🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Comanche

Year:

1989

Chassis Code:

XJ (Comanche shares platform with Cherokee XJ)

Body Style:

Pickup Truck

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Comanche (MJ) was a compact pickup truck produced by Jeep (a division of Chrysler) from 1986 to 1992. It was based on the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) platform, sharing its unibody construction, which was unique for a pickup truck at the time. This made it a capable off-road vehicle with a reputation for durability and a good power-to-weight ratio. The 1989 model year saw continued refinement of this platform.

Competitors:

Key competitors during its production run included the Chevrolet S-10, Ford Ranger, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Hilux (in some markets), and Mazda B-Series.

Features:

The Comanche was known for its robust unibody construction, available 4x4 capability, durable powertrain options, and a more car-like ride compared to body-on-frame trucks of the era. It offered various bed lengths and configurations.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Drivetrain:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Body And Frame:

Yes

HVAC:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Exterior:

Yes

Diagnostics:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

Likely 1000+ pages for a full factory service manual

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely PDF or digital download (as this is a sales listing for a manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of engine mechanicals, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, and cooling systems.

Drivetrain Components:

Comprehensive sections on manual and automatic transmissions, transfer cases (2WD/4WD variants), drive shafts, axles, and differentials.

Chassis And Suspension:

In-depth explanations of front and rear suspension systems, steering linkage, power steering, and wheel alignment procedures.

Braking System:

Detailed coverage of hydraulic brake systems, including front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, and related components.

Electrical And Electronics:

Extensive wiring diagrams, fuse/relay box layouts, starter, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, and basic electronic control unit (ECU) information.

Body And Interior:

Coverage for body panel removal, door mechanisms, interior trim, seat adjustments, and glass replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and changes, lubrication, tire rotation, and general inspection procedures.

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly, inspection, rebuild procedures for major components like cylinder heads, pistons, crankshafts, and timing systems.

Transmission Service:

Transmission removal, overhaul, clutch replacement (for manual), torque converter service (for automatic), and gear oil service.

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum machining or replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder rebuilding, brake bleeding, and hydraulic system diagnostics.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits, component testing using multimeters, and repair of common electrical faults.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, shock absorbers, and steering gearbox overhaul.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams, allowing for easy readability and printing.

Binding:

N/A (for digital format); Typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for physical manuals.

Paper:

N/A (for digital format); Professional-grade paper suitable for workshop environments for physical manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

For 1989, the primary engine options were the AMC 2.5L 'Tech-4' inline-4 (MPFI) and the AMC 4.0L 'High Output' inline-6 (MPFI).

Displacement 2.5L:

2.5 Liters (150 cu in)

Horsepower 2.5L:

Approx. 117 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 2.5L:

Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm

Displacement 4.0L:

4.0 Liters (242 cu in)

Horsepower 4.0L:

Approx. 173 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for both engines.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters) for 4.0L, 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for 2.5L.

Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 recommended for most conditions (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges).

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter for 4.0L, 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter for 2.5L.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Aisin-Warner AX4 (4-speed) for 4.0L, Peugeot BA-10/5 (5-speed) was optional but often problematic and phased out/replaced with AX15.

Automatic Transmission:

Chrysler 30-speed A904 (for 2.5L) and 727 Torqueflite (for 4.0L).

Transfer Case Options:

New Process NP207 (Command-Trac 2WD/4WD High) or NP231 (Selec-Trac 2WD/4WD High/4WD Low) for 4x4 models.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Chrysler ATF+2 (or equivalent like Dexron II)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil, 75W-90 (specific to transmission type, consult manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

113.3 inches (2878 mm)

Wheelbase Long Bed:

121.3 inches (3081 mm)

Bed Length Short:

6 feet

Bed Length Long:

7 feet

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly based on configuration, typically 3400-3800 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs for certain configurations, depending on engine and axle ratio.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

As with most vehicles from this era, official NHTSA or IIHS ratings are sparse for this specific model. The unibody construction offered some structural advantages over traditional body-on-frame designs but lacked modern crumple zones and airbags.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was not widely available or standard on this model year.

Restraints:

Seat belts. Airbags were not standard or generally available for the 1989 model year.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Speaker configurations varied.

ABS:

Not standard or widely available.

Usb Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but 5,000 miles (using quality synthetic oil) is often acceptable if the manual specifies.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: check manual, often around 60,000 miles.

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for conventional coolant; longer for OAT/HOAT coolants (check manual).

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Chrysler power steering fluid or ATF+2 (check manual).

Common Problems Engine:

Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L engines (though often addressed by '89), oil filter adapter leaks, and intake manifold gasket leaks.

Common Problems Transmission:

Peugeot BA-10/5 transmission issues (if equipped), clutch wear on manual transmissions, and potential solenoid issues in automatics.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn leaf springs, U-joints, track bar bushings, and steering box wear.

Common Problems Electrical:

Corroded grounds, failing alternators, and aging wiring harness issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles, dating back to WWII. The Comanche continued this legacy into the compact truck segment.

Mj Introduction:

The Jeep Comanche (MJ) was introduced in 1986 as Jeep's entry into the compact pickup truck market. It was designed to leverage the successful XJ Cherokee platform.

Production Years:

1986-1992

Manufacturing Location:

United States (primarily Toledo, Ohio)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability:

While specific awards for the Comanche in 1989 are rare, it inherited the Jeep brand's reputation for off-road prowess, particularly with the 4.0L engine and 4x4 system.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports often noted the Comanche's strong powertrain and off-road capability but also its firm ride and basic interior amenities compared to competitors.