Product Name:
Jeep Cherokee YJ 1984-1996 Factory Service Repair Manual
Generation Designation:
YJ
Production Years Covered:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle
Target Audience:
Jeep enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors Era:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicle Identity:
Renowned for its off-road capability, rugged design, and distinctive 'leaf-spring' front suspension (a hallmark of the YJ generation).
Manual Purpose:
To provide authorized and comprehensive service and repair information directly from the manufacturer.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine diagnostics.
Transmission Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmissions (AX-5, AX-15), Automatic transmissions (904, 32RH, 30RH), Transfer cases (NP207, NP231, NP242), Drive axles, propeller shafts, CV joints.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension (leaf springs, coil springs, solid axles), steering system (power steering, steering linkage), brake system (front disc, rear drum, ABS on later models), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, ignition, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, engine control modules (ECMs), Body Control Modules (BCMs).
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, body sealing, frame construction, exhaust system routing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, battery maintenance, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all systems, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major components and systems, including engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, etc.
Special Tools Equipment:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools and equipment required for specific service procedures.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, and body repair.
Engine Family:
AMC/Jeep I6 and I4
Engine 2 5L I4 Specs:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC 150 OHV 4-cylinder. Horsepower: ~105-121 hp. Torque: ~135-137 lb-ft. Features: Throttle Body Injection (TBI) early, Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) later.
Engine 4 0L I6 Specs:
4.0L (242 cu in) AMC 242 OHV Inline-6. Horsepower: ~177-190 hp. Torque: ~220-225 lb-ft. Features: Known for its durability and torque, became a staple Jeep engine.
Compression Ratio 4 0L:
8.8:1
Compression Ratio 2 5L:
8.8:1
Fuel Delivery:
Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for early 2.5L and some early 4.0L; Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for later models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pressure Spec Mpi:
31-39 psi (214-269 kPa)
Standard Transmission Early:
BorgWarner T-4 (4-speed manual) on early models
Standard Transmission Later:
AX-5 (5-speed manual)
Optional Transmission Early:
Chrysler 904 (3-speed automatic)
Optional Transmission Later:
AW4 (4-speed automatic, electronically controlled), 30RH (3-speed automatic), 32RH (3-speed automatic)
Transfer Case Options:
NP207 (Command-Trac part-time 4WD), NP231 (Command-Trac part-time 4WD), NP242 (Selec-Trac full-time 4WD)
Transmission Fluid Spec Ax5:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Spec Aw4:
ATF+3 or equivalent (Dexron-III compatible)
NHTSA Crash Test Rating:
Varies by year and specific test; generally moderate for its era, with structural improvements over time. The YJ did not have the extensive electronic safety aids of modern vehicles.
Anti Lock Brakes ABS:
Optional on later models, typically rear-wheel ABS.
Airbags:
Driver airbag became standard around 1994-1995 model year.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months (automatic), manual transmission fluid inspection every oil change, replacement as needed or every 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Spec:
50/50 mixture of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-7170) and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Mechanical Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (4.0L I6), oil filter housing leaks, starter issues, differential pinion seal leaks, worn ball joints and tie rod ends due to off-road use, rust on body and frame.
Common Electrical Issues:
Faulty instrument cluster (especially speedometer and odometer), intermittent dash lights, starter solenoid issues, fuel pump failures.
Common Powertrain Issues:
AX-5 transmission synchro wear, automatic transmission solenoid failures, NP231 transfer case chain stretch.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for robust off-road vehicles, originating from its WWII Willys MB origins. The Cherokee nameplate has been associated with SUV versatility for decades.
Yj Generation Characteristics:
The YJ generation is distinctly recognized by its move to standard leaf-spring suspension in the front (replacing the previous XJ's coil springs) and its rectangular headlights, a departure from the iconic round headlights of the CJ and earlier Cherokees. It marked a significant redesign for the Jeep lineup.
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production End Year:
1996 (replaced by the Cherokee XJ's successor, the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ for some models, and the Liberty KJ for others, depending on market interpretation).
