1989 jeep cherokee don't know anything

[BLONDE JEEP]

I just bought a 1989 jeep Cherokee. I do not know the first thing about it. can't find a owners manual. going crazy trying to figure out what all the letters I see mentioned after what ever model jeep is being discussed. and someone please tell me what the switch is that has a picture of a transmission and has power on top and comfort on the bottom.
and what is my signature? how do I write it.
please help I want to play with all the kids on the block of I love my jeep

[MattBlackXJ]

Congrads on the new (to you) jeep!

I think your talking about the codenames for the models. For example, XJ = '84 - '01 Cherokees, so you have an XJ. TJ, YJ, CJ are all types of Wranglers. MJ is a Commanche (Cherokee type pickup), and there are a bunch of others.

That switch changes the shift points of the transmission. It lets the engine rev a little higher to make it easier towing or with a heavy load. Thats the only time you would use it.

Up on the top of the page click profile, there you can make a signature.

[moabjeeper]

dont forget about the older grand cherokees ZJ and the newer grand cherokees WJ and the newest of the jeep name the Liberty KJ (whick I dislike)
just had to throw that in for you

[CALIFORNIA JEEPER]

I guess were neighbors, I live in Santa clarita just down the 14 and I too have an 89 XJ:cool: I totally love mine. I have 241,000 miles on mine and it still runs like a jeep:D which is a good thing. My XJ is red with plates that say CAJEEPER and IT'S A JEEP THING YOU WOIULDEN'T UNDERSTAND in my back window.
There are lots of trails near my house I go jeepen as often as I can.:)
My wife isen't too much into the jeep thing so I'm always looking for someone to go, because it is safer with 2 jeeps.:xj: :xj: Rower flats is in our neck of the woods and is alot of fun.:D
I would say keep up on the fluids and maintenance and it will run for ever, I have seen jeeps with over 400,000 miles on them.

[Vic]

I too am going through the same sort of newbie questions. Thanks for the tranny switch question, saves me from asking the same. For the owner's manual, go to a Jeep or Chrysler dealer and they should be able to order you a manual or give you an order form to order one yourself. I'm in Canada so the contact info they gave me probably doesn't apply to you but maybe it can help someone else.

1-800-387-1143

Dyment Distribution Services Ltd.
210 Wicksteed Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 2C3

Manuals are $6.00 canadian but it is suggested that those with pre '90 vehicles to phone first to verify availability.

Another source if you are patient is to look for car swap meets where vendours setup tables to sell their goods. Often these have a couple of people that carry the owners and service manuals for many vehicles. Some new, some used.

Now I got a quick question. What kind of gas does the Cherokee prefer, I've yet to fill the tank? regular or premium? Mine is a 91 with a 4L HO and auto trans.

[derf]

TJ, YJ, CJ are all types of Wranglers.

Not exactly. The CJ was the "Civilian Jeep" first offered in 1945/46 or so and evolved until the late 1980's when it was replaced by the Wrangler. The YJ was the first Wrangler, the TJ was the second Wrangler.

Here's some of the more common Jeep abbreviations:

SWB - Short Wheelbase. This includes the CJ2, CJ3, CJ5, CJ7, YJ, TJ. All non short wheelbase Jeeps are considered long wheelbase.
FSJ - Full Size Jeep. Any of the SJs or full size trucks.

The "common" Jeeps: (someone double check the dates for me...)
CJ - Civlian Jeep (45-86 in various configurations)
YJ - "Yuppie Jeep". (87-97)
TJ - Current Wrangler. (98-present)
SJ - Full Size Wagoneer and Cherokee (60's-83) and Grand Wagoneer (84-91)
XJ - "Small" Cherokee (84-01)
MJ - Comanche pickup (86-88)
ZJ - Grand Cherokee (93-98)
WJ - Grand Cherokee (99-present)
KJ - Liberty (just introduced)

There are others but the above list covers what most people talk about 'round here. If you want a good book that covers the history of Jeeps and the names they had, try the "Illustrated Jeep Buyer's Guide". You should be able to get it at most bookstores.

[derf]

I just bought a 1989 jeep Cherokee. I do not know the first thing about it. can't find a owners manual. going crazy trying to figure out what all the letters I see mentioned after what ever model jeep is being discussed. and someone please tell me what the switch is that has a picture of a transmission and has power on top and comfort on the bottom.
and what is my signature? how do I write it.
please help I want to play with all the kids on the block of I love my jeep

You can modify your signature by clicking on the "user cp" button at the top of your screen. That lets you modify your profile.

You are in a great spot for enjoying your Jeep. There are three places I know off off the top of my head within an easy drive of you in Palmdale.

First is Miller Jeep Trail. It's just south of Gorman off the Grapevine (Northwest corner of LA county). My first trip in a Jeep was there.

Second is Rowher Flats, somewhere 'round the Santa Clarita valley. I'd need a map to find it again. but California Jeeper knows where it is. He and I went out there just before I left for Texas.

Third is Big Bear. I've never wheeled around there since I had to move before I could get up that way. But a lot of people like it.

Oh, and unless something changes, I should be moving to Palmdale next spring. My job moved me out here while some guv'ment paperwork gets through all the red tape. Once it clears, I should be ready to come back. :D Once I get back to California, we should hook up for a ride on the trails.

[MattBlackXJ]

Originally posted by derf
[B]

Not exactly. The CJ was the "Civilian Jeep" first offered in 1945/46 or so and evolved until the late 1980's when it was replaced by the Wrangler. The YJ was the first Wrangler, the TJ was the second Wrangler.


I'm aware, just trying to simplify. Sorry if I offended CJ owners ;)

[Yucca-man]

CJ - Civlian Jeep (45-86 in various configurations)
YJ - "Yuppie Jeep". (87-97)
TJ - Current Wrangler. (98-present)


Minor correction to an otherwise good list:
CJ (various models) 45-86
YJ Wrangler - 87-95
TJ Wrangler - 97-present There was no 96 model year Wrangler.
I think the MJ Comanche pickup was produced longer than just 86-88; I believe my neighbor in El Toro had an 89 as a matter of fact.

Jim Yucca-man
96 XJ
73 CJ5

[derf]

Minor correction to an otherwise good list:
CJ (various models) 45-86
YJ Wrangler - 87-95
TJ Wrangler - 97-present There was no 96 model year Wrangler.
I think the MJ Comanche pickup was produced longer than just 86-88; I believe my neighbor in El Toro had an 89 as a matter of fact.

Jim Yucca-man
96 XJ
73 CJ5

Yeah, I knew I was close. Couldn't remember the details. I seem to remember that the MJ may have been produced into the early 90's. I'd have to go back and look it up.