Target Audience:
Jeep Comanche (and Cherokee XJ) owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops.
Value Proposition:
Provides detailed factory-level repair information, saving significant labor costs compared to professional service. Unlike some competitors, this manual is noted for its backup capabilities.
Visual Aids:
Includes photos, exploded views, and diagrams to illustrate procedures and components.
Practicality:
Offers step-by-step procedures for a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, empowering owners to perform their own work.
Systems Covered:
Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Cooling System, Wiring Diagrams, Engine, Exhaust System, Frame and Bumpers, Transmission and Transfer Case, Tires and Wheels, Body, Heating and Air Conditioning, and more.
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 1000+ pages (typical for a factory service manual of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, inspection), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual and automatic transmissions, transfer cases (e.g., NP242, NP231), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, axles, CV joints.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system (rack and pinion or steering box), power steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS if applicable), parking brake.
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, gauges, instrument cluster, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable.
Body And Chassis:
Frame construction, body panels, bumpers, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system, exterior and interior lighting.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code interpretation, electrical circuit testing.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, timing specifications, electrical component resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine Options:
The 1989 Comanche was primarily offered with the 4.0L inline-six and the 2.5L four-cylinder engines. This manual is expected to cover both.
4.0L Engine Details:
4.0L (242 ci) OHV inline-6, Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI).
2.5L Engine Details:
2.5L (150 ci) OHV inline-4, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) depending on specific build date/variant.
4.0L Horsepower Approx:
Approximately 173 hp @ 4500 rpm
4.0L Torque Approx:
Approximately 220 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
2.5L Horsepower Approx:
Approximately 115-125 hp @ 4600 rpm
2.5L Torque Approx:
Approximately 145-150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
MPFI for 4.0L, TBI or MPFI for 2.5L.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based ignition, depending on engine and build date.
Manual Transmission Options:
Aisin AX-5 (4-cyl), Peugeot BA-10/5 (6-cyl, less common later), and NV3550 (later iterations, though less common for '89). Primarily Aisin AX-5 for 2.5L and manual 4.0L.
Automatic Transmission Options:
Chrysler (formerly TF) 727 (3-speed heavy-duty), Chrysler (formerly TF) 904 (3-speed light-duty).
Transfer Case Options:
New Process (NP) 231 (Command-Trac, part-time 4WD), NP 242 (Select-Trac, full-time 4WD available).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification, likely Dexron-II/III for this era).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 or equivalent (likely Dexron-II/III for NP231, specific gear oil for NP242 depending on variant).
NHTSA Ratings 1989:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1989 models are not readily available in a standardized format, but the XJ platform generally performed acceptably for its era.
Seat Belts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts.
Body Construction:
Unibody construction, a signature of the XJ platform.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as specified. Manual: 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km) or as specified.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-5 years or 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH rated multi-grade oil. Viscosity: 10W-30 or 10W-40 for most conditions (5W-30 for extreme cold). Capacity: Approx. 5 quarts with filter for 4.0L, 4 quarts for 2.5L.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Capacity: Approx. 10-12 quarts (9.5-11.4 L).
Common Comanche Issues:
Radiator leaks, starter motor failure, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), rear main seal leaks, ABS sensor issues (if equipped), interior trim degradation, rust on body panels and frame.
Common Engine Issues:
Cooling system reliability (water pump, thermostat), oil pressure sensor issues, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) failure on older injected engines.
