🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Year:

1988

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV

Jeep Heritage:

The XJ Cherokee represented a significant evolution for Jeep, shifting from its military roots to a more civilian-focused, unibody SUV, becoming a benchmark for the segment.

Competitors 1988:

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

Unibody Construction:

Pioneering unibody construction in an SUV, offering a lighter, more car-like ride than body-on-frame competitors.

Off Road Capability:

Retained Jeep's legendary off-road prowess through solid axles (initially) and capable 4WD systems, despite the unibody design.

Diy Focus:

Designed for ease of use by DIY mechanics with clear, step-by-step instructions and abundant diagrams/illustrations.

Digital Advantage:

Interactive PDF format allows for easy navigation, searching, and selective printing, offering a cleaner and more convenient experience than traditional paper manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

4.0L (242 ci) Inline 6-Cylinder, 2.5L (150 ci) Inline 4-Cylinder

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed Automatic (Aisin-Warner AW4), 5-speed Manual (Peugeot BA-10/5)

Drivetrain Coverage:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)

Suspension Coverage:

Front Solid Leaf Spring, Rear Solid Leaf Spring

Brake Coverage:

Front Disc, Rear Drum

Electrical Coverage:

Full Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Accessories

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (typical for a comprehensive FSM, actual PDF page count may vary based on digital formatting)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Electronic)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transfer case operation and repair, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, axles.

Chassis:

Steering system, suspension (front and rear leaf springs), brakes (hydraulic system, components), wheels and tires.

Body And Frame:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, bumpers.

Electrical:

Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, ignition system, instrument panel, power accessories, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service.

General Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Engine Repair:

Top-end overhaul (cylinder head), bottom-end overhaul (crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), timing chain/gear replacement, fuel injector service, emissions control system diagnostics.

Transmission And Drivetrain Repair:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, manual transmission clutch service and adjustment, transfer case rebuild, differential gear service, axle seal replacement.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad replacement, brake shoe replacement, brake caliper service, wheel cylinder service, brake line and hose replacement, brake bleeding.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Leaf spring replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering linkage service, power steering pump and gear replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:

Troubleshooting wiring faults, starter motor testing, alternator testing, diagnostic procedures for sensors and actuators.

Troubleshooting:

System-by-system diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, and full rebuild procedures for all major systems. Includes detailed specifications and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (text-based PDF)

Printable:

Yes (page by page or selected sections)

Diagram Quality:

High-quality (as per description, assuming original scans are good)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF, user prints on demand)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder 'High Output'

Engine 1 Displacement:

242 cubic inches (3960 cc)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

173 hp @ 4500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Engine 2 Name:

2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder

Engine 2 Displacement:

150 cubic inches (2469 cc)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.878 in x 3.375 in (98.5 mm x 85.7 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

125 hp @ 4600 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Crankshaft Position Sensor for 4.0L; Conventional distributor with single coil for 2.5L.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission 1 Model:

Aisin-Warner AW4

Transmission 2 Type:

5-speed Manual

Transmission 2 Model:

Peugeot BA-10/5

Transfer Case Options:

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

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

167.1 inches (4244 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

63.5 inches (1613 mm) (varies with trim/options)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3,100 lbs (1406 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3,600 lbs (1633 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating 1988:

Not rated or ratings not readily available for this specific model year in modern formats. However, known safety concerns of the era included.

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum. Power assist standard.

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts

Rollover Structure:

Integrated into unibody structure, providing better protection than traditional body-on-frame SUVs of similar vintage.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analog controls.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.

Connectivity Features:

None beyond basic vehicle electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (recommended by manual for older vehicles)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 API SF or SG (check manual for exact specification)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+3 or equivalent (consult manual for exact type and specification, e.g., Mopar ATF+4 may be backwards compatible with caution)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water (green coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Common Xj Issues:

Headliner sag, cracked dashboards, "death wobble" (front suspension instability), front brake rotor warping, rear main seal leaks, interior electronics failures, AMC 20 rear axle pinion seal leaks.

Common 4.0L Issues:

Cracked cylinder heads (later models, less common on '88), injector O-ring leaks, camshaft wear.

Common 2.5L Issues:

Less power, often perceived as underpowered for the vehicle weight; potential for exhaust manifold cracks.

Common Manual Trans Issues:

Peugeot BA-10/5 transmission known for durability issues; clutch wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Building on Jeep's legacy of ruggedness and off-road capability, the XJ Cherokee successfully translated these attributes into a more accessible and comfortable package.

Introduction Year:

1984

1988 Updates:

Introduction of the 4.0L 'High Output' inline-six engine, becoming a significant upgrade over the previous 4.2L engine. Minor interior and exterior styling tweaks may have occurred.

Production Years:

1984-2001

Manufacturing Locations:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Ooy:

Recognized as a '4x4 of the Year' by various publications during its production run, often praised for its blend of capability and utility.