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.
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.
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
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
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
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.