, component testing procedures, electrical system diagnostics

Adjustments:

Ignition timing, carburetor adjustments (if applicable), parking brake adjustment, throttle linkage adjustment

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) is most common for digital versions, offering searchability and printability.

Print Quality Digital:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Likely black and white with some color for wiring diagrams.

Physical Binding:

If printed, typically a robust spiral-bound or perfect-bound format suitable for workshop use.

Physical Paper:

Durable, slightly glossy paper designed to withstand workshop conditions and frequent handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4.0L (242 ci) Inline-6 (OHV)

Engine Family:

Jeep AMC 4.0L 'Go-Devil' / 'High Output'

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.413 in (98.4 mm x 86.7 mm)

Displacement:

3960 cc (242 cubic inches)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 (approximate)

Horsepower Net:

173 hp @ 4000 rpm (approximate for 1988)

Torque Net:

220 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approximate for 1988)

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves (2 per cylinder), Pushrod Actuated

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Regular)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Crankshaft Position Sensor

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (typically 50/50 mix with water)

Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30

Oil Capacity W Filter:

5 US Quarts (4.7 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (Select-Shift)

Transmission Code:

AW4 (Aisin-Warner Automatic)

Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Code:

AX-5 (Axer-Steiger)

Type:

Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD system)

Transfer Case Gear Oil:

Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)

Type:

Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent

Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

165.0 inches (4191 mm)

Width:

69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Curb Weight:

3350 - 3600 lbs (1520 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 4750 lbs (2154 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)

Standard Tire Size:

215/75R15 (common for base models)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 US Gallons (75.7 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not typically rated by NHTSA in the same way modern vehicles are; designed for off-road stability.

Driver Assistance:

None standard (ABS was not widely available or standard in 1988)

Restraints:

Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear), optional driver airbag (rare for this year)

Structural Design:

Unibody construction with integrated roll cage elements, offering good structural integrity for its era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo radio, optional cassette player, optional premium sound system.

Speakers:

2, 4, or 6 speaker configurations depending on trim level.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard and rarely equipped on 1988 models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical recommendation for this era, though 5,000 miles is often acceptable with quality oil).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type used, e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Differential Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles, especially if used off-road.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - typically Dexron II or III

Grease:

Lithium-based chassis grease for universal joints and steering linkage.

Engine Related:

Cracked cylinder heads (less common on 4.0L than earlier 4.0s, but possible), intake manifold gasket leaks, distributor o-ring leaks, rear main seal leaks.

Transmission Related:

AW4 solenoids can fail, manual transmission input shaft seals can leak.

Suspension Related:

Leaf spring bushings wear out, track bar bushings wear, ball joints can wear (4WD models).

Electrical Related:

Grounding issues, headlight switch failures, instrument cluster problems, intermittent power loss.

Body Related:

Rust in rocker panels, floor pans, and tailgate; door hinge wear.

Oil Filter:

Mopar MO-090 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH8A, Wix 51515)

Air Filter:

Mopar A8320 or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA2074, Wix 42207)

Fuel Filter:

Mopar 4750300 or equivalent (inline filter)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Jeep has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles dating back to World War II.

Introduction Year:

1984

Design Philosophy:

Introduced as a revolutionary unibody compact SUV, departing from traditional body-on-frame designs.

Updates By 1988:

By 1988, the XJ had received minor updates, including the introduction of the legendary 4.0L inline-six engine in 1987, significantly improving performance and refinement over earlier 4-cylinder and 2.5L 4-cylinder engines.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Span:

1984-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

4X4 Of The Year:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ platform, in general, has received numerous accolades over its lifespan for its off-road prowess and utility.

Magazine Acclaim:

Often praised by automotive publications for its blend of capability, comfort, and compact size.