I’ve read some threads and other online articles regarding identifying whether or not my 89 base model has the Renix ABS. I’ve come across so many saying that if you have the Dana 35 you have ABS and if you have the Chrysler you don’t. Well, I have a Dana 35 and I don’t believe I have ABS. Does anyone know if the base model 1989 xj ABS was optional? I’ve included some pics just in case I’m missing something.

 

Take a look at your rear axle, if there's just a brake line running off to each wheel, you don't have ABS. If there's a brake line and a cable, you should have ABS.

 

Boxburn, thanks for your quick reply. This is what I have (pics) so I’m assuming ABS? I just done see other components under the hood on mine that I’ve seen in other pics of other Cherokee’s with abs. But, I’m still learning about my 89.

 

I forgot about the handbrake cable. That does not have ABS, there would be one more wire coming from the brake assembly.

 

Thanks again boxburn! I didn’t think so because of all of the missing components and no control module under the back seat which I just found out online. I was confused by all the “ if you have a Dana 35 you have ABS” I’ve been reading everywhere. Much appreciated!!

 

89 is renix. they did not have chrysler 8.25 yet. only d35 and d44 as option. i believe chrysler started the 8.25 in/around 93.
the renix abs box is a huge hideous box under the hood, on the drivers side inner fender, with lots of brake lines going in and out. also, when the abs motor kicks in to keep pressure, you can hear that kick in and out from sitting in the drivers seat.

you, however, do not have abs. the brake lines coming off the master go straight into a proportioning valve.

 

Thanks for the info caged!

 

He is lucky. My 90 has the crappy ABS and my pump runs all the time now. I replaced the pump and accumulator but didn't have the guts to mess with that box under the master cylinder. I later found out that there is a lifetime recall on that mess, Recall number: 96V260000, which says:

Problem Summary:

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS). THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR WHICH COULD CAUSE PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.

Consequence:

IF THIS OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION WOULD BE LOSE AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT AND THE BASE MANUAL BRAKES WILL REMAIN FUNCTIONAL.

Corrective Action:

DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ABS AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.

I had to get my Jeep running well enough after a long layup to even think about trying to get a Jeep dealer to honor that recall, but I think I am about there with a new PS pump and TPS. I am guessing my chances are not good that any dealer will have the parts, but maybe I can get them to install a working non-ABS brake system instead.

 

ABS was optional on my 2000 XJ Sport. I'm glad I don't have it! I don't have a SKIM either. Yea! The ABS on my 2000 WJ never worked right. It's just as well. It was frustrating the few times it DID work! Like when I really didn't need it. NY doesn't require it to work for inspection.

 

I can confirm, you do NOT have ABS. I have a 90' RENIX w/ABS and you don't have the required ABS components in your engine bay.

 

Does your ABS still work? Have you had to replace any parts of it? My 90's ABS has not worked since I bought it and I've had to drive it with somewhat weak brakes.

 

Not about to hi-jack thread. Send me a PM.

 

Thanks Flynn.

 

Even when it worked as intended, the Bendix ABS sucked. I'd suggest swapping the booster and master over to a later model with the dual diaphram as the cheaper long term solution even if the deal will repair the abs. I don't recall what years were a direct swap. I plan on doing this eventually as my non-ABS 89 needs more oomph. I have rear discs too (from an 91 crown vic) so probably need a donor prop valve from a zj.