🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999

Model Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle.

Target Audience:

Owners and independent repair shops seeking detailed technical information for maintaining and repairing their Jeep Cherokee XJ.

Competitors:

Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder.

Vehicle Legacy:

The XJ Cherokee is renowned for its unibody construction, robust drivetrain options, and legendary off-road capability.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving costs and extending vehicle life.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic procedures.

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical for this era's factory manuals: 1500-2500+ pages).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, tuning, and component repair for all applicable variants.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for both automatic (e.g., AW4, 42RE) and manual (e.g., AX-15, NV3550) transmissions, including overhaul, adjustment, and fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Coverage of transfer cases (e.g., NP231, NP242), axles (Dana 30 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear), driveshafts, U-joints, and differentials.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including coil springs, leaf springs (rear), shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering gear, steering column, tie rods, and related components.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), ABS diagnosis and repair, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, and parking brake.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starter, and accessories.

Fuel System:

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

Cooling System:

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

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, component replacement, and refrigerant service.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seat removal, glass replacement, and paint repair guidance.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Extensive coverage of OBD-II codes, diagnostic procedures, and symptom-based troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, and tune-ups.

Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic routines for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for common and complex repairs, component replacement, and adjustments.

Rebuilds:

Detailed guidance for overhauling major components like engines and transmissions.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, and other critical data.

Troubleshooting:

Flowcharts and guides for diagnosing specific problems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Professional quality, intended for clear reproduction of diagrams and text.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

4.0L (242 cid) Inline 6-Cylinder 'High Output' (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Engine Code 1:

ERH (1997-1999)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 185-190 hp @ 4700 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Torque 1:

Approx. 220-225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Engine Type 2:

2.5L (150 cid) 4-Cylinder 'High Output' (MPI)

Engine Code 2:

ENH (1997-1999)

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 2:

Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW4)

Transmission Type 2:

5-speed Manual (e.g., AX-15 or NV3550)

Transfer Case Options:

New Process (NP) 231 (Command-Trac 2-speed part-time 4WD) or NP 242 (Selec-Trac full-time 4WD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

169.9 inches (4315 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

64.4 inches (1636 mm)

Curb Weight Approx Kg:

1500-1700 kg (depending on engine and drivetrain)

Towing Capacity Kg Approx:

2000-3500 kg (depending on configuration and engine)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Not readily available for this specific model year under current NHTSA standards as it predates many modern testing protocols.

ABS:

Available as an option, particularly on higher trims or later production models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front seat belts, two-point rear seat belts (later models may have three-point in rear).

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or AM/FM/CD players. Options for premium sound systems.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Power Features:

Power windows, power locks, power mirrors were common options.

OBD Ii Port:

Yes, compliant with OBD-II standards for emissions and diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Engine Oil:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact specifications).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum/Iridium plugs: ~100,000 miles. Standard plugs: ~30,000 miles (refer to manual for exact type).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (check manual for specific fluids).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN or higher, SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L), SAE 5W-30 also acceptable (check manual).

Engine Coolant Specification:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent HOAT coolant. DO NOT mix with traditional green coolant.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (for models equipped with AW4) or ATF+3 (for older transmissions, check manual for specific application).

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar power steering fluid or equivalent ATF type fluid (check manual).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Issues 40L:

Cracked cylinder heads (later 4.0L engines, though less prevalent in this later XJ generation), oil filter adapter leaks, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure, distributorless ignition system (DIS) issues.

Common Issues General:

Rust (especially on floor pans, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels), sagging headliner, worn-out suspension bushings, alternator failure, radiator leaks, heater core leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to World War II.

Xj Generation Intro:

The XJ Cherokee was a revolutionary vehicle when introduced in 1984, being the first compact SUV with a unibody construction.

Xj Updates 1997 1999:

These model years represent the final facelift of the XJ, featuring updated exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, improved headlights), revised interior with a more modern dashboard and improved ergonomics, and upgraded powertrain options.

Production Period Xj:

1984-2001 (North America)

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

The XJ Cherokee was consistently praised for its off-road prowess, durability, and value. It was often cited in enthusiast magazines and rankings as a top compact SUV and off-roader.