🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Common Name:

Jeep XJ

First Generation Years:

1984-1996

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Usp:

Renowned for its off-road capability, compact size, and robust construction, becoming an icon in the SUV segment.

Competitors Era:

Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction, a significant innovation for SUVs at the time, offering a lighter and more car-like ride.

Off Road Capability:

Solid rear axle, available Selec-Trac and Command-Trac 4x4 systems, good approach/departure angles.

Durability:

Known for its ruggedness and longevity, often favored by off-road enthusiasts for modifications.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, overhaul, and assembly for all covered engine variants.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection systems (MPI, TBI), starting and charging systems, sensors, ECUs, and wiring diagrams.

Transmission Manual:

Disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of manual transmissions (e.g., AX-4, NV3550 where applicable in later years).

Transmission Automatic:

Disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of automatic transmissions (e.g., AW4).

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axles, differentials, driveshafts, U-joints, and transfer cases (e.g., NP231, NP242).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including leaf springs, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, and bushings.

Steering:

Steering gear, steering column, power steering system, tie rods, and linkages.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), parking brake, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic lines, and master cylinder.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hoods, liftgates, interior trim, frame inspection and repair, rust prevention.

Electrical Systems Body:

Lighting systems, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, audio systems, dashboard instruments.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics, and repair.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, belt and hose replacements.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems, fault code interpretation (OBD-I).

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for repairing or rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, axles, and brakes.

Diagnostics:

In-depth diagnostic strategies, use of diagnostic tools, and interpretation of electrical signals.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Precise specifications, torque values, clearances, and tolerances for all mechanical and electrical components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all electrical systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable:

Yes, text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams suitable for zooming and printing.

Printability:

Printable pages for easy on-the-go reference in a workshop environment.

Binding:

Digital - N/A (if printed, typically spiral-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat usability)

Paper Type:

Digital - N/A (if printed, often heavy-duty, gloss or semi-gloss paper for durability)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L AMC I4 (High Output)

Engine 1 Code:

JTEC

Engine 1 Displacement:

2464 cc

Engine 1 Hp:

121 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

180 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2:

4.0L AMC I6 (High Output)

Engine 2 Code:

4.0L HO

Engine 2 Displacement:

3960 cc

Engine 2 Hp:

177-190 hp @ 4750 rpm (depending on year and spec)

Engine 2 Torque:

220-235 lb-ft @ 3250-4000 rpm (depending on year and spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) from 1987 onwards, earlier models may feature Throttle Body Injection (TBI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Early:

4-speed Manual (e.g., AX-4)

Transmission Type Late:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW4)

Transmission Type Manual Later:

5-speed Manual (e.g., NV3550 became available in later XJ models, potentially outside this manual's exact scope but good to note for context)

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time/Full-Time), Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III / MERCON equivalent (e.g., Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, 75W-90 gear oil (check specific transmission model).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

64.4 inches (1636 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

32.1 cu ft (0.91 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

72.1 cu ft (2.04 m³)

Curb Weight:

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

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

5-star rating (for 4WD models) - Indicative of the XJ's capable design, though specific year testing varies.

ABS:

Available on rear wheels from 1987, 4-wheel ABS introduced later in the generation.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, driver's side airbag (optional/standard depending on later year).

Body Structure:

Unibody construction provided a strong safety cage.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and voltmeter.

ABS:

Available ABS, primarily on rear wheels initially, later on all four wheels.

OBD Standard:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) for the specified years.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe service may require more frequent changes).

Engine Oil Filter Change:

With every oil change.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Transfer Case Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Front Rear Axle Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for off-road use, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for normal use.

Coolant Flush Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 API SG or higher for 4.0L; 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 2.5L (consult manual for specific year/climate).

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 L) for 4.0L; 5 US quarts (4.7 L) for 2.5L (with filter).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol (Green) coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Issue 1:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L models).

Common Issue 2:

Automtic transmission (AW4) reliability issues if not maintained, torque converter shudder.

Common Issue 3:

Rust and corrosion, particularly on rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and unibody frame rails.

Common Issue 4:

Power steering pump leaks and failure.

Common Issue 5:

Electrical gremlins, particularly with aging wiring harnesses and grounds.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.

Xj Introduction:

Introduced in 1984 as a replacement for the Cherokee SJ and the Wagoneer SJ's compact variant. It was a revolutionary design for Jeep and the SUV market.

Major Updates:

1987: Major facelift, introduction of the 4.0L I6 engine, updated interior, and introduction of fuel injection for most engines. Later updates included improved aerodynamics and minor styling tweaks.

Production Period:

1984-2001 (Globally, with distinct variations)

Production Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine Awards:

Frequently recognized by off-road publications for its capability and durability, often featured in 'best used SUV' lists.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Varied over the years; early models often praised for capability but noted for potential reliability issues, later models improved.