🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1989

Chassis Code:

XJ

Engine Codes Covered:

4.0L AMC 242 I6, 4.0L High Output, 2.5L AMC 150 I4

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle

Target Audience:

Jeep owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics.

Competitors 1989:

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

Unique Selling Proposition:

Renowned Jeep off-road capability in a more compact and versatile package, strong aftermarket support.

Chassis Type:

Unibody construction (a significant departure for SUVs at the time).

Powertrain Options:

Durable inline-six engines and efficient inline-four engines.

Drivetrain Options:

Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time) and Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time) transfer cases.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All Workshop Procedures

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair, Overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Synonymous Terms:

Workshop Manual, Repair Manual, Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Physical Book)

Format Type:

Paperback/Hardcover (depending on original publication)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (4.0L, 2.5L), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emission Control System

Drivetrain:

Transmission (Automatic AX-15, AW4, Manual), Transfer Case (NP231, NP242), Drive Axles (Front & Rear), Driveshafts, CV Joints, U-Joints

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear Leaf Spring/Coil Spring), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, ECU/PCM Diagnostics

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Hood, Tailgate, Glass Replacement

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Change, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Brake Pad Replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Differential Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Steering System Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Electrical System Diagnostics, Component Testing

Special Procedures:

Alignment Procedures, Torque Specifications, Special Tool Usage, System Bleeding (Brakes, Cooling), Component Removal and Installation Sequences

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Factory Level

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, diagnostic flowcharts

Repair Detail:

Step-by-step instructions, exploded views, detailed diagrams for all major and minor repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Availability:

Likely available in PDF format by third-party providers, but original is print.

Print Quality:

Original factory quality, clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

Typically a sturdy, durable binding suitable for workshop use.

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock designed for repeated use in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 RPM (High Output variant)

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (High Output variant)

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Cooling System:

Pressurized Liquid Cooling

Engine 1 Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor with Electronic Control.

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline-4, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 121 hp @ 4800 RPM

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) depending on specific build date/variant.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (AW4)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Manual (AX-15)

Aw4 Features:

Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission, Overdrive Gear

Ax15 Features:

Robust Manual Transmission, 5 Forward Gears + Reverse

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

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

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

69.3 inches (1760 mm)

Height:

63.7 inches (1618 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3100-3600 lbs (1406-1633 kg), varies by configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

4500-5000 lbs (2041-2268 kg), varies by configuration

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 29.7 cu ft

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69.3 cu ft

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating Approx:

3 stars (typical for SUVs of this era, as specific 1989 data is sparse)

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (some later models may have rear discs).

4Wd System:

Command-Trac (Part-time) and Selec-Trac (Full-time/Part-time) options.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts.

Body Structure:

Unibody construction provides inherent rigidity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, optional CD player availability.

Speakers:

Typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim level.

ABS:

Available Rear Anti-lock Braking System (RABS) on some models.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trim levels.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommendation based on typical usage).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as per manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter for 4.0L, approx. 4 US quarts (3.8 L) for 2.5L.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a green conventional coolant.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 US quarts (9.5-11.4 L), varies by engine and cooling system configuration.

Common Problems 1:

Headliner sagging, rust (especially wheel wells, rocker panels, tailgate), cooling system leaks (radiator, water pump), rear main seal leaks, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) failure, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure.

Common Problems 2:

Door handle issues, interior trim wear, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), automatic transmission harsh shifting or failure.

Recommended Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check and replace vacuum hoses, inspect U-joints for wear, clean throttle body, ensure proper cooling system maintenance to prevent overheating.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep's long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.

Xj Introduction:

Introduced in 1984, the XJ was a groundbreaking compact SUV, pioneering the unibody construction for this class.

1989 Updates:

1989 saw the widespread introduction of the 4.0L High Output 'Renegade' engine, becoming the preferred powerplant for many.

Production Period:

1984-2001 (North America), longer in some international markets.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability Awards:

Consistently recognized for its off-road prowess and value.

Value Ratings:

Often cited as a good value for its combination of utility and off-road performance.

Production Standards:

Manufactured under Chrysler Corporation's quality standards of the era.