🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee (XJ) Year: 1986 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was a groundbreaking compact SUV, popular for its off-road capability and versatile design. This manual caters to owners and technicians working on this iconic vehicle. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed with vehicles like the Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder, establishing Jeep's dominance in the nascent compact SUV segment. Key Features Key Features: Unibody construction for lighter weight and better ride quality, Selec-Trac 4WD system, renowned off-road prowess. Suspension Type: Front: Leaf spring solid axle (early models), Front: Solid axle with leaf springs (all 1986 models), Rear: Leaf spring solid axle 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive repair and service for the 1986 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) Trim Levels Covered: Laredo, Sport, Pioneer, Limited (and variations thereof) Page Count Page Count: Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: 2.5L AMC I4, 4.0L AMC I6 (engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission controls) Transmission Systems: AX4 (2WD/4WD), AW4 (4WD automatic), manual transmission (model specific) Drivetrain Systems: Transfer case (NP228/NP229), front and rear axle assemblies, drivelines Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system Brake Systems: Front disc, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system Electrical Systems: 12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, ignition, body wiring harnesses, fuses, relays Body Chassis: Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, glass, HVAC system Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, component testing Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, tire rotation Engine Repairs: Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft main bearing service Transmission Repairs: Transmission removal/installation, clutch service (manual), internal component repair (automatic) Brake Repairs: Brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake line replacement, bleeding procedure Electrical Troubleshooting: Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component replacement (alternator, starter, sensors) Suspension Steering Repairs: Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock absorber/strut replacement, steering box service HVAC Repairs: Evaporator core replacement, heater core replacement, AC system recharge and repair Technical Depth Technical Depth: Professional level, including detailed diagnostic procedures, specifications, and torque values for complex repairs and rebuilds. Diagnostic Tools Referenced: References for using basic electrical testers, multimeters, and specialized Chrysler diagnostic tools if applicable to the era. Manual Completeness Manual Completeness: Intended for professional technicians, providing detailed schematics, repair procedures, diagnostic trees, and specifications for all major vehicle systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans suitable for printing, clear text and diagrams Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) File Quality Searchable Text: Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 2.5L AMC I4 (150 CID), 4.0L AMC I6 (242 CID) Performance 4.0L Horsepower: Approx. 173 hp @ 4500 rpm (for 1986 model) 4.0L Torque: Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for 1986 model) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for 4.0L I6, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L I4 Engine Identification Engine Codes: 2.5L: 115-BHP, 4.0L: 173-BHP Engine Codes Description: 2.5L AMC I4 (OHV, 8-valve); 4.0L AMC I6 (OHV, 12-valve) Cooling System Radiator Capacity: Approx. 10-12 quarts (check manual) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: Aisin-Warner AW4 4-speed automatic (common with 4.0L), NVG T-4/BA-10/5 manual (common with 2.5L) Optional Optional Transmission: AX4 4-speed manual (2WD) Features Automatic Transmission Features: Electronically controlled overdrive, torque converter lock-up Transfer Case Type: Selec-Trac (NV228/NV229) Command-Trac (part-time) Fluid Specs Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: ATF+3 or equivalent (Dexron II/III for AW4) Manual Transmission Fluid Type: GL-4 (75W-90 or 80W-90) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 108.4 inches (2753 mm) Length: 167.2 inches (4247 mm) Width: 69.4 inches (1763 mm) Height: 63.7 inches (1618 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Typically around 4,600-5,000 lbs (check specific vehicle VIN for accuracy) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: NHTSA ratings for this era are generally lower by modern standards. Manual will detail specific safety systems for the vehicle. Active Features Active Safety Features: Four-wheel drive (standard on many models), responsive steering Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Seat belts, crumple zones (early implementation), reinforced passenger cage 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Features: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional upgraded sound systems. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Limited; ABS was optional and less common in this year. Focus on fundamental vehicle operation. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None (pre-digital era) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or...
The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) was a groundbreaking compact SUV, popular for its off-road capability and versatile design. This manual caters to owners and technicians working on this iconic vehicle.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, and Nissan Pathfinder, establishing Jeep's dominance in the nascent compact SUV segment.
Key Features
Key Features:
Unibody construction for lighter weight and better ride quality, Selec-Trac 4WD system, renowned off-road prowess.
Suspension Type:
Front: Leaf spring solid axle (early models), Front: Solid axle with leaf springs (all 1986 models), Rear: Leaf spring solid axle
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive repair and service for the 1986 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock absorber/strut replacement, steering box service
HVAC Repairs:
Evaporator core replacement, heater core replacement, AC system recharge and repair
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Professional level, including detailed diagnostic procedures, specifications, and torque values for complex repairs and rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools Referenced:
References for using basic electrical testers, multimeters, and specialized Chrysler diagnostic tools if applicable to the era.
Manual Completeness
Manual Completeness:
Intended for professional technicians, providing detailed schematics, repair procedures, diagnostic trees, and specifications for all major vehicle systems.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for printing, clear text and diagrams
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
File Quality
Searchable Text:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
2.5L AMC I4 (150 CID), 4.0L AMC I6 (242 CID)
Performance
4.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 173 hp @ 4500 rpm (for 1986 model)
4.0L Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for 1986 model)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for 4.0L I6, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L I4
Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 4,600-5,000 lbs (check specific vehicle VIN for accuracy)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA ratings for this era are generally lower by modern standards. Manual will detail specific safety systems for the vehicle.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel drive (standard on many models), responsive steering
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, crumple zones (early implementation), reinforced passenger cage
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional upgraded sound systems. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; ABS was optional and less common in this year. Focus on fundamental vehicle operation.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-digital era)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (check manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Typically 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years (check manual for specifics)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles for older plug types, potentially longer for platinum plugs
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or SH (check manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Conventional green ethylene glycol antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 or Type 9315
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 or Dexron II/III for NV228/NV229
Front Rear Axle Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, power steering pump issues, exhaust manifold cracks (especially 4.0L), rust on body panels and frame rails, interior component wear.
Electrical Common Issues:
Failing grounds, corroded connectors, intermittent issues with power windows/locks, overhead console failures.
Filter Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number:
Fram PH8A or equivalent (common for AMC engines)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles dating back to World War II.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution 1986:
The 1986 model year saw significant updates, including the introduction of the highly acclaimed 4.0L 'High Output' I6 engine and improvements to the Selec-Trac 4WD system. This was the second year of the XJ platform, known for its revolutionary unibody construction.
Production
Production Years Xj:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
United States (Toledo, Ohio)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Vehicle Recognitions:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is widely recognized as an automotive icon and a benchmark for compact SUVs, praised for its capability and longevity.