🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

XJ

Platform:

Jeep Cherokee (XJ) platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle

Reputation:

Known for its robust off-road capabilities, compact size, and durability

Competitors 1990:

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

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction, a departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs of the era

Off Road Capability:

Solid front and rear axles, available part-time four-wheel-drive systems

Engine Options:

Renowned for the durable and powerful 4.0L inline-6 engine

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Repair and Service

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4.0L AMC 242 inline-6, 2.5L AMC 150 inline-4

Transmission:

AW4 Automatic Transmission, AX-5 Manual Transmission

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), Rear-wheel drive

Suspension:

Front Leaf Spring Solid Axle, Rear Leaf Spring Solid Axle (leaf sprung)

Steering:

Power Steering System

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Power Brake System

Electrical:

Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster, Fuses and Relays

Cooling System:

Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat

Fuel System:

Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Tank

Exhaust System:

Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler

Body And Frame:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Frame Diagnosis

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Fluid Checks/Changes

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair

Calibration:

Ignition Timing, Fuel System Adjustments

Disassembly And Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and Experienced DIYers

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on utilizing common mechanic's tools and diagnostic procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

AMC 242

Engine Description 1:

4.0L Overhead Valve Inline-6

Displacement 1:

3960 cc (242 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke 1:

3.875 in x 3.570 in (98.4 mm x 90.7 mm)

Compression Ratio 1:

8.8:1

Horsepower 1:

177 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

AMC 150

Engine Description 2:

2.5L Overhead Valve Inline-4

Displacement 2:

2472 cc (150 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke 2:

3.875 in x 3.375 in (98.4 mm x 85.7 mm)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.8:1

Horsepower 2:

125 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery 1:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Delivery 2:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

AW4 Automatic Transmission (4-speed)

Transmission Type Opt:

AX-5 Manual Transmission (5-speed)

Aw4 Features:

Electronically controlled, Lock-up torque converter

Ax5 Features:

Robust design for off-road use

Aw4 Fluid Type:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Refer to manual for specific 1990 recommendation, often Dexron II/III compatible)

Ax5 Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)

Aw4 Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 L) for a full refill

Ax5 Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 quarts (2.4 L)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

63.7 inches (1618 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) at lowest point (varies with options)

Curb Weight Est:

3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg)

Towing Capacity Est:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Tests:

Information typically not readily available or standardized in the same way as modern vehicles. Manual will detail safety systems.

Braking System:

Front disc, rear drum; power assisted

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on some models/trims

Seat Belts:

Front lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure inherent to the unibody design

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, optional CD player (less common)

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers

Cruise Control:

Optional

Power Windows Locks:

Optional on higher trims

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for precise interval based on driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (AW4), Every 30,000 miles (AX-5) - check manual for specifics

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles or 2 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for seasonal recommendations)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter for 4.0L; 4 quarts (3.8 L) with filter for 2.5L

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol (Green)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10 quarts (9.5 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Headliner sag, rust (especially around wheel wells and rocker panels), aging rubber bushings, minor oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, potential for CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure on later models (though less common on '90).

4.0L Specific Issues:

While generally robust, can develop oil pressure issues with high mileage, cracked cylinder heads were an issue on earlier revisions of the 4.0L but less prevalent by 1990. Cracked exhaust manifolds are also a known point of failure.

Aw4 Specific Issues:

Can be sensitive to fluid condition, may exhibit hard shifts if solenoid issues arise.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

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

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction.

1990 Updates:

While not a major redesign year, 1990 saw continued refinement. Key for this era were the introduction of the more powerful 4.0L inline-6 as a primary engine option and the move towards fuel injection for both engines.

Production Run:

1984-2001 (North America), extended production in other markets.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

The XJ Cherokee series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its blend of utility, capability, and practicality. Often lauded as a benchmark for compact SUVs.

Off Road Capability Rating:

Excellent (considered one of the most capable factory off-road vehicles of its time)