Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV/Off-road Vehicle
Key Selling Points:
Renowned off-road capability, rugged construction, practical utility, relatively simple mechanics (especially for the era)
Competitors 1988:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction (XJ generation) offering a lighter and more refined ride compared to body-on-frame SUVs
Off Road Systems:
Command-Trac part-time 4WD system, available Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD) on some models, robust suspension components
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Emphasis:
Provides detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause analysis essential for complex repairs
Engine Coverage:
2.5L AMC 150 (4-cylinder), 4.0L AMC 242 (6-cylinder) - Inlines
Transmission Coverage:
AX4 (4-speed manual), AX5 (5-speed manual), AW4 (4-speed automatic), NP231 (2.72:1 Command-Trac 4WD transfer case)
Chassis Coverage:
Full chassis, suspension (leaf spring rear, coil spring front), steering, braking systems
Electrical Coverage:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, diagnostics, lighting, ignition, accessories
Body Coverage:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, glass, HVAC system
Type:
Factory Repair and Service Manual
Engine Mechanics:
Engine assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control systems, engine performance diagnostics
Transmission Diagnostics:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch operation, troubleshooting and repair of AW4 electronic control
Drivetrain And Axles:
Front and rear axle assembly, propeller shafts, universal joints, differential service, 4WD system operation
Suspension And Steering:
Front coil spring suspension, rear leaf spring suspension, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power assist systems, ABS (if equipped, though rare for '88 XJ), brake component replacement and bleeding
Electrical System:
Starting and charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, wipers, horn, trailer towing wiring
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt and hose inspection, tire rotation, brake inspection
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Detailed, illustrated procedures for component replacement, engine tune-ups, transmission rebuilds, brake jobs, suspension work
Component Rebuilds:
Complete overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, transfer cases, and axles
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and component-specific wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on using basic hand tools, specialized Chrysler/Jeep diagnostic tools of the era (e.g., OBD-I scan tools), and multimeter usage
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (150 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
~112 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
~145 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (242 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
~173 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
~220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump Pressure:
31-39 PSI (for EFI systems)
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches (2652 mm)
Length:
167.5 inches (4255 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
65.7 inches (1669 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1406-1542 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4600-4800 lbs (2087-2177 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
~32.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
~72.1 cubic feet
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
1.14 (4-star rating, indicates moderate to high risk)
Braking System:
Front disc, Rear drum. Power-assisted. ABS was not standard or widely available in 1988.
Seat Belts:
Lap and shoulder belts, manual adjusters
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced unibody structure, designed for moderate off-road use.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, optional premium sound system
Speakers:
Typically 4 speakers, with optional premium systems offering more
ABS:
Not standard, very limited availability, manual will cover braking system diagnostics without ABS.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic (AW4), consult manual for manual transmission
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/CD, SAE 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) - Green
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads (particularly on early 4.0L engines, though less prevalent in '88 models compared to later ones)
Common Issue 2:
Transmission cooler line leaks (AW4)
Common Issue 3:
Rust formation on body panels, frame (though unibody less prone than body-on-frame), and fender flares
Common Issue 4:
Electrical gremlins, particularly with grounds and aged wiring harnesses
Common Issue 5:
Worn-out bushings and ball joints due to age and off-road use
Jeep Legacy:
Roots in military vehicles, established reputation for off-road prowess since World War II.
Xj Generation Introduction:
First introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction.
Yj Generation Introduction:
The YJ Wrangler was introduced for 1987, notable for its move to leaf springs and the rectangular headlights that differentiated it from the CJ series.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Jeep Ownership History:
In 1988, Jeep was owned by American Motors Corporation (AMC), which was later acquired by Chrysler in 1987.