1988 JEEP CHEROKEE warning

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

SER VIC E IN DIC ATO R & W AR NIN G L IG HTS

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1984-92 MAINTENANCE
AMC/Jeep/Eagle Service Indicator & Warning Lights
Jeep; Cherokee, Wagoneer
SERVICE INDICATOR & WARNING LIGHTS
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT
If the light stays on when the parking brake is off, it
indicates a possible brake system fluid leak or low pressure level.
LOCK INDICATOR LIGHT (1984-87)
Indicates that Selec-Trac transfer case is in part time 4WD
(high or low range).
FULL TIME 4WD INDICATOR LIGHT
Indicates that Selec-Trac transfer case is in full-time 4WD
(4x4 FULL TIME).
PART TIME 4WD INDICATOR LIGHT
Indicates that Selec-Trac transfer case is in part time 4WD
(4x4 PART TIME or 4 LO) or that Command-Trac transfer case is in 4WD
(4H or 4L).
WATER IN FUEL LIGHT (TURBO DIESEL)
Indicates water has collected in the fuel filter and should
be drained immediately.
DIESEL WAIT LIGHT (TURBO DIESEL)
Illuminates during glow plugs warm-up cycle.
LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT
Glows when approximately 2 gals. (7.6L) remain in fuel tank.
EMISSION MAINTENANCE INDICATOR LIGHT
Illuminates at approximately 82,500 miles to indicate
scheduled maintenance (or recommended maintenance on California
vehicles). Light will remain on until system is serviced and light is
reset.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
If this light illuminates and remains on while driving, it
indicates a potential engine control problem that needs service.
CHECK ANTI-LOCK LIGHT
Illuminates to indicate a self-check is in process at vehicle
start up. If light remains on after start-up or comes on and stays on

at road speeds, it may indicate that the ABS system has detected a
malfunction or has become inoperative. The system reverts to standard
non-anit-lock brakes. If both Red BRAKE light and Amber CHECK ANTI-
LOCK light are on, have vehicle serviced immediately.
Fig. 1: Instrument Panel Interior Controls
Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.
Fig. 2: Dash Gauges & Warning Lights (Gasoline Engines)
Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.

Fig. 3: Dash Gauges & Warning Lights (Turbo-Diesel Engines)
Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.

STE ER IN G C O LU M N S W IT C HES

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1988 STEERING
Jeep Steering Column Switches
All Models
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
TURN SIGNAL & HAZARD FLASHER SWITCHES
Removal & Installation
1) Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Disconnect
battery negative cable. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to the
STEERING WHEEL & HORN REMOVAL article.
2) On models with A/T, place selector lever in "PARK"
position. Remove selector lever retaining pin and lever. Using 2
screwdrivers, remove lock plate cover. On models with tilt column,
remove tilt lever.
3) Using Plate Compressor (J-23653-A), compress lock plate.
If shaft has metric threads, use Metric Forcing Screw (J-23653-4)
prior to installing compressor on shaft. Remove and discard lock plate
snap ring. Remove plate compressor
NOTE: The lock plate is under strong spring tension. DO NOT
attempt to remove snap ring without using lock plate
compressor.
4) Remove lock plate, canceling cam, upper bearing preload
spring, spring seat and bearing race (thrust washer on some models).
Depress hazard warning switch while unscrewing from column.
5) On vehicles with A/T, use a paper clip to compress lock
tab retaining shift quadrant light wire in connector block. Disconnect
wire. On all models, remove turn signal lever attaching screw and
lever.
6) On vehicles with cruise control, disconnect 2 of 4 wires
at switch connector. Fold wires back along harness. Tape wires to
harness. Tape a string to harness to aid in removal.
7) Disconnect turn signal switch wire harness at bottom of
steering column. Tape around turn signal switch harness connector to
aid in removal. Remove turn signal switch attaching screws. Remove
switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.
LOCK CYLINDER
Removal
1) Remove horn button and steering wheel. Refer to the
STEERING WHEEL & HORN REMOVAL article. Remove turn signal switch.
Remove key warning buzzer switch and contacts as an assembly, using
needle-nose pliers.
2) On models with standard column, turn ignition lock
cylinder (clockwise) 2 detent positions beyond the "OFF/LOCK"
position. On models with tilt column, turn lock cylinder to "LOCK"
position. On all models, compress lock cylinder retaining tab and
remove lock cylinder from housing. See Fig. 1.

