🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee (XJ) Year: 1988 Codes Chassis Code: XJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact SUV Jeep Heritage: The XJ Cherokee represented a significant evolution for Jeep, shifting from its military roots to a more civilian-focused, unibody SUV, becoming a benchmark for the segment. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1988: Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner Key Features Unibody Construction: Pioneering unibody construction in an SUV, offering a lighter, more car-like ride than body-on-frame competitors. Off Road Capability: Retained Jeep's legendary off-road prowess through solid axles (initially) and capable 4WD systems, despite the unibody design. Manual Value Proposition Diy Focus: Designed for ease of use by DIY mechanics with clear, step-by-step instructions and abundant diagrams/illustrations. Digital Advantage: Interactive PDF format allows for easy navigation, searching, and selective printing, offering a cleaner and more convenient experience than traditional paper manuals. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Coverage: 4.0L (242 ci) Inline 6-Cylinder, 2.5L (150 ci) Inline 4-Cylinder Transmission Coverage: 4-speed Automatic (Aisin-Warner AW4), 5-speed Manual (Peugeot BA-10/5) Drivetrain Coverage: 2WD (RWD), 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) Suspension Coverage: Front Solid Leaf Spring, Rear Solid Leaf Spring Brake Coverage: Front Disc, Rear Drum Electrical Coverage: Full Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Accessories Page Count Estimated Pages: Thousands (typical for a comprehensive FSM, actual PDF page count may vary based on digital formatting) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Electronic) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system. Drivetrain: Transfer case operation and repair, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, axles. Chassis: Steering system, suspension (front and rear leaf springs), brakes (hydraulic system, components), wheels and tires. Body And Frame: Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, bumpers. Electrical: Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting system, ignition system, instrument panel, power accessories, wiring diagrams. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service. Procedures Included General Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Engine Repair: Top-end overhaul (cylinder head), bottom-end overhaul (crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), timing chain/gear replacement, fuel injector service, emissions control system diagnostics. Transmission And Drivetrain Repair: Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, manual transmission clutch service and adjustment, transfer case rebuild, differential gear service, axle seal replacement. Brake System Repair: Brake pad replacement, brake shoe replacement, brake caliper service, wheel cylinder service, brake line and hose replacement, brake bleeding. Suspension And Steering Repair: Leaf spring replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering linkage service, power steering pump and gear replacement. Electrical Diagnostics And Repair: Troubleshooting wiring faults, starter motor testing, alternator testing, diagnostic procedures for sensors and actuators. Troubleshooting: System-by-system diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, and full rebuild procedures for all major systems. Includes detailed specifications and torque values. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable: Yes (text-based PDF) Printable: Yes (page by page or selected sections) Print Quality Diagram Quality: High-quality (as per description, assuming original scans are good) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF, user prints on demand) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Name: 4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder 'High Output' Engine 1 Displacement: 242 cubic inches (3960 cc) Engine 1 Bore X Stroke: 3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm) Engine 1 Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Engine 1 Horsepower: 173 hp @ 4500 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Secondary Engine Engine 2 Name: 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder Engine 2 Displacement: 150 cubic inches (2469 cc) Engine 2 Bore X Stroke: 3.878 in x 3.375 in (98.5 mm x 85.7 mm) Engine 2 Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Engine 2 Horsepower: 125 hp @ 4600 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended) Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Crankshaft Position Sensor for 4.0L; Conventional distributor with single coil for 2.5L. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission 1 Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission 1 Model: Aisin-Warner AW4 Optional Transmission 2 Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission 2 Model: Peugeot BA-10/5 Features Transfer Case Options: Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches (2576 mm) Length: 167.1 inches (4244 mm) Width: 69.9 inches (1775 mm) Height: 63.5 inches (1613 mm) (varies with trim/options) Weights Curb Weight Min: Approx. 3,100 lbs (1406 kg) Curb Weight Max: Approx. 3,600 lbs (1633 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating 1988: Not rated or ratings not readily available for this specific model year in modern formats. However, known safety concerns of the era...
