Positioning:
Essential technical resource for Jeep Cherokee XJ owners and independent repair shops.
Alternatives:
Offers a more detailed and accessible alternative to older, physical workshop manuals; superior to generic online forums for definitive procedures.
Ease Of Use:
User-friendly, interactive PDF with easy navigation, eliminating the need for cumbersome paper manuals.
Diagrams Illustrations:
High-quality diagrams and illustrations to clarify complex procedures.
Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, novice mechanics, and professional technicians working on Jeep Cherokee XJ vehicles.
Powertrain:
Engine (4.0L Inline-6, 2.5L Inline-4), Transmission (AW4 Automatic, AX-15 Manual), Transfer Case (NP231, NP242)
Chassis:
Suspension (Solid Axle Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc/Rear Drum, Optional Front/Rear Disc)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Body:
Interior Trim, Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulator, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Tailpipe, Oxygen Sensors
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fan, Hoses, Coolant Reservoir
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, DTC Interpretation, Component Testing Procedures
Engine Rebuilding:
Cylinder Head Reconditioning, Piston and Connecting Rod Installation, Crankshaft and Bearing Service, Timing Component Replacement
Suspension And Steering:
Front Axle Alignment, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Steering Gearbox Service, Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement
Brake System:
Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Shoe and Drum Service, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Master Cylinder Replacement, Brake Line Bleeding
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using basic hand tools, multimeter, scan tools (OBD-II for 1996+ models), and specialized Chrysler diagnostic equipment (DRB II).
Engine 1:
4.0L (242 ci) OHV Inline-6 'Power-Tech Six'
Engine 2:
2.5L (150 ci) OHV Inline-4 'Tech-4'
4.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 190 hp @ 4750 rpm (varies slightly by year)
4.0L Torque:
Approx. 225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
2.5L Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp @ 5000 rpm
2.5L Torque:
Approx. 145 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Fuel Delivery 4.0L:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery 2.5L:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Likely 4 stars (based on contemporary testing, specific 1997 data may vary)
ABS:
Standard on some models, optional on others (typically rear drum with optional front discs had rear ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Front: Lap and Shoulder Belts; Rear: Lap Belts (center), Lap and Shoulder Belts (outboard)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (7,500 miles recommended with synthetic oil, 3,000 miles with conventional)
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type
Engine Oil 4.0L:
SAE 10W-30 (API SG or higher), API SJ/SL/SM recommended. Capacity: 6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter.
Engine Oil 2.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher), API SJ/SL/SM recommended. Capacity: 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 (Chrysler material P/N 05010438AA) or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON. Capacity: Approx. 7 quarts (6.6 liters) dry fill.
Manual Transmission Fluid Ax15:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 2.1 quarts (2.0 liters).
Transfer Case Fluid:
NP231/NP242: ATF+3 or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON. Capacity: Approx. 1.75 quarts (1.6 liters).
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters).
Common Xjj Issues:
Head gasket failures (especially 4.0L), radiator leaks, cooling fan clutch failure, sway bar end link wear, rear main seal leaks, minor electrical gremlins, door panel sagging.
Jeep Legacy:
Rooted in military utility vehicles, Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, revolutionized the SUV market as the first mass-produced unibody SUV.
Xj Facelift 1997:
The 1997 model year featured a significant exterior and interior facelift, including updated dashboard, door panels, and revised front/rear styling.
Xj Production Years:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA
