SCHEDULED SERVICES - GASOLINE
1988 Jeep Cherokee
1984-88 MAINTENANCE
AMC/Jeep Maintenance & Service Intervals - Gasoline
Jeep; Cherokee, Wagoneer * PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
NOTE: All SERVICE SCHEDULES are listed for normal service
vehicles. If vehicle is operated under severe service conditions, see SEVERE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS (PERFORM W/SERVICE SCHEDULES) for items requiring additional maintenance.
NOTE: This article contains scheduled maintenance service
information. Fluid types and capacities listed with each service in this article are only those necessary to perform that scheduled service. For specifications pertaining to fluid capacities for the entire vehicle, fuse and circuit breaker identification, wheel and tire size, battery type, warranty information, or model identification refer to the MAINTENANCE INFORMATION article in this section.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
AIR CONDITIONING MAINTENANCE
WARNING: NEVER add A/C refrigerant to correct a non-cooling problem unless pressure gauges are connected to the system by a certified technician. Lack of cooling may be caused by a restriction, therefore adding refrigerant can cause a dangerous pressure rise.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (If Equipped)
The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions:
DO NOT
attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first
referring to the
appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article
in the BRAKES Section.
DO
NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the
original
diameter, increasing the width is acceptable.
Rolling
diameter must be identical for all 4 tires.
Some
manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style
and
type. Failure to follow this
precaution may cause inaccurate
wheel
speed readings.
Use ONLY
recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake
fluids in an
ABS-equipped vehicle.
BATTERY WARNING
WARNING: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with
computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT
CAUTION: If BRAKE warning light is on with parking brake disengaged and engine running, there may be a problem in the hydraulic brake system. Braking effort, brake pedal travel and stopping distances may increase.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
To prevent catalytic converter overheating, DO NOT allow engine to idle for more than 20 minutes.
COMMAND-TRAC (4WD)
CAUTION: NEVER operate a Command-Trac vehicle in 4WD on dry,
hard-surfaced roads for a sustained period. Use 4L only when needed for added pulling power. Operating vehicle in 4WD mode on such roads will cause stress and possible damage to components, as well as make shifting difficult. To reduce shifting effort, drive vehicle in Reverse for a few feet, or drive off hard-surfaced road momentarily to allow tire slippage.
FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIALS (4WD)
CAUTION: DO NOT use water, steam, kerosene or gasoline for flushing a differential. ONLY use a flushing oil.
TRAC-LOK DIFFERENTIALS (4WD)
CAUTION: DO NOT flush a rear axle Trac-Lok differential. Trac-Lok differentials may be cleaned only by disassembling the unit and wiping the components with clean, lint-free cloth.
CAUTION: NEVER attempt to engage Low range when vehicle is moving faster than 2-3 MPH, as transfer case damage may result.
GASOLINE CONTAINING ALCOHOL
CAUTION: Exclusive use of gasohol is not recommended. Vehicle test results have shown that significant fuel system corrosion can result when gasohol is used exclusively.
HALOGEN BULBS
Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.
OIL FILTER
CAUTION: The engine oil filter mount has metric threads. Use of a
filter with improper threads can result in oil leakage and possible engine damage. Look for M20 x 1.5 symbol on the filter.
RADIATOR CAP
CAUTION: Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the
radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.
RADIATOR FAN
Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.
WHEEL & TIRE WARNINGS
CAUTION: Replacing original tires with different size tires may
result in false speedometer and odometer indications. Check with dealer before using different size tires on vehicle.
CAUTION: Ensure all 4 wheels on vehicle have same tire size, type and circumference in order to provide proper vehicle handling. DO NOT mix radial-ply with bias-ply or bias-belted tires. On 4WD vehicles, if tire size, type and circumference on all 4 wheels are not the same, gear shifting will be adversely affected and can damage transfer case.
CAUTION: Temporary-use spare tires are for emergency use only. DO
NOT drive vehicle faster than 50 MPH or more than 100 miles when using spare tire. DO NOT operate vehicle in 4WD mode when using spare tire, as damage to transfer case can result. Temporary-use spare tires have a total tread life of 3,000 miles.
SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Fig. 1: Service Point Locations (Typical) Courtesy of American Motors Corp.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE INFORMATION
50111732
Fig. 2: Hoist Lift Point Locations Courtesy of American Motors Corp.
NOTE: For more information regarding jacking and hoisting refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the
1. LUBRICATION POINTS
Fig. 3: Brake Caliper Lubrication Points Courtesy of American Motors Corp.
NOTE: For more information regarding brake maintenance refer to the BRAKE SYSTEM article.
Fig. 4: Front Disconnect Housing Lubrication Point Courtesy of American Motors Corp.
IDENTIFICATION LABEL LOCATIONS
50J11725
VEHICLE, LABELS AMD PLATES
Fig. 5: Identification Label Locations Courtesy of American Motors Corp.
SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT INTERVALS
Spark plug replacement intervals, if given, are for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) installed or specified plugs. If vehicle is equipped with platinum type or other non-OEM type spark plugs, follow replacement interval specified by spark plug manufacturer.
OXYGEN SENSOR
If vehicle is equipped with an oxygen sensor, replace at 82, 500 miles or when the emissions maintenance reminder light remains on continuously with the key in the ON position, whichever occurs first.
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
CAUTION: Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions:
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Normal Service and Severe Service are based on the following primary operating conditions:
Severe Service
Short Trips (About 15 Miles)
Desert Or Cold Climate Operation
Towing Or Heavily Loaded
Severe Dust Conditions
Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
Sustained High Speed Driving
Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery-Type Service)
Driving Off-Road Or In Salty Or Sandy Areas
Driving In Water
Normal Service
Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
No Severe Service Operating Conditions
SEVERE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS (PERFORM W/SERVICE SCHEDULES)
NOTE: The following services are to be performed on vehicles
subjected to severe service. See SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS. This service is to be performed in addition to the normal services listed in the NORMAL MAINTENANCE SERVICE SCHEDULES.
SEVERE SERVICE CONDITIONS/ACTIONS TABLE
Condition |
Action |
Item |
Perform Every (1) |
Short Trips (About 15 Miles) |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Desert Or Cold Climate Operations |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Towing Or Heavily Loaded |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop |
3,000 Miles |
|
|
Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
|
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Severe Dust Conditions |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Sustained High Speed Driving |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Extensive Idling |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service) |
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Driving Off-Road Or In Salty Or Sandy Areas |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Replace |
4WD: Engine Oil |
50 Hours |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
Driving In Water |
Replace |
Engine Oil |
3,000 Miles or 3 Months |
|
Replace |
Engine Oil Filter |
6,000 Miles or 6 Months |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft If Equipped With Fittings |
3,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
A/T Fluid |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
Front And/Or Rear Axle Oil |
12,000 Miles |
|
Replace |
M/T Fluid Oil |
18,000 Miles |
|
Service |
Lube Prop Shaft Slip Splines |
Daily |
(1) - Perform these services number of months (since |
at the mileage, hours of operation, or 5 last time), whichever comes first. |