🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Generation:

First Generation (XJ)

Body Style:

2-door SUV, 4-door SUV

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Usp:

Renowned for its off-road capability, robust build, and iconic styling, pioneering the compact SUV segment.

Key Competitors Era:

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

Unibody Construction:

One of the first SUVs to utilize unibody construction, offering a lighter, more car-like ride compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Off Road Systems:

Available 4WD systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) and solid front/rear axles (on earlier models) contribute to exceptional off-road prowess.

Engine Longevity:

The 4.0L straight-six engine is highly regarded for its durability and torque, a hallmark of the XJ.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Regions Covered:

Primarily North American specifications, with global relevance for mechanical components.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive, typically 1000+ pages for a complete factory service manual (FSM).

Type:

Repair Service Manual / Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the 4.0L (242ci) I6 and 2.5L (150ci) I4 gasoline engines, including diagnostics, overhaul, and component repair.

Transmission:

Manual (AX-4/5, NV1500, NV3550) and automatic (AW-4, 30RH/32RH) transmissions, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axles (Dana 30 front, Dana 35c/Dana 44a rear), transfer cases (NP231 Command-Trac, NP242 Select-Trac), differentials, CV joints, U-joints, and drivelines.

Suspension:

Front (leaf spring/solid axle, later coil spring/solid axle) and rear (leaf spring) suspension systems, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, and steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front disc and rear drum brake systems, including master cylinder, power booster, brake lines, calipers, pads, shoes, and parking brake.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, and fuse/relay locations.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, and troubleshooting.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, hood, tailgate, and frame inspection.

Chassis:

Frame repair, body mount points, and related chassis components.

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, and belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, and cooling system issues, often with symptom-based guides.

Engine Repair:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, including cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, and camshaft replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Detailed steps for transmission removal, disassembly, inspection of clutch packs, torque converter service, and reassembly for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and shoe replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, brake bleeding, and rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic charts for electrical systems, testing circuits, sensors, actuators, and common electrical component failures.

Suspension And Steering:

Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, shock absorbers, steering box, and power steering pump.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pump testing and replacement, and fuel filter changes.

Body Work:

Guidance on panel alignment, door mechanism adjustments, and interior component removal/installation.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine bearing clearances, piston ring end gap, and other machining specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and detailed electrical system diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using standard diagnostic tools (multimeter, scan tools for OBD-I systems) and specialized Chrysler/Jeep tools where applicable.

Oem Standards:

Follows OEM (Chrysler/Jeep) service procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific topics.

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to create physical copies of sections or the entire manual.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

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

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 177-190 hp @ 4700 rpm (depending on year and specific calibration)

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 220-235 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm (depending on year)

Engine 2:

2.5L (150ci) Tech-4 Inline-4 (OHV)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 125-130 hp @ 4800-5000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 150-155 lb-ft @ 2400-2800 rpm

0 60 Mph:

Varies by engine and drivetrain, generally 9-11 seconds for the 4.0L.

Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., AX-4/5, NV1500)

Transmission 2:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (AW-4) or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (30RH/32RH)

Transfer Case Options:

New Process (NP) 231 Command-Trac (part-time 4WD), NP 242 Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available for each transmission/transfer case combination, detailed in the manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent like Dexron III for earlier models, check manual for exact spec)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, specific viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-90) as per manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

Approx. 167.4 - 172.3 inches (4252 - 4376 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.7 - 65.5 inches (1618 - 1664 mm)

Cargo Volume:

Varies, but substantial for its size, especially with rear seats folded.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200 - 3600 lbs (1451 - 1633 kg), depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 4600 - 4900 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment and V6 engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Limited data available for specific year crash test ratings, but generally considered safe for its era. Later models incorporated more safety features.

ABS:

Available on select models, particularly later years.

Four Wheel Drive:

Standard on many models, enhancing traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag introduced later in the generation; passenger airbag on some models.

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player standard; optional CD player and premium sound systems on higher trims.

Dashboard Features:

Analog gauges for speed, tachometer (on some models), fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

OBD Standards:

OBD-I for earlier models (pre-1996), OBD-II compliant from 1996 onwards.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: 50,000-100,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

4.0L: 100,000 miles (Long-life plugs); 2.5L: 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Engine Oil:

10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (refer to manual for precise API rating and viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water). Mopar OAT or HOAT antifreeze recommended for later models, consult manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Radiator leaks, head gasket failure (especially on early 4.0L), manifold cracks (exhaust), TPS sensor issues, CPP sensor issues, steering box wear, rear main seal leaks, starter motor issues.

Typical Repairs:

Water pump replacement, thermostat replacement, radiator replacement, exhaust manifold replacement, head gasket replacement, fuel pump replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Carries the Jeep legacy of ruggedness, off-road capability, and utility, evolving from the CJ series.

Xjs Introduction:

Introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary compact SUV, breaking from traditional body-on-frame construction.

Key Updates 1988-2001:

Significant updates include revised front-end styling (1991), introduction of the 4.0L HO engine, improved interior and exterior features, OBD-II compliance (1996), and minor powertrain refinements.

Production Years:

1984-2001

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

Consistently recognized by off-road publications and enthusiasts for its capability and durability.

Consumer Reports Historical:

Varied over its long production run, with strengths in powertrain and off-road performance but weaknesses sometimes noted in interior comfort and build quality on specific years.

Manufacturer Certification:

Built to Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler) standards.