Positioning:
The 1989 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was a highly capable and popular compact SUV, known for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, and unibody construction which provided a more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs of the era. It competed with vehicles like the Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Comparison:
The XJ's unibody design was revolutionary for its time, offering a lighter, stiffer chassis with better handling and fuel efficiency compared to its body-on-frame contemporaries. The available four-door body style also broadened its appeal beyond traditional Jeep buyers. Its strong inline-six engine options cemented its reputation for reliability and power.
Vehicle Highlights:
Compact SUV, unibody construction, excellent off-road capability (especially with Command-Trac 4x4), durable powertrains, relatively spacious interior for its size.
Value:
This manual is essential for owners who wish to maintain their 1989 Jeep XJ to a high standard, perform their own repairs, or understand the vehicle's systems in detail. It empowers owners to save on labor costs and ensure quality work.
Engine:
2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6: diagnostics, repair, overhaul, component specifics.
Transmission:
AX4/AX4-N (Auto), BA/BA-10 (Auto), AX5 (Manual): repair, overhaul, adjustment, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
NP231/NP242 Transfer Case, Dana 30 Front Axle, Chrysler 8.25 Rear Axle (if applicable), AMC 20 Rear Axle (early XJs, though 1989 likely has Dana): service, repair, rebuilding, lubricant specifications.
Suspension:
Front Leaf Spring, Rear Leaf Spring: inspection, repair, component replacement, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power Steering System: pump, gearbox, linkage, repair, fluid types.
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard for 1989): hydraulic system, caliper/wheel cylinder rebuild, rotor/drum specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories.
Body:
Interior and exterior trim, body panels, doors, latches, glass, weatherstripping, structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems: component testing, refrigerant handling (R12), repair.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, throttle body, evaporative emissions (EVAP).
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes: inspection and replacement.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I diagnostic codes (if applicable to specific components).
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilds, and adjustments.
Installation:
Guidance for installing factory-specified accessories and replacement parts.
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine 1:
2.5L AMC I4 (150 cu in)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2464 cc)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.250 in (98.4 mm x 82.5 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
121 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Engine 2:
4.0L AMC I6 (242 cu in)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (3960 cc)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.410 in (98.4 mm x 86.6 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
173 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for both engines.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for 4.0L, Distributor with Electronic Control for 2.5L.
Transmission 1:
AX4/AX4-N 3-speed Automatic (commonly with 2.5L I4)
Transmission 2:
BA/BA-10 4-speed Automatic (Peugeot transaxle, commonly with 4.0L I6)
Transmission 3:
AX5 5-speed Manual (commonly with 2.5L I4 and sometimes 4.0L I6)
Transfer Case:
NP231 (Command-Trac) 2-speed 4WD, NP242 (Selec-Trac) 2-speed 4WD with full-time option.
Gear Ratios Manual Ax5:
First: 3.90:1, Second: 2.15:1, Third: 1.42:1, Fourth: 1.00:1, Reverse: 4.10:1 (Typical ratios, may vary slightly).
Automatic Fluid:
ATF+3 (or equivalent like Dexron II/III for early versions)
Manual Fluid:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (check manual for specific grade)
Length:
167.1 in (4244 mm)
Height:
65.5 in (1664 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.4 in (2626 mm)
Front Track:
57.5 in (1460 mm)
Rear Track:
57.5 in (1460 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg), depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,500 lbs (2041 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 33 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 69 cu ft
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) depending on engine and axle ratio.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific oil type and capacity.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on usage.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH classification. SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. 2.5L I4: 5 Quarts (4.7L) with filter. 4.0L I6: 6 Quarts (5.7L) with filter.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically green). 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 11.5 Quarts (10.9L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or Mopar power steering fluid.
Common Problems 1:
Rusty floor pans, rocker panels, and unibody frame rails (critical structural areas).
Common Problems 2:
Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L (less common by '89, but possible).
Common Problems 3:
Leaking valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets.
Common Problems 4:
Worn leaf spring bushings and sway bar links due to age and use.
Common Problems 5:
Peeling clear coat and faded paint.
Common Problems 6:
Failure of the BA/BA-10 automatic transmission (Peugeot unit), often issues with torque converter or internal seals.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep, a brand with roots in WWII military vehicles, has a long-standing reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary compact SUV, replacing the full-size SJ Cherokee and Wagoneer models in this segment. It was one of the first compact SUVs and pioneered the unibody construction for this vehicle type.
Xj 1989 Updates:
The 1989 model year saw refinements and potential minor feature updates, but the core design remained consistent with the early XJ generation. The 4.0L inline-six engine, introduced in 1987, was a significant improvement and became the dominant engine for the XJ.
Production Years:
1984-2001 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.