🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Codes:

YJ (Wrangler), XJ (Cherokee/Comanche)

Model Years Covered:

1992

Generation Codes:

XJ (Second Generation Refresh)

Vin Code Generation:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Jeep owners seeking to maintain or repair their 1992 Cherokee YJ/XJ.

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV

Competitors 1992:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.

Vehicle Strengths:

Ruggedness, off-road capability, durable platform, relatively simple mechanics, strong aftermarket support.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, authorized-level repair information to empower owners for DIY maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring quality.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File

Estimated Page Count:

800-1200 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, oil pump, oil filter, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission controls.

Engine Performance:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), idle speed control, emission diagnosis, turbocharger (if applicable).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, transmission assembly, gear shift mechanism, clutch hydraulics.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, transmission assembly, valve body, hydraulic controls, cooler, diagnostic procedures.

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system (Command-Trac/Selec-Trac), transfer case operation and overhaul, front and rear axle assemblies, propeller shafts, U-joints, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front suspension (leaf spring/solid axle or coil spring/solid axle depending on specific XJ variant and year interpretation), rear suspension (leaf spring), shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, sway bars.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, drag links, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake system, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, fuses, relays.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, sunroof (if equipped), frame diagnosis and repair.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, condenser, compressor, refrigerant charging, climate control panel.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped, though less common and basic in this era), interior safety features.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection, battery maintenance.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical system faults, starting problems, overheating, transmission issues, brake performance.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, driveline repair, electrical component repair.

Component Replacement:

Detailed procedures for replacing specific parts such as water pump, alternator, starter, fuel pump, radiator, exhaust system, CV axles, ball joints, tie rod ends.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures (e.g., torque wrenches, bearing pullers, fuel line disconnect tools).

Diagnostic Flowcharts:

Inclusion of detailed diagnostic flowcharts for systematic troubleshooting of various systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all major vehicle systems, including component locations and wire colors.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Precise torque specifications, clearance measurements, alignment angles, and other critical technical data for proper assembly and adjustment.

Procedures Detail Level:

Detailed, step-by-step instructions often accompanied by diagrams or illustrations for complex repairs.

Troubleshooting Expert Level:

Guidance for advanced troubleshooting, including interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable, and advanced system analysis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Resolution:

High-resolution digital images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding Description:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Description:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

AMC 242 (4.0L Inline-6)

Engine Displacement Base:

242 cubic inches (3.96 Liters)

Engine Configuration Base:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower Base:

Approx. 182 hp @ 4,500 rpm

Torque Base:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Optional Engine Codes:

AMC 258 (4.2L Inline-6 - phasing out, but possibly present in early 1992 models), Chrysler 2.5L (150 ci) I4 (less common for XJ, more for Wrangler YJ).

Optional Engine Displacement:

258 cu in (4.2L), 150 cu in (2.5L)

Fuel Type Base:

Unleaded Gasoline

Compression Ratio Base:

8.7:1 (4.0L)

Fuel Delivery Base:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System Base:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based system with coil pack.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

AX-5 (5-speed Manual)

Optional Transmission Type:

AW4 (4-speed Automatic)

Optional Transmission Type 2:

NP231 (231 Command-Trac 2-speed Transfer Case)

Optional Transmission Type 3:

NP242 (242 Selec-Trac 2-speed Transfer Case - full-time 4WD option)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler spec)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Xj:

103.4 inches (2626 mm)

Wheelbase Yj:

93.4 inches (2372 mm) for standard wheelbase

Length Xj:

Approx. 166-172 inches (4216-4369 mm)

Width Xj:

Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height Xj:

Approx. 64.1 inches (1628 mm)

Curb Weight Xj:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), varies by configuration

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg), depending on engine and axle ratio.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating General:

Variable by test year and specific crash; generally acceptable for its era but not meeting modern standards. The XJ's unibody construction and earlier safety designs are less robust than later vehicles.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on some models.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (three-point front, lap rear), padded interior surfaces, impact-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Features:

Basic AM/FM stereo radio, cassette player (optional CD player in later models, less common in '92). Manual climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS on some models. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) common in modern vehicles.

Connectivity Options:

N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi connectivity).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Base:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for this era).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (standard plugs) or 100,000 miles (platinum/long-life plugs).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil Spec Base:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity Base:

5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (4.0L).

Coolant Spec Base:

Chrysler Type A or Type B (ethylene glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF Type SP or Dexron III.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3.

Common Issues Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier 4.0Ls, though improved by '92), valve cover gasket leaks, oil filter adapter seal leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L), CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure.

Common Issues Transmission:

AX-5 wear (especially on clutch components and synchronizers), AW4 electronic issues, transfer case chain stretch or wear.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, leaf spring bushings, sagging springs, steering box play.

Common Issues Electrical:

Ground strap issues, headlight switch failure, blower motor resistor failure, intermittent electrical gremlins due to age and wiring integrity.

Common Issues Body:

Rust (especially rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels), window seals leaking, tailgate wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Brand Legacy:

Renowned for off-road capability and durable, utilitarian vehicles since WWII.

Xj Generation Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary compact SUV, pioneering the unibody construction for SUVs. The 1992 model year represents a significant refresh with improved aerodynamics, interior, and powertrain updates, including the widespread adoption of the 4.0L engine.

Yj Generation Introduction:

The YJ Wrangler, introduced in 1987, featured a significant departure from the CJ with its square headlights and coil spring suspension, though many YJ components overlap with XJ.

Jeep Cherokee Xj Production Years:

1984-2001

Jeep Wrangler Yj Production Years:

1987-1995

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jeep Cherokee Xj Recognition:

Frequently cited in automotive publications for its off-road prowess and longevity. Often praised for its blend of capability and daily drivability.

Four Wheeler Magazine Recognition:

The Cherokee platform has historically been a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and frequently featured in '4-Wheel & Off-Road' magazine for its modifications and capabilities.

Manual Accuracy Certification:

Produced by automotive technical writers, designed to adhere to industry standards for repair documentation.