🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee (XJ) Generation: First Generation Production Years Covered: 1984-1993 Codes Chassis Code: XJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV Target Audience: Off-road enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Jeep owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge Competitive Analysis Competitors Era: Ford Bronco II, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner Key Features 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 Coverage Areas Geographic Coverage: North America (primarily), Global (commonality in procedures) Trim Level Coverage: All trims including SE, Sport, Pioneer, Briarwood, Limited, Laredo, Wagoneer (XJ-based) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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 Procedures Included 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 Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and chassis component overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (searchable text and image quality optimized for clarity) Print Readiness: Printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and images Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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) Optional Engine 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) Performance 0 60 Mph: 10-13 seconds (depending on engine and transmission) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission 1: AX-4 (4-speed Manual) Optional 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) Features Transfer Case Options: Selec-Trac (Command-Trac) full-time 4WD or NP231 part-time 4WD Clutch Type: Dry single plate (Manual Transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior 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 Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3100 - 3600 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4700 - 5000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not readily available for specific model years; generally good for its era, but safety standards were less stringent. Active Features 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 Passive Features 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 Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, basic speaker configurations. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on many trims ABS: Optional on select models Connectivity Aux Input: Not available (unless aftermarket installed) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals 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) Fluid Specifications 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:...
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
Coverage Areas
Geographic Coverage:
North America (primarily), Global (commonality in procedures)
Trim Level Coverage:
All trims including SE, Sport, Pioneer, Briarwood, Limited, Laredo, Wagoneer (XJ-based)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
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
Comprehensive: from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and chassis component overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (searchable text and image quality optimized for clarity)
Print Readiness:
Printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and images
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
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)
NV3550 (5-speed Manual - later models, less common in this range but possible overlap)
Features
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (Command-Trac) full-time 4WD or NP231 part-time 4WD
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (Manual Transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
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
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3600 lbs (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4700 - 5000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not readily available for specific model years; generally good for its era, but safety standards were less stringent.
Active Features
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
Passive Features
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
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, basic speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on many trims
ABS:
Optional on select models
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not available (unless aftermarket installed)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
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)
Fluid Specifications
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
Known Issues
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
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Rooted in military utility vehicles, Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and ruggedness.
Model Evolution
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).
Production
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
Recognitions
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.
Ratings
Off Road Ratings:
Consistently rated highly for off-road performance by off-road publications and enthusiasts.
Certifications
Iso Certification For Manual:
Not applicable for this type of product.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.