Segment Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) defined the compact SUV segment, offering robust off-road capability in a smaller, more manageable package than its larger Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer siblings.
Key Competitors:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.
Design Philosophy:
Unibody construction for reduced weight and improved on-road manners compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs, coupled with Jeep's legendary 4x4 systems.
Innovation:
Pioneered the unibody construction for SUVs, setting a trend for lighter and more car-like handling.
Model Years Covered:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Regions Covered:
North America (primary), Global variations may exist
Trim Levels Covered:
Base, SE, Sport, Laredo, Limited, Pioneer, Country (coverage will vary based on specific engine/drivetrain options within these trims).
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, but comprehensive manuals typically range from 1500-2500 pages.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU), automatic transmission (AW4, 30RH), manual transmission (AX-4, NV242, NV231 transfer case).
Chassis:
Front suspension (leaf spring solid axle, later coil spring solid axle), rear suspension (leaf spring solid axle), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum), driveline components (U-joints, driveshafts).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting system, charging system, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fuse and relay information.
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, door hardware, seat adjustment mechanisms, chassis identification.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, component testing (blower motor, compressor, evaporator, condenser), refrigerant system service (if applicable).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, air filter replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, testing of electrical components, fuel system pressure testing, ignition system testing.
Repair Procedures:
Engine tune-up, cylinder head removal/installation, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine valve clearances, ignition timing settings, fluid capacities and types, electrical system schematics.
Body And Paint Repair:
Information on body panel removal/installation, dent repair techniques, and touch-up paint procedures. May include basic collision repair guidelines.
Emissions Control Systems:
Information on emissions control components, troubleshooting, and testing relevant to federal and state regulations of the era.
Suspension And Steering Alignment:
Detailed procedures for wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe), steering linkage adjustment, and suspension component torque specifications.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, with detailed diagnostic and repair procedures.
Wiring Diagrams Detail:
Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams are a key feature, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
File Format Details:
Searchable PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics and information via keywords.
Search Functionality:
Highly searchable PDF format, enabling quick lookups of specific repair procedures, part numbers, and specifications.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans for clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text. Printable pages.
Binding Type:
Not applicable (PDF Download)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (PDF Download)
Base Engine:
2.5L AMC 150 (I4)
Optional Engine:
4.0L AMC 242 (I6)
2.5L Horsepower:
Approx. 105-116 hp (varies by year)
2.5L Torque:
Approx. 130-135 lb-ft (varies by year)
4.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 173-190 hp (varies by year)
4.0L Torque:
Approx. 215-225 lb-ft (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery Early Models:
Carbureted (e.g., 2.5L AMC 150 with Motorcraft 2150 or similar).
Fuel Delivery Later Models:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for both 2.5L and 4.0L engines (e.g., Renix, Chrysler EFI systems).
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod
Cooling System Capacity:
Approximately 11-13 quarts (10.4-12.3 Liters), varies by engine.
Ignition System Type:
Distributor-based ignition system for early models, distributorless ignition system (DIS) or coil-on-plug for later fuel-injected models.
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (e.g., AX-4) for early models, some later models offered a 5-speed manual with overdrive.
Optional Transmission:
3-Speed Automatic (e.g., AW4 - Aisin Warner), 4-Speed Automatic (e.g., 30RH - Chrysler).
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), NP242 (Full-Time 4WD), NP231 (4WD Part-Time).
Aw4 Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible fluid (e.g., Mopar ATF+3 or equivalent).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as recommended by the manual for the specific transmission type.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies significantly by plug type and engine. Manual will specify types (e.g., copper, platinum) and replacement intervals (e.g., 30,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SN/SM/SL/SJ or equivalent; viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for year/engine specific viscosity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4 compatible fluid.
Common Xj Issues:
Headliner sagging, radiator leaks (especially the 4.0L), intake manifold gasket leaks (4.0L), alternator bracket cracks (4.0L), starter heat soak (4.0L), rear main seal leaks, rust in floor pans and rocker panels, sway bar link wear.
Cruiser Control Troubleshooting:
Specific sections in the manual detail common cruise control faults, often related to vacuum hoses, vacuum reservoirs, or electronic modules.
Jeep Legacy:
Built upon Jeep's reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess established by the CJ series and Wagoneer.
First Generation Design:
Introduced as a 1984 model, featuring a revolutionary unibody construction for a Jeep vehicle, replacing the traditional body-on-frame FSJ Cherokee.
Key Updates 1984 1993:
Introduction of the 4.0L inline-six engine (1987), introduction of fuel injection, updated interior and exterior styling, revised suspension components (coil spring front end on later models), addition of airbags.
Significant Changes By Year:
1984: Introduction. 1987: Introduction of 4.0L I6 engine. 1991: Interior redesign, driver airbag, revised dashboard. 1993: Final year of this specific manual coverage.
Production Period:
1984 - 2001 (XJ generation continued in international markets after North American discontinuation).
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA.
