🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Model Code:

ZG

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, professional mechanics, owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.

Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/Jimmy, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Vehicle Strengths:

Robust construction, capable off-road, comfortable ride, powerful engine options.

Manual Value Proposition:

Authoritative, accurate, and complete information directly from the manufacturer for accurate and efficient service.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, and Diagnosis for the 1997 Jeep ZG Grand Cherokee

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (original factory documentation)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4.0L 'High Output' Straight-6 (MPI) and 4.7L V8 'Power Tech' (MPI)

Transmission:

42RE (4-Speed Automatic), NV242 (Selec-Trac NV), NV249 (Quadra-Trac NV)

Drivetrain:

Front axle, Rear axle, Differentials, Transfer Case, Driveshafts, U-joints

Suspension:

Front (Solid Axle with Coil Springs, Control Arms), Rear (Solid Axle with Coil Springs, Control Arms, Panhard Rod)

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Disc (ABS equipped variants), Parking Brake System

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column, Linkage

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Distribution, Fuses and Relays, Accessory Circuits

Fuel:

Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Fuel Injection System (MPI)

Cooling:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fan, Hoses, Heater Core

Exhaust:

Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Exhaust Pipes

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System (Blower, Evaporator, Condenser, Compressor, Controls)

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Glass

Chassis:

Frame, Body Mounts

Comfort Convenience:

Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Seats, Cruise Control

Maintenance:

Fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), Filter replacements, Lubrication points, Tire rotation and pressure checks

Diagnostics:

Component testing, Troubleshooting charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation for engine and ABS systems, Wiring diagrams

Repair:

Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Axle assembly repair, Brake system component replacement, Suspension component replacement, Steering system repair, Electrical component replacement, HVAC system component replacement

Disassembly Assembly:

Complete step-by-step procedures for component removal and installation

Adjustments:

Wheel alignment specifications, Parking brake adjustment, Clutch adjustment (if applicable, though not for automatic transmissions of this era), Ignition timing (if applicable to MPI system)

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Physical Print)

Print Quality:

High (Original Factory Print)

Binding:

Likely comb or coil bound from factory, or a multi-volume set.

Paper Type:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss for diagrams and schematics.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L (242 ci) Inline 6-Cylinder 'High Output' MPI

Engine 1 Displacement Liters:

4.0

Engine 1 Block Material:

Cast Iron

Engine 1 Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron (later years had some aluminum heads, but 97 4.0L is typically iron)

Engine 1 Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Horsepower Approx:

185 hp @ 4700 RPM

Engine 1 Torque Approx:

220 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM

Engine 2:

4.7L (287 ci) V8 'Power Tech' MPI

Engine 2 Displacement Liters:

4.7

Engine 2 Block Material:

Aluminum

Engine 2 Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Engine 2 Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 2 Horsepower Approx:

220 hp @ 4700 RPM

Engine 2 Torque Approx:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pressure Spec Approx:

31-39 PSI

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic

Transfer Case Options:

NV242 Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD, 2WD Part-time option), NV249 Quadra-Trac (Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling center differential)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:

9.5 pints (4.5 Quarts) dry fill

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

111.0

Length Inches:

178.4

Width Inches:

71.0

Height Inches:

65.6

Ground Clearance Inches Approx:

8.7

Curb Weight Lbs Approx:

4200-4500

Towing Capacity Lbs Max:

5000

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Tire Size Standard Approx:

P225/75R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (1997 Model Year)

NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (1997 Model Year)

ABS:

Available (standard on some trims/engines)

Traction Control:

Not typically available for this model year.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

Front and Rear Seat Belts, Driver's Side Pretensioner

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, optional Infinity Gold premium sound system.

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control (ACC) systems available.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Phone Integration:

None factory-installed.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Miles:

3,000-5,000 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change Miles:

30,000-60,000 miles (or as per severe service schedule)

Coolant Change Miles:

30,000 miles or 2 years

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG, SH, or SJ; SAE 10W-30 recommended for most conditions

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler Type A (Green) or Type MS-9769 (Orange) HOAT coolant

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Common Problems:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L versions, though improved by '97), heater core leaks, radiator issues, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), PCM failures, transfer case chain stretch, death wobble (steering/suspension related).

Maintenance Focus Areas:

Regular fluid changes, suspension component inspection, cooling system maintenance, and checking for leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Founded on military vehicles, known for off-road capability and ruggedness.

Zg Generation:

Second Generation Grand Cherokee (WJ generation followed in 1999).

Zg Distinction:

ZG designation typically refers to Grand Cherokees built for export markets, often using different internal codes or specifications than US domestic models. However, for this manual, it directly aligns with the North American 1997 Grand Cherokee (ZJ platform update).

Production Period:

1993-1998 (ZJ platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Recognition:

Frequently praised for its off-road prowess and comfortable ride compared to competitors of its era.