Original Market:
Compact SUV, Off-road capable vehicle
Longevity Appeal:
Known for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, and relatively simple mechanical design, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and off-roaders for decades.
Contemporaries:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.
Design Philosophy:
Unibody construction (a rarity for SUVs at the time), solid axles (front and rear, though later models transitioned to IFS), robust drivetrain options.
Off Road Capability:
Renowned for its off-road performance, often enhanced by aftermarket modifications, thanks to its design and available 4WD systems.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Technical Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine electrical
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, CV joints
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (leaf spring and coil spring variants), rear suspension (leaf spring), steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake system, hydraulic system, ABS (if applicable)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, body control modules, power accessories
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, lubrication points
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms (e.g., no-start, poor performance, electrical issues)
Rebuilding Refurbishing:
Detailed instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures
Engine Code 1:
2.5L AMC 150 I4 (4.0L '87 onwards)
Engine Displacement 1:
2500 cc (150 cubic inches)
Engine Code 2:
4.0L AMC 242 I6 (Introduced in 1987)
Engine Displacement 2:
3960 cc (242 cubic inches)
Horsepower 2.5L:
Approx. 115-125 hp (varies by year)
Torque 2.5L:
Approx. 140-150 lb-ft (varies by year)
Horsepower 4.0L:
Approx. 177-190 hp (varies by year)
Torque 4.0L:
Approx. 220-240 lb-ft (varies by year)
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for both engines throughout this period.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Standard Transmission Early:
4-speed manual (e.g., Peugeot BA10/5 for early models, later Aisin AX-4)
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic (e.g., Chrysler Torqueflite A904/A999), 4-speed automatic (e.g., Chrysler 42RE from '91)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac NV231 (part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac NV242 (full-time 4WD)
Drive Axles:
Dana 30 front axle, Dana 35 rear axle (common configurations, variations exist)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
Approx. 169.9 - 175.1 inches (4315 - 4448 mm), depending on year and configuration.
Width:
Approx. 69.4 - 70.0 inches (1763 - 1778 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.7 - 65.9 inches (1618 - 1674 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,600 lbs (1406 - 1633 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) or 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package (check specific year/configuration).
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
While specific ratings for this era are less standardized, the XJ's higher center of gravity compared to sedans inherent to SUVs meant careful driving was advised.
ABS:
Available on some models, particularly later production years (four-wheel ABS became more common).
Seatbelts:
Standard three-point front seatbelts, two-point lap belts in the rear (later models may have three-point rear belts).
Airbags:
Driver airbag introduced in 1990.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, and CD player (late models). Speaker configurations varied.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many trims.
Power Windows Locks:
Available on higher trim levels, particularly in later years of the XJ generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, though synthetic oils may extend this. Consult specific manual for exact intervals.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on usage and transmission type. Manual transmissions may have longer intervals for fluid changes.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years, depending on coolant type.
Engine Oil Specification 4.0L:
API Service SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended for most conditions.
Engine Oil Specification 2.5L:
API Service SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended for most conditions.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (depending on specific transmission and year, consult manual for precise specification).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil, GL-5 rated, viscosity often 75W-90 or 80W-90. Consult manual.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check for specific Mopar recommendations.
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L engines (pre-1991), though many have been replaced or updated.
Common Issue 2:
Water pump leaks, thermostat housing leaks.
Common Issue 3:
Leaf spring perch cracks or axle housing issues on heavily used off-road vehicles.
Common Issue 4:
Interior trim degradation (e.g., headliner sagging, dashboard cracking) due to age.
Common Issue 5:
Radiator issues (leaks, clogged fins) and associated cooling system problems.
Common Issue 6:
Electrical gremlins, often related to aging wiring harnesses, grounds, or component failures.
Jeep Legacy:
Builds upon Jeep's long heritage of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, originating from military designs.
Xj Introduction:
Introduced as a revolutionary compact SUV with unibody construction, departing from the body-on-frame designs of earlier Jeeps like the CJ.
Major Updates 84-93:
Key updates include the introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine in 1987, interior refreshes, improved powertrain options, and the addition of airbags starting in 1990. ABS became available in later years.
Production Start Year:
1984
Production End Year:
2001 (for XJ generation globally, though North American production ended earlier for some variants)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Industry Acclaim:
Frequently cited by automotive publications as one of the best SUVs of its time, particularly praised for its off-road capability and durability.
Value Retention:
The XJ has a strong reputation for holding its value, especially well-maintained examples or those with the desirable 4.0L engine, due to its cult following.
Manual Source Authority:
Implied to be based on official manufacturer or reputable aftermarket service documentation.
