Sub Model:
Cherokee Chief, Pioneer, Laredo, Sport, Briarwood, SE, Limited
Chassis Variant:
YJ (Jeep Wrangler - though the manual primarily covers XJ Cherokee, YJ is often bundled for this era due to platform similarities and consumer interest)
Vin Code:
J (10th digit of VIN typically indicates the model year for Chrysler/Jeep products)
Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Key Attributes:
Compact size, rugged construction, off-road capability, versatility
Competitors 1985:
Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
Distinguishing Features:
Unibody construction (pioneering for SUVs), COMMAND-TRAC and Selec-Trac 4WD systems, robust AMC engines
Benefit To User:
Enables accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and proper maintenance, extending vehicle life and performance.
Engine:
2.5L AMC 150 I4, 4.2L AMC 258 I6, 5.0L AMC 304 V8 (for select markets/later XJ variants, confirm specific engine coverage in manual)
Transmission:
AX4/AX4-1 (2WD), AX5 (4WD), AW4 (Automatic Transmission)
Drivetrain:
Transfer Cases (NP207, NP231), Front & Rear Axles (Dana 30, Dana 35)
Suspension:
Front Leaf Springs (early XJ), Front Coil Springs (later XJ, standard for 1985), Rear Leaf Springs
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum; Power Brakes; ABS (if equipped)
Steering:
Power Steering System
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injection (Renix EFI), Carburetor (older models/variants)
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges, Fuses, Relays
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Chassis
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Lubrication Schedules, Belt Inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (for EFI models)
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical System Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Engine Performance Diagnostics, Electrical System Troubleshooting, HVAC System Checks
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to major component overhauls and rebuilds)
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including wiring schematics and sensor data interpretation for EFI systems
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise specifications for engine, transmission, and drivetrain component clearances
Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters (150 cu in)
Configuration 1:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 1:
~115 hp @ 4500 rpm (estimated)
Torque 1:
~170 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (estimated)
Fuel System 1:
Renix Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Displacement 2:
4.2 Liters (258 cu in)
Configuration 2:
Inline 6-Cylinder
Horsepower 2:
~112 hp @ 3200 rpm (estimated)
Torque 2:
~200 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (estimated)
Fuel System 2:
Renix Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Top Speed Estimated:
95-105 mph (depending on engine and gearing)
Acceleration 0 60 Estimated:
12-16 seconds (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Capacity:
20 Gallons (approx.)
Type Manual:
Aisin-Warner AW4 (4-speed Automatic)
Type Automatic:
New Process NP207 (2WD/4WD Part-Time Transfer Case)
Transfer Case Selections:
Selec-Trac (Full-Time 4WD - Optional)
Gear Ratios Aw4 Estimated:
2.45:1 (1st), 1.45:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd), 0.75:1 (4th), 2.87:1 (Reverse)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific manual for OEM recommendation)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (approx., depending on tire size and suspension)
Curb Weight Estimated:
3100 - 3500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Estimated:
4500 - 4800 lbs
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
32.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
69.3 cubic feet
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Score Estimated:
3 out of 5 stars (typical for SUVs of this era)
Brake Assist:
Power Assist
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some models)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag (typically standard by 1985, but verify)
Seat Belts:
Front and Rear Seat Belts (with driver and passenger shoulder belts)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Radio, Optional Cassette Player, Optional Premium Sound System
Gauges:
Speedometer, Tachometer (optional), Fuel Gauge, Temperature Gauge, Oil Pressure Gauge, Voltmeter
Connectivity Features:
N/A for this era (basic automotive systems)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical, check manual)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (typical, check manual)
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (typical, check manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (for standard plugs) or 60,000 miles (for platinum plugs if applicable)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially with the 4.0L in later years, less common on 2.5L/4.2L), cooling system leaks, Renix EFI system glitches
Common Problems Suspension:
Leaf spring sag (rear), worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints
Common Problems Electrical:
Corrosion on grounds, failing sensors, intermittent electrical issues
Common Problems Body:
Rust, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate
Jeep Legacy:
Founded in 1941 with the Willys MB Jeep, known for its off-road prowess and military heritage.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
1985 Updates:
The 1985 model year saw refinements and the introduction of optional features and engine choices, solidifying its market position.
Assembly Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Span Xj:
1984-2001