Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Key Selling Points:
Renowned off-road capability, rugged construction, reliable powertrains, practical utility.
Competitors 1997:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road performance, unibody construction for the XJ offered a lighter, more fuel-efficient, and car-like ride.
Off Road Heritage:
Inherits Jeep's legendary off-road DNA with robust 4x4 systems and solid axle options (though front axle changed to Dana 30 for XJ).
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU/PCM).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic and Manual Transmissions (e.g., AW4, NV3550), Transfer Case (e.g., NP231), Driveshafts, Axles (Dana 30 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear), Wheel Hubs.
Chassis Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring Rear, Coil Spring Front), Steering System, Wheel Bearings, Control Arms, Shock Absorbers, Springs.
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (or optional Rear Disc), Hydraulic System, Parking Brake, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostics.
Body Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Power Accessories (windows, locks), Bumpers.
Maintenance:
Fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.
Repair:
Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, gaskets), transmission overhaul, axle assembly repair, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault codes and their meanings, component testing procedures.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, component clearances, timing specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, schematics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code:
4.0L Inline-6 (High Output)
Displacement:
3960 cc (242 cubic inches)
Configuration:
OHV, Inline 6-Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.414 in (98.4 mm x 86.7 mm)
Horsepower Est:
185 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque Est:
220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane
Engine Code 2:
2.5L 4-Cylinder (AMC 150)
Displacement 2:
2500 cc (150 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est 2:
125 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque Est 2:
150 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Length:
165.3 inches (4200 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
63.4 inches (1610 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Ground Clearance Est:
7.7 inches (196 mm) - 8.1 inches (206 mm) depending on configuration.
Curb Weight Est:
3,200 - 3,500 lbs (1451 - 1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
4,500 - 5,000 lbs (2041 - 2268 kg)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (estimated for this era, official ratings may vary or be unavailable for specific years).
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 2-point rear seat belts (later models may have 3-point). Roll bar structure integrated into body.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (50,000 - 100,000 km) or as per manual's specific recommendations.
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (50,000 - 80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
10W-30 or 10W-40 for 4.0L I6; 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 2.5L I4 (check manual for exact specs and ambient temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L I6: 6 US quarts (5.7 Liters); 2.5L I4: 5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green color for this era) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Coolant Capacity Est:
Approximately 10-12 US quarts (9.5-11.4 Liters).
Common Issues Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially early 4.0L models), oil filter adapter seal leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L I6), distributor O-ring leaks.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn leaf springs (rear sag), worn control arm bushings, ball joint wear (on Dana 30 front axle).
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty blower motor resistor, intermittent dashboard lights, failure of instrument cluster components, PCM issues.
Common Issues Body:
Rust (especially on rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels), tailgate hinges, door lock actuators.
Common Issues Transmission:
AW4 transmission often develops harsh shifting or fails to engage due to solenoid issues or torque converter clutch problems. NV3550 can have clutch issues or internal wear.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.
Xj Generation:
The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, was a revolutionary vehicle, being the first compact SUV with unibody construction. The 1997 model year represents a significant facelift and update to the second generation of the XJ.
Updates 1997:
Major exterior redesign with new front and rear fascias, updated interior with a revised dashboard and improved ergonomics, improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, new HVAC system, potential for improved safety features.
Production Years:
1984 - 2001
Manufacturing Location:
USA (Toledo, Ohio)