The XJ Cherokee represented a significant evolution for Jeep, shifting from its military roots to a more civilian-focused, unibody SUV, becoming a benchmark for the segment.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors 1988:
Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner
Key Features
Unibody Construction:
Pioneering unibody construction in an SUV, offering a lighter, more car-like ride than body-on-frame competitors.
Off Road Capability:
Retained Jeep's legendary off-road prowess through solid axles (initially) and capable 4WD systems, despite the unibody design.
Manual Value Proposition
Diy Focus:
Designed for ease of use by DIY mechanics with clear, step-by-step instructions and abundant diagrams/illustrations.
Digital Advantage:
Interactive PDF format allows for easy navigation, searching, and selective printing, offering a cleaner and more convenient experience than traditional paper manuals.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service.
Procedures Included
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Engine Repair:
Top-end overhaul (cylinder head), bottom-end overhaul (crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), timing chain/gear replacement, fuel injector service, emissions control system diagnostics.
Transmission And Drivetrain Repair:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, manual transmission clutch service and adjustment, transfer case rebuild, differential gear service, axle seal replacement.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad replacement, brake shoe replacement, brake caliper service, wheel cylinder service, brake line and hose replacement, brake bleeding.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Leaf spring replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering linkage service, power steering pump and gear replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:
Troubleshooting wiring faults, starter motor testing, alternator testing, diagnostic procedures for sensors and actuators.
Troubleshooting:
System-by-system diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, and full rebuild procedures for all major systems. Includes detailed specifications and torque values.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchable:
Yes (text-based PDF)
Printable:
Yes (page by page or selected sections)
Print Quality
Diagram Quality:
High-quality (as per description, assuming original scans are good)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF, user prints on demand)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Name:
4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder 'High Output'
Engine 1 Displacement:
242 cubic inches (3960 cc)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
173 hp @ 4500 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Secondary Engine
Engine 2 Name:
2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine 2 Displacement:
150 cubic inches (2469 cc)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.878 in x 3.375 in (98.5 mm x 85.7 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
125 hp @ 4600 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 4.0L, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) for 2.5L
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Crankshaft Position Sensor for 4.0L; Conventional distributor with single coil for 2.5L.
Not rated or ratings not readily available for this specific model year in modern formats. However, known safety concerns of the era included.
Active Features
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum. Power assist standard.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Lap and shoulder belts
Rollover Structure:
Integrated into unibody structure, providing better protection than traditional body-on-frame SUVs of similar vintage.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio Options:
AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analog controls.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None beyond basic vehicle electrical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (recommended by manual for older vehicles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 API SF or SG (check manual for exact specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 or equivalent (consult manual for exact type and specification, e.g., Mopar ATF+4 may be backwards compatible with caution)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water (green coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Known Issues
Common Xj Issues:
Headliner sag, cracked dashboards, "death wobble" (front suspension instability), front brake rotor warping, rear main seal leaks, interior electronics failures, AMC 20 rear axle pinion seal leaks.
Common 4.0L Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (later models, less common on '88), injector O-ring leaks, camshaft wear.
Common 2.5L Issues:
Less power, often perceived as underpowered for the vehicle weight; potential for exhaust manifold cracks.
Common Manual Trans Issues:
Peugeot BA-10/5 transmission known for durability issues; clutch wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Building on Jeep's legacy of ruggedness and off-road capability, the XJ Cherokee successfully translated these attributes into a more accessible and comfortable package.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1984
1988 Updates:
Introduction of the 4.0L 'High Output' inline-six engine, becoming a significant upgrade over the previous 4.2L engine. Minor interior and exterior styling tweaks may have occurred.
Production
Production Years:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Popular Mechanics Ooy:
Recognized as a '4x4 of the Year' by various publications during its production run, often praised for its blend of capability and utility.
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