🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle

Key Selling Points:

Ruggedness, off-road capability, durability, iconic design, relatively simple mechanics

Key Competitors:

Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer

Chassis Construction:

Unibody construction (a key differentiator for its era, contributing to lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to body-on-frame rivals)

Four Wheel Drive:

Available Command-Trac (part-time) and Selec-Trac (full-time selectable) 4WD systems

Engine Options:

Renowned for its robust inline-six engines

Design Era:

Represents the later years of the highly successful XJ generation

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, implied by product description)

Page Count:

Extensive (specific number not provided, but described as 'highly detailed' and 'everything you will ever need')

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., 42RE, 30RH), Manual transmission (e.g., AX-15)

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive system (Command-Trac/Selec-Trac), axles (Dana 30 front, Dana 35 rear/Chrysler 8.25 rear), transfer case, drivelines

Suspension:

Front suspension (leaf springs/coil springs, solid axle), rear suspension (leaf springs), shock absorbers, steering system

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on configuration), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, instrument cluster, power accessories, fuse block, wiring diagrams

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, glass

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation

Chassis:

Frame, chassis components, fuel tank, exhaust system routing

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Diagnosis:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension repair, brake service, electrical system repairs

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilding

Refurbishment:

Guidance on restoring components and the vehicle

Restoration:

Comprehensive information to support full vehicle restoration projects

Depth:

Comprehensive (factory level detail covering diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all systems)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (most likely, common for digital service manuals)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text for quick access to information

Illustration Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations typical of factory manuals

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

4.0L Inline-6 (High Output)

Engine 1 Code:

242

Engine 1 Displacement:

3956 cc (242 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC, Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Head

Engine 1 Horsepower:

189 hp @ 4700 rpm (approximate, depending on specific tuning)

Engine 1 Torque:

228 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, depending on specific tuning)

Engine 2 Name:

2.5L Inline-4 (if applicable for export or specific trims, less common for US market 1997)

Engine 2 Code:

150

Engine 2 Displacement:

2469 cc (150 cubic inches)

Acceleration 0 60 Mph:

Approx. 9-10 seconds (4.0L, 4WD)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Capacity:

20 gallons (standard)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic

Transmission 2 Type:

AX-15 5-Speed Manual (less common in later XJ models, but possible)

Transmission 3 Type:

42LE 4-Speed Automatic (if equipped with 2.5L engine, rare for 1997)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent, check manual for exact spec)

Transfer Case:

NV231 (Command-Trac) or NV242 (Selec-Trac)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.5 inches

Width:

71.0 inches

Height:

64.1 inches

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.7 inches (stock)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,400 - 3,600 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,750 - 5,000 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) for 1996-1998 models

Braking System:

Front disc, rear drum (standard); optional rear disc and ABS

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (standard for 1997)

Seat Belts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker system

Cruise Control:

Available

ABS:

Optional anti-lock braking system

Connectivity Features:

None (basic automotive technology for its era)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (recommended, depending on oil type and driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-3 years

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically Mopar or equivalent green coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issues Engine:

Cracked cylinder head (common on earlier 4.0L models, less prevalent by 1997 but still possible), oil filter adapter housing leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks

Common Issues Transmission:

Overheating, solenoid issues in automatics

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn leaf springs, leaking shock absorbers, worn ball joints (on front axle if equipped with steering knuckles, though XJ has solid axle)

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty instrument cluster (common failure for gauges), window regulator issues, power lock actuator failures

Common Issues Body:

Rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, tailgate, unibody frame rails)

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Rooted in military vehicles, known for off-road prowess and durability

Xj Generation Start:

1984

Xj Generation End:

2001 (globally, North America ended 2001)

Major Update 1997:

Significant interior redesign, improved dashboard ergonomics, updated exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, fenders, hood), introduction of more airbags, improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) control

Production Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine Awards:

Often cited by off-road publications as a benchmark for compact SUVs and a highly capable platform for modifications.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally rated well for reliability and capability, though specific model year ratings vary.