🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee (XJ)

Generation:

First Generation

Production Years Covered:

1984-1993

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Jeep owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge

Competitors Era:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned off-road capability, strong aftermarket support, robust construction, iconic design, relatively simple mechanics

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle lifespan, crucial for a classic and capable SUV.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

North America (primarily), Global (commonality in procedures)

Trim Level Coverage:

All trims including SE, Sport, Pioneer, Briarwood, Limited, Laredo, Wagoneer (XJ-based)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, driveline, manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs), wheel hub assembly, driveshafts, axles

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, power accessories, HVAC controls, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, bumpers, tailgate, glass, weatherstripping

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, tune-ups

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics

Repair:

Component removal and installation, rebuilding procedures, adjustments, system overhauls, body repair techniques

Technical Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and chassis component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (searchable text and image quality optimized for clarity)

Print Readiness:

Printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and images

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L AMC I4 (4-cylinder), OHV, 8-valve

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 105-125 hp @ 4000-4600 rpm (varies by year and injection system)

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 130-150 lb-ft @ 2000-2400 rpm (varies by year)

Engine 1 Fuel System:

Carbureted (early years) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) (later years)

Engine 2:

4.0L AMC I6 (inline-6), OHV, 12-valve (High Output)

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 173-190 hp @ 4750-5200 rpm (varies by year)

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 220-245 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm (varies by year)

Engine 2 Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

0 60 Mph:

10-13 seconds (depending on engine and transmission)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

AX-4 (4-speed Manual)

Transmission 2:

AW-4 (4-speed Automatic Electronically Controlled)

Transmission 3:

NV3550 (5-speed Manual - later models, less common in this range but possible overlap)

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac (Command-Trac) full-time 4WD or NP231 part-time 4WD

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (Manual Transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 168.1 - 170.3 inches

Width:

Approx. 69.9 - 70.9 inches

Height:

Approx. 63.2 - 63.7 inches

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3600 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4700 - 5000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not readily available for specific model years; generally good for its era, but safety standards were less stringent.

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (some later models offered rear discs). ABS available on select models.

Steering System:

Power-assisted steering

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts, shoulder belts

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag introduced later in the generation (around 1994 model year, but manual covers up to 1993, so often not present)

Rollover Protection:

Internal roll cage structure integrated into the unibody construction, providing superior rigidity compared to body-on-frame SUVs of the era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many trims

ABS:

Optional on select models

Aux Input:

Not available (unless aftermarket installed)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (Automatic), Inspect every 15,000 miles (Manual)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years

Spark Plugs:

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

Engine Oil Spec 4 0L:

API Service SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific year/climate recommendations)

Engine Oil Spec 2 5L:

API Service SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific year/climate recommendations)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (Mopar) for NP231 and Selec-Trac

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Common Problems:

Head gasket failure (especially 4.0L), radiator leaks, water pump leaks, rear main seal leaks, transmission cooler line leaks (AW-4), rust (rocker panels, unibody frame rails), door seal degradation, dashboard crackling, death wobble (due to worn steering/suspension components).

Preventative Maintenance:

Regularly check and replace coolant hoses, inspect for rust, ensure proper front-end alignment, and maintain suspension and steering components.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Rooted in military utility vehicles, Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and ruggedness.

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee revolutionized the SUV market as the first mass-produced compact SUV with a unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride and better fuel economy than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Key Updates 1984 1993:

Introduction of 4.0L inline-six engine (1987), introduction of fuel injection across most engines, updated interior and exterior styling, introduction of airbags (later models).

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Sales Impact:

Hugely successful, establishing the modern compact SUV segment and becoming Jeep's best-selling model for many years.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

Widely praised for its off-road capability and as a pioneer in the compact SUV segment. Often cited as one of the best Jeeps ever made by automotive journalists and enthusiasts.

Off Road Ratings:

Consistently rated highly for off-road performance by off-road publications and enthusiasts.

Iso Certification For Manual:

Not applicable for this type of product.