🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

YJ

Model Years Covered:

1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Jeep owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs

Value Proposition:

Provides expert, factory-level information for hands-on maintenance and repair, saving costs on professional labor.

Comprehensiveness:

Covers all major systems and procedures for the specified Jeep Cherokee YJ generation.

Accuracy:

Based on factory service documentation for precise technical data.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All service and repair procedures

Geographic Coverage:

North America (US, Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF likely)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components (block, heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, etc.)

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, lines, filter, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), throttle body, intake manifold

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (early models), crankshaft position sensor, ignition control module

Engine Cooling System:

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

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, emissions controls

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox disassembly, repair, and adjustment; gear ratios

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission identification, hydraulic control, torque converter, internal components, fluid specifications, removal/installation

Drivetrain Transfer Case:

Service procedures for various 4x4 systems (e.g., Selec-Trac, Command-Trac)

Drivetrain Axles:

Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, axle shafts, hub bearings

Brakes System:

Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering gear/rack, steering column, tie rods, linkages

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings), alignment specifications

Electrical System Overview:

System descriptions, component locations, wiring diagrams for all circuits

Electrical Charging System:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery specifications, testing

Electrical Starting System:

Starter motor, solenoid, testing

Electrical Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, signal lights

Electrical Instrumentation:

Gauges, dashboard indicators, sensors

Body Interior:

Seating, upholstery, dashboard, door panels, trim, HVAC controls

Body Exterior:

Doors, hood, fenders, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system components, service, and refrigerant handling

Safety Restraint System:

Seat belts, airbag system (if applicable for later models, though YJ is pre-airbag predominantly)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault codes (OBD-I)

Repair And Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed rebuild procedures for major components like engines and transmissions

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems

Specifications And Tolerances:

Critical torque values, clearances, measurements, and alignment data

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and diagnostics

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using basic diagnostic tools and understanding OBD-I codes

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Download (typically PDF)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text-based PDF for efficient information retrieval

Print Readability:

High-resolution digital images and text suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1:

2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4 OHV (1984-1990)

Engine Options 2:

4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6 OHV (1987-1996)

Engine Options 3:

2.1L (128 cu in) Renault Turbodiesel I4 OHV (1984-1987)

Horsepower 2 5L:

Approx. 112-130 hp

Torque 2 5L:

Approx. 135-150 lb-ft

Horsepower 4 0L:

Approx. 173-190 hp

Torque 4 0L:

Approx. 220-235 lb-ft

Horsepower Turbodiesel:

Approx. 85 hp

Torque Turbodiesel:

Approx. 135 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.5L and 4.0L; Diesel Injection for turbodiesel

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum for 4.0L, check manual for 2.5L); Diesel fuel for turbodiesel

🔧 Transmission

Standard Gearbox:

4-speed manual (e.g., AX-4)

Optional Gearbox:

5-speed manual (e.g., NV1500, AX-5)

Automatic Gearbox:

3-speed automatic (e.g., TF-999), 4-speed automatic (e.g., AW4)

Transfer Case Options:

Command-Trac (2WD/4WD part-time), Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD full-time/part-time)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for specific year/model)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity based on temperature, e.g., 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

93.4 inches (2372 mm)

Length:

160.0 inches (4064 mm) for standard 2-door, 162.3 inches (4123 mm) for 4-door

Width:

69.2 inches (1758 mm)

Height:

64.3 inches (1633 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2000 lbs (907 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

NHTSA data for this era is limited; generally considered robust for its class, but lacking modern safety structures.

ABS:

Optional on some later models, not standard across all years/trims

Airbags:

No airbags standard on early YJs; some later models may have driver-side airbag (verify by VIN)

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts, lap rear belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, cassette player; optional CD player on later models. Basic speaker system.

ABS Availability:

Optional on later models, less common.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature on most models.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; primarily analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine)

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000-30,000 miles

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years

Engine Oil Type 2 5L:

SAE 10W-30 (check manual for temperature variations)

Engine Oil Type 4 0L:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for temperature variations)

Engine Oil Capacity 2 5L:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 4 0L:

Approx. 6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically green (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 quarts (9.5-11.4 liters)

Common Yj Issues:

Frame rust (especially rear leaf spring perches), aging rubber bushings, cooling system leaks, rear main seal leaks, starter solenoid issues, dashboard cracks, ignition switch problems.

Engine Specific Issues 4 0L:

Cracked cylinder heads (earlier models), oil filter adapter housing leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Continuation of the Jeep utility vehicle lineage, known for off-road capability.

Yj Generation Design:

The YJ generation is distinctive for its switch to rectangular headlights, a departure from the traditional round headlights of its CJ predecessors.

Yj Generation Features:

Introduced coil springs in the front suspension (replacing leaf springs), offering a smoother ride and improved articulation.

Production Years:

1986-1995 (for YJ designation)

Assembly Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Reputation:

The YJ Cherokee is highly regarded in the off-road community for its robust chassis, excellent aftermarket support, and legendary 4.0L inline-six engine.

Engine Reliability 4 0L:

The 4.0L 'High Output' engine is widely considered one of the most reliable and durable Jeep engines ever produced.