🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Production Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Product Name:

Jeep CHEROKEE XJ Service & Repair Manual (1997 1998 1999 2000 2001)-PDF

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ (1997-2001) represents the final iteration of the beloved unibody compact SUV, known for its legendary off-road capability and enduring ruggedness.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder, but carved its niche with its distinct Jeep styling and robust platform.

Features:

Iconic seven-slot grille, solid front axle (on earlier models, replaced by IFS in some competitors), renowned Selec-Trac and Command-Trac 4x4 systems, compact yet capable dimensions.

Value:

An indispensable resource for owners seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their Cherokee XJ, ensuring longevity and peak performance, particularly valuable for a vehicle with a dedicated enthusiast following.

📋 Manual Details

All Models Covered:

True

All Engines Covered:

True

Description:

This is the COMPLETE Official Service and Repair Manual for the Jeep Cherokee XJ. It covers every single detail on your car.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and torque specifications for all engine variants.

Transmission:

Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for both automatic (e.g., 42RE, 30RH) and manual transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Full coverage of transfer case (e.g., NP231, NP242), differentials, axles, and driveshafts.

Brakes:

System diagnostics, disc and drum brake service, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped) repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension (e.g., coil springs, leaf springs), steering system, and wheel alignment procedures.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay identification, diagnostic procedures for lighting, accessories, and engine management systems.

Body:

Exterior and interior trim, body panels, doors, glass, HVAC system, and seat adjustments.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, lines, and evaporative emissions control system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, and heater core.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and hangers.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, blower motor, and climate controls.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and complex issues, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major components like engine, transmission, alternator, starter, fuel pump, etc.

Rebuilds Overhauls:

Complete procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds, including bearing clearances, ring gap, and torque sequences.

Wiring Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Specifications Torque Values:

Exact torque specifications for all critical fasteners and component assemblies.

Lubrication Maintenance Schedule:

Recommended service intervals and fluid specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, DIY mechanics, and Jeep enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and text.

Quality:

Professional quality (if printed version were available, assumed high quality for digital).

Type:

N/A (PDF format)

Type:

N/A (PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

4.0L Inline-6 (High Output)

Engine Code:

231cid OHV (AMC 231)

Displacement:

3956 cc (242 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.580 in (98.4 mm x 91.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.75:1

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Valve Train:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves (2 per cylinder)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter (API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

12.0 US quarts (11.3 Liters) (50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant and distilled water)

Engine Name:

2.5L Inline-4 (Less Common for these years)

Engine Code:

150cid OHV (AMC 150)

Displacement:

2469 cc (151 cu in)

Horsepower:

114 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque:

137 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

42RE

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar Material Number 05010874AA or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4 US quarts (3.8 Liters) dry fill, 8-10 US quarts (7.6-9.5 Liters) total capacity

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Model:

AX-15 (early '97) / NV3550 (late '97-01)

Transmission Fluid Type:

AX-15: GL-3 or GL-4 (75W-90); NV3550: ATF+4 or Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.2 US quarts (2.1 Liters) for NV3550

4X4 Systems:

Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD optional), Command-Trac (part-time 4WD standard on many models).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

169.9 inches (4315 mm)

Width:

71.5 inches (1816 mm)

Height:

64.1 inches (1628 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Variable by trim/suspension, typically around 8-10 inches (203-254 mm)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 38.4 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 30.1 degrees

Breakover Angle:

Approx. 24.5 degrees

Curb Weight:

3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,850 - 5,000 lbs (2190 - 2268 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment and engine configuration.

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33.5 cu ft (948 Liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 70.5 cu ft (1996 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Four-star rating (driver) and four-star rating (passenger) in 35 mph frontal barrier tests for certain configurations.

IIHS Ratings:

Generally considered adequate for its time, though not subjected to modern IIHS tests.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on rear wheels or all four wheels depending on model year and trim.

Traction Control:

Not typically available on these XJ models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts. Driver and passenger pretensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Designed with a reinforced roof structure, common for SUVs of the era.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a simple AM/FM radio with cassette player. Higher trims offered CD players and improved speaker systems. Factory navigation was not common for this era.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Parking Sensors:

Not available.

Auxiliary Input:

Not available. Aftermarket adapters or head unit replacements are common.

Bluetooth:

Not available. Aftermarket installations are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving may require shorter intervals.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000 miles (19,300 km) or 12 months.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, inspect more frequently.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or check manual for specific types.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24,000 miles (38,600 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-3/GL-4 (75W-90) for AX-15, ATF+4 for NV3550.

Coolant:

50/50 mix of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) and distilled water (Chrysler HOAT).

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5917).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Issues 1:

Head gasket leaks on the 4.0L inline-6 (especially around the rear of the block), radiator and heater core leaks, transfer case chain wear, rear main seal leaks.

Common Issues 2:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L engine), TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) and MAP sensor failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, saggy rear leaf springs.

Common Issues 3:

Rust issues, particularly on rocker panels, floor pans, and wheel wells. Some electrical gremlins can occur with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

Jeep, a division of Chrysler Corporation (later DaimlerChrysler, then Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis), is an iconic American automotive brand with a rich heritage in off-road vehicles dating back to World War II.

Generation Overview:

The Cherokee XJ was a revolutionary vehicle upon its debut in 1984, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction, offering a more car-like ride compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Xj Facelift 1997:

The 1997 model year saw a significant facelift for the XJ, including updated exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, fenders, hood), a redesigned interior with a more modern dashboard and improved ergonomics, and the introduction of the more powerful 4.0L High Output engine.

Production Period:

1984 - 2001 (North America), extended production in other markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.

Model Significance:

The XJ is widely regarded as one of Jeep's most successful and influential models, lauded for its durability, off-road prowess, and a strong aftermarket support base.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While not a recipient of specific 'car of the year' awards in its later years, the XJ consistently received praise for its off-road capability and ruggedness, earning it a loyal following and recognition within the SUV and off-road communities.

Magazine Ratings:

Frequently appeared on 'best of' lists for affordable off-road vehicles and was lauded for its durability by automotive journalists and owners alike.

Certifications:

N/A (vehicle certifications related to specific model years rather than the manual).