1988 Jeep Cherokee Factory Service Manual

The 1988 Jeep Cherokee Factory Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for the 1988 model year Jeep Cherokee. This manual covers all major systems including engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, electrical, and body components. It includes detailed specifications, troubleshooting procedures, repair instructions, and maintenance schedules for both 2WD and 4WD models with various engine options including the 2.5L 4-cylinder and 4.0L 6-cylinder engines.

1. General Information 2. Engine Systems 3. Transmission & Drivetrain 4. Suspension & Steering 5. Brake Systems 6. Electrical Systems 7. Body & Interior 8. Heating & AC 9. Maintenance Schedules 10. Troubleshooting 11. Specifications

General Information

Overview of 1988 Jeep Cherokee models, vehicle identification, and service procedures.

Component	Description
Vehicle Identification	VIN decoding and model identification
Service Procedures	General maintenance and repair guidelines
Safety Precautions	Workshop safety and environmental protection
Tools & Equipment	Required special tools and test equipment
Lifting & Support	Proper vehicle lifting and support procedures

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for all engine options and related systems.

2.5L 4-cylinder engine: Removal, installation, and overhaul procedures
4.0L 6-cylinder engine: Complete service and repair instructions
Fuel system: Carburetor and fuel injection service
Cooling system: Radiator, water pump, and thermostat replacement
Exhaust system: Manifold and exhaust pipe service

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on engine systems. Use proper lifting equipment for engine removal.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Service procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case, and axles.

Manual transmission: BA-10/5 and AX-15 service procedures
Automatic transmission: AW-4 transmission service
Transfer case: NP-231 and NP-242 service
Drive axles: Dana 30 and Dana 35 axle service
Drive shafts: U-joint replacement and balancing

CAUTION! Use proper transmission jacks for removal and installation. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Suspension & Steering

Front Suspension: Coil spring and shock absorber replacement
Rear Suspension: Leaf spring and shackle service
Steering Gear: Saginaw power steering pump and gearbox
Alignment: Caster, camber, and toe adjustment procedures
Wheel Bearings: Front and rear wheel bearing service

Brake Systems

Complete brake system service including hydraulic, mechanical, and parking brake systems.

Front Brakes: Disc brake pad and rotor replacement. Rear Brakes: Drum brake shoe and cylinder service. Master Cylinder: Bench bleeding and installation. ABS: Anti-lock brake system service (if equipped).

Electrical Systems

Wiring diagrams, component testing, and repair procedures for all electrical systems.

Battery and charging system: Alternator and regulator service
Starting system: Starter motor and solenoid replacement
Lighting systems: Headlight, tail light, and signal light repair
Instrument cluster: Gauge and warning light service
Wiring harness: Connector and ground point locations

Tip: Always disconnect battery before working on electrical systems. Use proper test equipment.

Body & Interior

Body panel replacement, glass service, and interior component repair.

Body panels: Door, fender, and hood alignment procedures
Glass service: Windshield and window replacement
Seats: Seat track and upholstery repair
Doors: Window regulator and lock mechanism service
Trim: Interior and exterior trim component replacement

WARNING! Use proper safety equipment when working with glass. Follow body panel alignment procedures carefully.

Heating & AC

HVAC system service including heater core, AC compressor, and ventilation systems.

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures.

CAUTION! Follow specified maintenance intervals to ensure vehicle reliability and safety.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel pressure, spark plugs, compression test
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, worn bands	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands
Brake pulsation	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace brake rotors
Electrical issues	Bad grounds, corroded connections	Check and clean ground connections
Overheating	Cooling system problems	Check thermostat, water pump, radiator

Diagnostic Procedures: Systematic troubleshooting approach for complex issues.

Specifications

Engine Options: 2.5L I4, 4.0L I6
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Transfer Case: Command-Trac, Selec-Trac
Axle Ratios: 3.07, 3.55, 3.73
Brake System: Front disc, rear drum
Electrical: 12-volt system, 90 amp alternator
Fuel Capacity: 20.2 gallons
Towing Capacity: 2,000-5,000 lbs depending on configuration