🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Generation Code:

WJ

Year:

1988

Primary Engine:

2.5L Diesel

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1988) owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops.

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, detailed information to empower users for both repair and proactive maintenance, enhancing vehicle longevity and owner knowledge.

Primary Benefit:

Enables users to diagnose and fix vehicle problems and maintain optimal vehicle function.

Secondary Benefit:

Promotes preventative maintenance and a deeper understanding of vehicle operation.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Introduction, Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Clutch, Cooling System, Battery, Starting System, Charging System, Ignition System, Instrument Panel Systems, Audio Systems, Horn Systems, Vehicle Speed Control System, Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems, Wiper and Washer Systems, Lamps, Passive Restraint Systems, Electrically Heated Systems, Power Distribution Systems, Power Lock Systems, Vehicle Theft/Security Systems, Power Window Systems, Power Mirror Systems, Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems, Overhead Console Systems, Wiring Diagrams, Engine, Exhaust System and Intake Manifold, Frame and Bumpers, Fuel System (2.5L Diesel Engine), Steering, Transmission and Transfer Case, Tires and Wheels, Body, Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems.

Page Count:

Not Specified, Comprehensive Digital Content

Manual Type:

Digital Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine diagnostics, lubrication, cooling, fuel system (2.5L Diesel), exhaust, intake manifold, emission controls, starting, charging, ignition.

Drivetrain Systems:

Transmission (type unspecified), transfer case, differential, driveline components.

Suspension And Steering:

Suspension system components, steering system, tires, wheels, alignment.

Brake Systems:

Brake system operation, diagnostics, repair, components.

Electrical Powertrain And Accessories:

Battery, starting system, charging system, ignition system, instrument panel systems, audio systems, horn systems, vehicle speed control, turn signal and hazard warning systems, wiper and washer systems, lamps, power distribution systems.

Comfort And Convenience Electrical:

Passive restraint systems, electrically heated systems, power lock systems, vehicle theft/security systems, power window systems, power mirror systems, chime/buzzer warning systems, overhead console systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.

Body And Frame:

Frame, bumpers, body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, exterior trim.

HVAC:

Heating and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, inspections.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems and components.

Troubleshooting Guidelines:

Diagnostic charts and troubleshooting trees for common and uncommon issues.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhauls and diagnostics. Includes detailed specifications and procedures for repair and maintenance.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within PDF

Zoom Capabilities:

Zoom in/out functionality

Accessibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac, and usable on smartphones/tablets (with extractor).

Compression:

Compressed in ZIP, no extractor needed for primary access.

Printability:

Printable pages (assuming standard PDF printer driver functionality).

Binding Type:

Digital (Not Applicable)

Paper Type:

Digital (Not Applicable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.5L Diesel (VM Motori VM 2.5 TD, R425HT)

Horsepower:

Approx. 115-125 hp (specific figures may vary by exact market/tune)

Torque:

Approx. 210-230 lb-ft (specific figures may vary by exact market/tune)

Fuel Type:

Diesel

Injection System:

Indirect Injection (likely Bosch VE type rotary pump, specific details in manual)

Timing Belt Or Chain:

Timing belt-driven (interval crucial for diesel engines, found in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Manual (not specified, but commonly paired with diesel)

Transmission Type Optional:

Automatic (likely a 4-speed, specific model to be detailed in manual)

Transfer Case:

Part-time Command-Trac NV242 (2WD/4WD Part-Time) or Full-Time Selec-Trac (NV247, specific to WJ)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Likely ATF+4 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Gear oil, GL-5 specification (refer to manual for exact specification and viscosity)

Transfer Case Fluid:

Likely Mopar transfer case fluid or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 109.4 inches (2779 mm)

Length:

Approx. 184.1 inches (4676 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.0 inches (1854 mm)

Height:

Approx. 66.6 inches (1692 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,200 - 4,500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg) for diesel models

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically around 5,700 - 6,000 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Varies by configuration and options, typically up to 5,000 lbs with proper towing package.

Payload Capacity:

Varies by configuration, typically around 1,200 - 1,500 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Likely 4-star (refer to specific NHTSA reports for 1988 models, details may be sparse)

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard or optional ABS on all wheels, coverage detailed in manual.

Traction Control:

Optional, system details and maintenance in manual.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags standard (coverage and function in manual).

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, possibly with pretensioners (details in manual).

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in 1988; manual will detail seat belt installation for child seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or cassette player with optional premium sound systems (details in manual).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims (details in manual).

Cruise Control:

Standard vehicle speed control system covered in manual.

Keyless Entry Security:

Optional keyless entry and vehicle theft/security systems detailed in manual.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-II compliance (for model years 1996 onwards). Manual will provide diagnostic codes and procedures.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months for diesel engines (exact interval in manual).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Around 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions (refer to manual).

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 2-5 years or 30,000-100,000 miles depending on coolant type (refer to manual).

Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:

Crucial for diesel engines; typically 15,000-30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific interval and part number).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Critical for diesel longevity. For VM 2.5 TD, often around 60,000-80,000 miles. Manual will provide precise interval and procedure.

Engine Oil Specification:

Diesel engine oil, likely API CJ-4 or equivalent for that era, viscosity grade (e.g., 15W-40). Manual will specify exact grade and capacity.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, usually a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify Mopar brand or equivalent and type.

Common Wj Diesel Issues:

Premature wear of timing belt tensioner/guides, injector pump issues, turbocharger problems, EGR valve clogging, head gasket failures (especially with overheating). The manual is essential for addressing these.

Common Wj Issues:

Transfer case chain stretch (NV247), rear main seal leaks, power steering pump leaks, radiator leaks, HVAC blower motor failure, electronic control module (ECM) issues, minor electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep's long history of robust, capable SUVs, emphasizing off-road prowess and durability.

Grand Cherokee Wj Introduction:

The WJ generation (1999-2004) was a significant redesign, moving to a unibody construction, offering improved on-road manners while retaining off-road capability. The 1988 mention in the product name likely refers to a specific diesel engine variant or a typo for a later model year. The WJ generation did not exist in 1988. Assuming the manual is indeed for the WJ Grand Cherokee, the year 1988 is incorrect for this generation. If the manual is genuinely for a 1988 Grand Cherokee, it would be a ZJ generation. Given the product title, we will proceed with details relevant to the WJ generation, while acknowledging the year discrepancy.

Wj Production Years:

1999-2004

Wj Manufacturing Locations:

Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jeep Grand Cherokee Wj Reputation:

The WJ Grand Cherokee was generally well-received for its balance of luxury, capability, and refinement. It often appeared on 'best SUV' lists during its production run.