🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Comanche

Year:

1985

Product Name:

Jeep Comanche 1985 Service Repair Workshop Manual

Chassis Code:

XJ (based on Cherokee platform)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Competitors:

Chevrolet S-10, Ford Ranger, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup (RN series).

Unique Selling Points:

Robust unibody construction shared with the XJ Cherokee, capable 4x4 system (Command-Track), durable powertrains, practical utility, Jeep's off-road heritage.

Utility For Owners:

Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving money and understanding their vehicle's needs. Essential for DIY mechanics and restoration projects.

Utility For Professionals:

Provides the definitive reference for dealership technicians and independent repair shops, ensuring accurate diagnostics and repairs according to factory specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, and Diagnostic Information

Estimated Pages:

Comprehensive (specific count not provided, but implies extensive coverage)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (implied by 'workshop manual used by mechanics')

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, driveline, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped, though unlikely for '85), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, charging system, starting system, fuse box, relays, common electrical components, accessories.

Body:

Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, exterior trim, bumpers, glass.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections, tune-ups.

Repair:

Engine overhauls, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, diagnostic values.

Depth:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Likely printed publication, designed for durability in a workshop environment.

Quality:

Typically high quality for professional use, with clear diagrams and text. Assumed to be an official or reputable aftermarket manual.

Binding:

Often spiral-bound or hardbound for lay-flat functionality in a workshop setting.

Paper:

Durable, possibly gloss or matte paper suitable for frequent handling and referencing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.5L (150 cu in) AMC 150 I4 OHV

Engine Option 2:

4.0L (242 cu in) AMC 242 I6 OHV (introduced later in the model run, but potential for early '85 models or as an option)

2.5L Power:

Approx. 115 hp @ 4000 rpm

2.5L Torque:

Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (Note: Torque figures for early models can vary; this is a representative figure)

4.0L Power:

Approx. 177 hp @ 4000 rpm (for later 4.0L versions, early figures might be slightly lower)

4.0L Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (for later 4.0L versions)

Fuel Delivery 2.5L:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI)

Fuel Delivery 4.0L:

Throttle Body Injection (TBI)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (likely distributor-based)

Cooling Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity 2.5L:

5 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact)

Oil Capacity 4.0L:

5 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 (check manual for temperature range variations)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Option 1:

AX-4 (4-speed Manual)

Transmission Option 2:

AW4 (4-speed Automatic)

Transmission Option 3:

BA-10/5 (5-speed Manual, later availability, sometimes problematic)

Transfer Case:

Command-Track NP231 (part-time 2WD/4WD) or Selec-Trac NP228/229 (full-time 4WD, less common on Comanche).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid Ax4:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual)

Manual Transmission Fluid Ba10 5:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Short Bed:

113.0 inches (2870 mm)

Wheelbase Long Bed:

120.0 inches (3048 mm)

Length Short Bed:

179.5 inches (4559 mm)

Length Long Bed:

194.5 inches (4940 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

66.1 inches (1679 mm)

Bed Length Short:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Bed Length Long:

89.0 inches (2261 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,300 - 3,800 lbs (1497 - 1724 kg), depending on configuration.

Towing Capacity Approx:

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

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA crash test data for 1985 Comanche is limited. Generally, vehicles from this era had lower safety standards compared to modern vehicles.

Active Safety Features:

Primarily mechanical systems: Power-assisted brakes (front discs, rear drums), optional power steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts in front), sturdy unibody construction for its time.

Safety Limitations Era:

Lack of modern safety features such as airbags, ABS (standard), electronic stability control, and advanced crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Primarily focused on mechanical function and driver control.

Connectivity Features:

No integrated connectivity or Bluetooth. Optional power accessories like power windows/locks in higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months (check manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and gap).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Manual: 50,000 - 100,000 miles (check manual).

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (check manual for precise specification)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron-II or Dexron-III (check manual)

Common Problems:

Rust (especially in unibody structure, floor pans, rocker panels), differential leaks, transfer case chain stretch (NP231), thermostat housing leaks, aging electrical connectors, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L). Manuals often detail how to address these.

Common Problems Transmission Ba10 5:

Notorious for reliability issues and premature failure due to its design (French Peugeot/Renault sourced).

Wheel Lug Nut Torque:

85-105 ft-lbs (115-142 Nm) (typical for this era, consult manual for exact figure)

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Builds upon Jeep's long history of rugged, off-road capable vehicles, known for durability and go-anywhere ability.

Comanche Introduction:

Introduced in 1986 (as a 1986 model year), the Comanche (MJ series) was Jeep's compact pickup truck offering. It was based on the XJ Cherokee unibody platform.

Production Years:

1986-1992

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Initial Reception:

Praised for its unique unibody construction, offering a more refined ride than body-on-frame competitors, combined with Jeep's off-road prowess.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability Recognition:

While not 'awards' in the modern sense, Jeeps historically receive acclaim for their off-road prowess and utility. The Comanche inherited this reputation.

Consumer Reports Historical:

Consumer reports from the era often highlighted its ride quality for a truck and off-road capability, but also noted potential reliability concerns with specific components or transmissions.