🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee XJ Year: 1988 Codes Chassis Code: XJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV, popular for its off-road capability and versatility. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1988: Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder. Key Features Off Road: Renowned for its robust 4x4 systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) and excellent ground clearance, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. Durability: Known for its rugged construction and the reliable AMC-designed 4.0L inline-six engine. Design: Unibody construction (a pioneering feature for SUVs at the time) contributed to a lighter, more car-like driving experience compared to body-on-frame competitors. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive repair and service information for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee XJ Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed coverage of 4.0L Inline-6 and 2.5L Inline-4 engines, including diagnostics, overhaul, and component testing. Transmission: Coverage for both manual (AX-4, AX-5) and automatic (AW-4) transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, and fluid specifications. Drivetrain: Information on transfer cases (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), front and rear axles (Dana 30, Dana 35), driveshafts, and differentials. Suspension Steering: Complete details on front and rear suspension (leaf springs, U-joint axle shafts, shock absorbers), steering system (power steering, steering gear). Brakes: Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic circuits, parking brake, master cylinder, power booster, and component replacement procedures. Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, accessories, and diagnostic procedures. Fuel System: Fuel injection systems (Renix, Bosch), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emissions control. Cooling System: Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, and troubleshooting. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and emissions components. Climate Control: Air conditioning system operation, diagnosis, and service; heater system components. Body: Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, and upholstery. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and tune-up procedures. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, symptom-based troubleshooting. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems. Overhaul: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and tolerances. Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters, and diagnostic data. Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution PDF, often searchable text, allowing for easy navigation and printing of specific sections. Print Quality Printability: Designed to be printed, with clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6 OHV Engine 1 Details Horsepower 1: 173 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.) Secondary Engine Engine 2: 2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4 OHV Engine 2 Details Horsepower 2: 119 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.) Torque 2: 135 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L (early models) evolving to MPFI. Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard Type: Manual Transmission (AX-4 or AX-5) Optional Transmission Optional Type: Automatic Transmission (AW-4 - 4-speed) Features Aw4 Features: Electronically controlled, known for its durability and smooth shifting. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches Length: 167.5 inches Width: 69.9 inches Height: 63.8 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3200 - 3600 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Specific NHTSA ratings for 1988 models are not readily available in a standardized digital format; generally considered a safe vehicle for its era but lacking modern safety features. Active Features Active Safety Features: Four-wheel drive systems, effective braking system (front disc, rear drum). Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Seat belts, reinforced body structure. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional amplifier and speaker upgrades. Driver Assistance Assistance Features: Basic for its era; primarily focused on mechanical systems rather than electronic aids. Connectivity Connectivity Options: None (analog systems, no modern connectivity). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual transmissions vary. Coolant Change: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact spec and temperature range). Coolant Spec: Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Transmission Fluid Auto: ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for exact specification; Dexron II/III...
Compact SUV, popular for its off-road capability and versatility.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors 1988:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder.
Key Features
Off Road:
Renowned for its robust 4x4 systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) and excellent ground clearance, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
Durability:
Known for its rugged construction and the reliable AMC-designed 4.0L inline-six engine.
Design:
Unibody construction (a pioneering feature for SUVs at the time) contributed to a lighter, more car-like driving experience compared to body-on-frame competitors.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive repair and service information for the 1988 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed coverage of 4.0L Inline-6 and 2.5L Inline-4 engines, including diagnostics, overhaul, and component testing.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual (AX-4, AX-5) and automatic (AW-4) transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Information on transfer cases (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), front and rear axles (Dana 30, Dana 35), driveshafts, and differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Complete details on front and rear suspension (leaf springs, U-joint axle shafts, shock absorbers), steering system (power steering, steering gear).
Brakes:
Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic circuits, parking brake, master cylinder, power booster, and component replacement procedures.
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and tolerances.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters, and diagnostic data.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution PDF, often searchable text, allowing for easy navigation and printing of specific sections.
Print Quality
Printability:
Designed to be printed, with clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1:
4.0L (242 cu in) AMC I6 OHV
Engine 1 Details
Horsepower 1:
173 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Secondary Engine
Engine 2:
2.5L (150 cu in) AMC I4 OHV
Engine 2 Details
Horsepower 2:
119 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
135 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L (early models) evolving to MPFI.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Standard Type:
Manual Transmission (AX-4 or AX-5)
Optional Transmission
Optional Type:
Automatic Transmission (AW-4 - 4-speed)
Features
Aw4 Features:
Electronically controlled, known for its durability and smooth shifting.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches
Length:
167.5 inches
Width:
69.9 inches
Height:
63.8 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200 - 3600 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1988 models are not readily available in a standardized digital format; generally considered a safe vehicle for its era but lacking modern safety features.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel drive systems, effective braking system (front disc, rear drum).
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, reinforced body structure.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional amplifier and speaker upgrades.
Driver Assistance
Assistance Features:
Basic for its era; primarily focused on mechanical systems rather than electronic aids.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
None (analog systems, no modern connectivity).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual transmissions vary.
Coolant Change:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact spec and temperature range).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check manual for exact specification; Dexron II/III might be acceptable for AW-4 but consult manual).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual).
Transfer Case Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for Selec-Trac), NP231 transfer case often uses Dexron II/III.
Known Issues
Common Problems 1:
Headliner sagging, worn door seals, interior plastic degradation, rear main seal leaks on the 4.0L engine, 'death wobble' (steering/suspension shimmy at certain speeds).
Common Problems 2:
Radiator leaks, clutch master cylinder leaks (manual transmission), rust issues in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels, tailgate).