Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Brand Perception:
Known for off-road capability and ruggedness, building on Jeep's established reputation.
Key Competitors:
Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup.
Unique Selling Points:
Unibody construction (distinct from traditional body-on-frame trucks of the era), available Command-Trac 4x4 system, robust powertrains.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a versatile and capable compact truck for work, recreation, or light off-roading.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of all gasoline and diesel engines offered during the production run, including teardown, assembly, testing, and specifications.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch operation, gear train overhaul, and torque converter service.
Drivetrain:
Coverage of 2WD and 4WD systems, including transfer case, front and rear axle assembly, CV joints, and driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including coil springs, leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, including pump, hoses, steering gearbox/rack and pinion, and linkage.
Brakes:
Front disc and rear drum brake systems, including hydraulic components, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines, and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box information, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, and accessory circuits.
Body And Frame:
Chassis and body structural information, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and exterior trim.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC):
HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis, and repair.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors (if applicable), and carburetor/throttle body service.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and tune-up procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system on the vehicle.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling major and minor components.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, and diagnostic values for all systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and clearly laid out wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive and detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes procedures for reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era, and detailed component testing.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Gasoline Engines:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4, 4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6 (later years).
Diesel Engines:
2.1L (129 cu in) Renault turbodiesel I4 (early years), 2.5L (150 cu in) VM Motori turbodiesel I4 (later years).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 100-115 hp for the 2.5L I4, 177 hp for the 4.0L I6, and 85-118 hp for diesel variants.
Torque Range:
Approximately 130-135 lb-ft for the 2.5L I4, 220 lb-ft for the 4.0L I6, and 150-180 lb-ft for diesel variants.
Injection Type:
Carbureted (early 2.5L), Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for some 2.5L and 4.0L, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for later 4.0L. Diesel engines use injection pumps.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Diesel fuel
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, and premium sound systems (depending on trim level).
Gauges And Displays:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and voltage.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many models.
Lighting Controls:
Standard headlight, taillight, and interior lighting controls.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific engine).
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter recommended at intervals specified in the manual (e.g., 30,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or as specified by coolant type and manufacturer recommendations.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual: typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 for gasoline engines, and specific diesel oils for diesel variants. API service classification is crucial.
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or Dexron III for automatic transmissions, gear oil for manual transmissions (specific weights listed in manual).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Mopar OAT or HOAT (Orange/Long Life) recommended for later models, consult manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Rust (especially on unibody structure, rocker panels, and bed), C101 connector issues (for electrical gremlins), head gasket leaks (on 4.0L I6), interior trim degradation, minor electrical gremlins.
Performance Considerations:
The 4.0L I6 is a robust engine, but requires proper maintenance. Diesel engines can be prone to specific issues depending on the manufacturer and maintenance history.
Jeep Legacy:
The Comanche leverages Jeep's renowned off-road heritage and robust engineering.
Mj Introduction:
Introduced in 1985 for the 1986 model year as Jeep's entry into the compact pickup truck market. Based on the XJ Cherokee platform.
Key Changes Over Production:
Engine updates (introduction of the 4.0L I6, diesel engine changes), transmission upgrades, safety feature additions (airbags), cosmetic facelifts.
Production Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Production End Year:
1992 (though the manual covers up to 1996, implying some market availability or a broader interpretation of the platform's lifespan).