* The lock inhibitor assembly consists of a lever that engages
lock levers (preventing locking of steering shaft), a button
to operate lever and a return spring. Assembly is attached to
lock housing in same location as shift gate is on column
shift. Lower steering shaft bearing is mounted in an aluminum
support.
* A spring is attached between shift housing and column jacket.
This spring keeps housing rotated counterclockwise against
rubber bumper.
OVERHAUL
STANDARD COLUMN
NOTE: All columns are similar except for appearance of covers.
Some models use ignition key light, while others do not.
Disassembly and reassembly procedures cover all models. Some
procedures may not apply to every steering column.
Disassembly
1) Pry out wiring trough retainers. Lift off trough. New
retainers may be required for reassembly. Use masking tape to protect
paint and a deep socket to back-up housing. Drive retaining roll pin
out with a punch to remove shift lever.
2) Remove breakaway capsules. Secure column in vise by
clamping at column bracket. DO NOT distort column. Remove turn signal
lever cover-to-lock housing attaching screws. Remove cover. Remove
wiper/washer switch assembly. Pull switch cover up wiper/washer lever.
Remove lever sleeve-to-switch attaching screws.
3) Rotate wiper/washer shaft to full clockwise position.
Remove shaft from switch. Remove turn signal switch and upper bearing
retaining screws. Remove retainer. Lift switch upward out of way.
Unclip horn ground wire. Remove ignition key light retaining screw.
Lift ignition key light out of way.
4) Remove bearing housing-to-lock attaching screws. Remove
snap ring from upper end of steering shaft. Remove bearing housing
from shaft. Remove lock plate spring and lock plate from shaft. Remove
shaft through lower end of column.
5) Remove ignition key. Remove warning switch retaining
screw. Lift out key warning switch. Remove 2 ignition switch-to-column
jacket retaining screws. See Fig. 2. Remove ignition switch by
rotating switch 90 degrees on actuator rod. Remove 2 dimmer switch
retaining screws. Disengage dimmer switch from rod.

rod down column. Install bellcrank onto its mounting surface.
Gearshift lever should be in "PARK" position.
7) Place ignition switch on actuator rod. Rotate switch 90
degrees to lock rod into position. Install ignition lock by turning
key to "LOCK" position. Remove key. Insert cylinder into housing far
enough to contact switch actuator. Insert key. Press inward. Rotate
cylinder.
8) When parts align, cylinder will move inward and spring
loaded retainers will snap into place, locking cylinder in housing.
With cylinder and ignition switch in "LOCK" position, tighten ignition
switch mounting screws.
9) Feed key warning switch wires behind wiring post and down
through space between housing and jacket. Remove ignition key.
Position cylinder in housing. Tighten mounting screws. Install lower
bearing support (floor shift), bearing and spring on steering shaft.
10) Install and lubricate rubber "O" ring in lower groove on
upper end of steering shaft. Insert steering shaft assembly into
column assembly. Press upper bearing into upper bearing housing.
Bearing must be fully seated.
11) Push up on steering shaft to compress bearing and spring.
Hold shaft in this position until snap ring is installed. Install lock
plate on steering shaft. Install upper bearing spring. Install upper
bearing housing with bearing previously installed. Tighten bearing
housing retaining screws to 35 INCH lbs (4 N.m).
12) Install upper bearing snap ring on steering shaft,
locking assembly into position. Install 4 screws attaching bearing
housing to lock housing. Install ignition key lamp assembly in bearing
housing. Install turn signal switch in bearing housing.
13) Feed turn signal switch and ignition key lamp wires
through opening between bearing housing and lock housing and down
along bottom of jacket. Install bearing retainer plate. Tighten
screws. Ensure that ground wires from turn signal switch are
positioned toward ground clips before tightening.
14) Assemble wiper switch, shaft, cover or speed control
switch, switch cover and knob. Place wiper/washer switch assembly into
lock housing, feeding wires through lock housing. Fasten wires to turn
signal switch. Install dimmer switch rod and dimmer switch.
15) Install turn signal lever cover. Install breakaway
capsules. Install wiring trough in place, being careful not to pinch
wires. Install new retainers (if necessary).