Positioning:
The 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo represented a significant evolution in the SUV market, blending comfortable on-road manners with Jeep's legendary off-road capability.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Toyota 4Runner.
Features:
Optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, refined interior, powerful V8 engine option, and improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) over previous generations.
Powertrain:
Engine (4.0L I6, 5.2L V8), Transmission (42RE Automatic, NV242 Transfer Case)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS), Driveline (4WD systems)
Electrical:
Ignition, Fuel Injection, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Seating, Doors, Glass, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-II system.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, electrical diagrams, wiring schematics.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and electronic system diagnostics.
Quality:
High-resolution scans with clear text and diagrams.
Print Quality:
Professional printing standards for durability and readability.
Binding:
Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound for lay-flat usability.
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper stock resistant to grease and shop environment.
Engine Type 1:
4.0L Inline-6 (OHV)
Engine Displacement 1:
3956 cc (242 cubic inches)
Engine Bore X Stroke 1:
3.88 x 3.41 inches (98.5 x 86.7 mm)
Engine Compression Ratio 1:
8.7:1
Engine Horsepower 1:
185 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine Torque 1:
220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Engine Type 2:
5.2L V8 (Magnum)
Engine Displacement 2:
5211 cc (318 cubic inches)
Engine Bore X Stroke 2:
3.91 x 3.57 inches (99.3 x 90.6 mm)
Engine Compression Ratio 2:
8.7:1
Engine Horsepower 2:
220 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine Torque 2:
285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 octane minimum
Transmission Type:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transfer Case:
NV242 Selec-Trac Full-Time 4WD
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+3 (Chrysler Material Number 05010196AB)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 pints (4.5 liters) for pan drop and refill.
Length:
179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Width:
71.6 inches (1819 mm)
Height:
64.5 inches (1638 mm)
Wheelbase:
109.0 inches (2769 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm) typical
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 103.9 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Rear Seat Up:
Approx. 33.5 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Rear Seat Down:
Approx. 67.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight 4.0L:
Approx. 4,150 lbs (1882 kg)
Curb Weight 5.2L:
Approx. 4,300 lbs (1950 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (with optional tow package)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not rated or N/A (pre-dates standardized ratings)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not rated or N/A
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control (for V8 models).
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure and pillars.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Manual offers troubleshooting for the audio system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily ABS, optional traction control. Manual details operation and troubleshooting.
Connectivity Features:
No factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Manual covers basic antenna and speaker system.
OBD Ii Compliance:
OBD-II compliant, allowing for diagnostic scanner connection for engine and emissions troubleshooting. Manual details DTCs and their meanings.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Consult manual for specific mileage and procedures.
Spark Plug Replacement:
4.0L I6: Approx. 100,000 miles (check with manual); 5.2L V8: Approx. 30,000 miles (check with manual).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L and 5.2L)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter; 5.2L: 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Coolant (refer to manual for specific Mopar specification, likely 50/50 mixture).
Common Issues 1:
Cooling system (radiator leaks, water pump failure).
Common Issues 2:
Transmission problems (e.g., torque converter shudder, valve body issues).
Common Issues 3:
Headliner sagging, interior trim wear.
Common Issues 4:
Chrysler's infamous 'death wobble' (steering/suspension component wear, often track bar or ball joints).
Common Issues 5:
Power window regulator failures.
Jeep Heritage:
Built upon Jeep's long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and ruggedness.
Zj Generation:
The ZJ generation (1993-1998) marked Jeep's entry into the mid-size luxury SUV segment with unibody construction.
1997 Updates:
1997 saw minor exterior styling updates, an interior refresh with improved ergonomics, and OBD-II compliance for emissions monitoring.
Production Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Years:
1993-1998
