Positioning:
The Jeep Comanche (MJ) was a compact pickup truck produced by Jeep, a division of American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1986 to 1992. It shared its platform and many components with the Jeep Cherokee (XJ). This manual positions itself as the essential resource for owners and mechanics working on the 1986 model year, offering professional-grade information.
Competitors:
Competed primarily with the Chevrolet S-10, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Pickup in the compact pickup truck segment. Its unique selling proposition was Jeep's off-road heritage and the availability of 4WD.
Features:
Designed to provide comprehensive repair and maintenance data, enabling users to perform a wide range of tasks, from routine servicing to major overhauls, mirroring the information used by authorized Jeep service centers.
Engine:
All engine options for 1986 Comanche
Transmission:
All transmission options for 1986 Comanche
Drivetrain:
2WD and 4WD systems
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams and component testing
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, and tailgate
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, and injection (if applicable)
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, and coolant passages
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter
Chassis:
Frame, axles, and suspension mounting points
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Fault finding procedures and common issue resolution
Estimated Pages:
Likely 500-1000+ pages, typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era
Type:
Factory Authorized Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Physical Printed Manual (implied by sales context)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild procedures, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection (if applicable), sensors, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gear selection, internal components, fluid service
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, internal components, fluid service, shift control
Transfer Case:
4WD system operation, disassembly, and service
Axles Differentials:
Front and rear axle disassembly, assembly, and fluid service
Power Steering:
Steering gear, pump, hoses, fluid service
Brake System:
Disc and drum brake service, hydraulic system, parking brake mechanism
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, instrument cluster removal and service
Comfort Convenience:
Power windows, power locks, seats, mirrors, wipers, horn
Body Structure:
Frame inspection, chassis components, mounting points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, electrical testing procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and reinstalling major and minor components
Overhaul Rebuild:
Complete procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Torque Specifications:
Critical torque values for all fasteners and assembly points
Alignment:
Wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, continuity checks
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting.
Wheelbase:
Short Bed: 113.3 inches (2878 mm); Long Bed: 124.9 inches (3172 mm)
Length:
Short Bed: 175.2 inches (4450 mm); Long Bed: 186.7 inches (4742 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm) excluding mirrors
Height:
Approx. 65.6 inches (1666 mm) for 2WD, higher for 4WD models
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically 3,200 - 3,800 lbs (1450 - 1725 kg)
Bed Length:
Short Bed: 6 ft; Long Bed: 7 ft
Crash Test Data:
NHTSA and IIHS data from this era is limited and often not directly comparable to modern standards. The manual will detail passive safety features of the time.
Active Safety:
Brake systems (front disc, rear drum standard), 4-wheel drive capability for improved traction.
Passive Safety:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts standard), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced passenger compartment, side-impact door beams (on later models, check specific VIN for 1986).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, but manual will specify exact interval based on engine and driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: every 30,000-60,000 miles; Manual: every 60,000-100,000 miles (check specific fluid type).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, wires, distributor cap/rotor typically at 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG or later. Viscosity: 10W-30 recommended for most conditions, check manual for specific temperatures.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+2 or ATF+3 (refer to manual for exact specification based on transmission model).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 rated gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Check manual for specific fill capacity and type.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual, likely same as manual transmission fluid or a specific NP-type transfer case fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
Radiator support bushings, leaf spring bushings, exhaust hangers, water pump seals, alternator brushes, fuel pump, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) on TBI.
Common Engine Issues:
Valve stem seals on 4.0L I6, oil leaks from main seals, timing chain guides on 2.5L, carburetor issues on older models if converted.
Common Transmission Issues:
Leaking seals and gaskets, worn clutch components in manuals, torque converter issues in automatics.
Oil Filter Example:
Fram PH8A or equivalent (check manual for exact cross-reference)