🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1997

Drivetrain:

4x2

Steering Position:

Left-Hand Drive (LHD)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV

Key Competitors 1997:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Bronco II (earlier models), Nissan Pathfinder (earlier models)

Xj Advantage:

Body-on-frame construction (prior to 1997 facelift), robust unibody, legendary off-road capability (even in 2WD form for traction and handling), strong aftermarket support

Design:

Iconic boxy styling, distinctive seven-slot grille, rugged appearance

Powertrain Availability:

Primarily the 4.0L inline-6, known for its torque and durability

Chassis Type:

Unibody construction (significant departure from earlier Cherokees, offering better ride comfort and handling)

Diy Support:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and increasing vehicle longevity

Diagnostic Aid:

Crucial for diagnosing and fixing complex issues that may arise with age

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

4.0L Inline 6-cylinder (AMC 242)

Transmission Coverage:

42RE Automatic Transmission

Chassis Coverage:

Unibody Construction, Suspension, Steering, Brakes

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Accessories, Power Distribution

Body Coverage:

Interior and Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Sealing

Maintenance Coverage:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements

Diagnostics Coverage:

Troubleshooting Procedures, Symptom-Based Diagnostics

Repair Coverage:

Component Removal, Installation, and Adjustment Procedures

Estimated Pages:

Likely 1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control system, engine diagnostics

Transmission System:

42RE automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, servicing, shift control, torque converter

Driveline System:

Rear axle, driveshaft, universal joints, differential service

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment specifications

Steering System:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, linkage, adjustments

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, wiper system, horn, audio system

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics

Body And Chassis:

Unibody structure, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly and assembly, head gasket replacement, piston and ring service, valve train service

Transmission Repair:

Transmission removal and installation, valve body service, clutch pack replacement (if applicable), torque converter replacement

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake shoe and drum relining, brake caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock absorber replacement, steering gear overhaul

Electrical Diagnostics:

Circuit tracing, component testing, wiring harness repair, fuse and relay diagnosis

Troubleshooting:

Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing common wear items and major components

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their interpretation, symptom analysis

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics)

Detail Level:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, diagnostic flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely Searchable Text (if digitized from original)

Printable:

Printable

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AMC 242 (4.0L)

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Displacement:

3964 cc (242 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.562 in (98.4 mm x 90.5 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 4750 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)

Induction:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pump Pressure:

31-39 PSI (214-269 kPa)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

42RE 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Type:

AX-15 5-speed Manual Transmission (less common for this specific listing, but was available)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, Overdrive gear

Automatic Fluid:

ATF+4 (Recommended for later models, but ATF+3 or equivalent for 1997)

Automatic Capacity Initial Fill:

Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.9 in (4265 mm)

Width:

69.4 in (1763 mm)

Height:

63.0 in (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.4 in (2576 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.7 in (221 mm) depending on tire size

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.0 cu ft (0.85 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1.95 m³)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 4700-4800 lbs (2132-2177 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (for 1997 models with 2WD)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, typically on rear wheels for 1997 2WD models

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, cassette player standard; optional CD player

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS, typically rear-wheel only for 4x2 models

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity; primarily analog systems

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Engine Oil:

API SN/SP, SAE 10W-30 (or SAE 5W-30 for colder climates, refer to manual for specific viscosity)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Chrysler/Mopar HOAT coolant recommended)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Engine Mounts:

Common wear item, can lead to vibration and clunking noises

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, water pump failure, thermostat issues are not uncommon with age

Oil Filter Adapter:

Leaking oil filter adapter seals (common on the 4.0L engine)

Transmission Kickdown Cable:

Potential for binding or stretching, affecting shift points

Driver Side A Pillar Rust:

Can be an issue with unibody vehicles of this era, requiring structural attention

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness, off-road capability, and utility dating back to WWII Willys Jeeps.

Xj Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction.

1997 Facelift:

The 1997 model year brought a significant facelift to the XJ, including a redesigned dashboard, updated exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, revised fenders), and interior enhancements. This manual covers the post-facelift version.

Production Span:

1984-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jeep Cherokee Xj Reputation:

Consistently praised for its durability, off-road prowess (even in 2WD), and value by automotive publications and enthusiasts over its long production run.