🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Generation Code:

XJ

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians working on the 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ.

Competitors 1997:

Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder.

Vehicle Usp:

Renowned for its ruggedness, off-road capability, relatively compact size for its era, and the robust inline-6 engine. The XJ Cherokee is a highly regarded platform for both daily driving and serious off-roading.

Value For Owner:

Enables owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving money on labor costs and extending the vehicle's lifespan. Essential for understanding the vehicle's complex systems and troubleshooting issues effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Lubrication and Maintenance, Suspension, Differential and Driveline, Brakes, Clutch, Cooling System, Battery, Starting, Charging System, Ignition System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Transfer Case, Propeller Shafts, Steering, Wheels and Tires, Body and Frame, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated ~1500-2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual for this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage for the 4.0L (1997 MY) inline-6 gasoline engine, including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and specifications.

Transmission And Driveline:

Detailed procedures for the NV242 Selec-Trac and NV231 Command-Trac transfer cases, as well as the AW-4 automatic transmission and the AX-15 manual transmission. Includes driveline components like U-joints and differential maintenance.

Brakes And Suspension:

In-depth coverage of the front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), including hydraulic components, ABS (if equipped), and parking brake. Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension, steering components, and wheel alignment.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including the charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, power windows, locks, and accessories. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts for troubleshooting. Covers diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and OBD-I/OBD-II related diagnostics for the era.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, fluid type specifications and capacities (engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid), filter replacement procedures, lubrication points, and tune-up procedures.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step repair and overhaul procedures for major components, including engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, brakes, steering, suspension, and HVAC systems.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trees, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and specific procedures for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, component tolerances, and diagnostic procedures for factory-level servicing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for easy keyword lookup.

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections as needed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4.0L OHV Inline-6

Engine Displacement Liters:

4.0

Engine Displacement Ci:

242

Bore X Stroke Mm:

98.4 x 87.2

Engine Block Material:

Cast Iron

Cylinder Head Material:

Cast Iron

Horsepower Hp 1997:

190

Torque Lb Ft 1997:

235

Redline Rpm:

Approx. 5500 RPM (refer to manual for exact)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil packs (introduced in 1996 MY)

Coolant Type:

50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 API SG or higher

Oil Capacity Quarts With Filter:

5.0

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmission Model:

Chrysler 42RE (4-speed automatic)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent as per manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 4.7 (pan removal); 8.5 (rebuild)

Manual Transmission Model:

AX-15 (5-speed manual)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific Mopar spec)

Transfer Case Model Full Time:

New Process NV242 Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD option)

Transfer Case Model Part Time:

New Process NV231 Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD standard)

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (or equivalent as per manual for NV242); ATF+3 for NV231 (refer to manual for exact)

Transfer Case Fluid Capacity Quarts:

Approx. 1.75

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

101.4

Length Inches:

167.5 - 177.0 (depending on rear bumper/spare tire carrier)

Width Inches:

69.3

Height Inches:

60.8 - 63.7 (depending on suspension/tire size)

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 3300-3800 (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Approx. 4500-4800

Towing Capacity Lbs:

Up to 5000 (with proper equipment and configuration)

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind Front Seats:

Approx. 69.9

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 30.5

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Front Impact Rating:

Refer to NHTSA archives for specific ratings; generally considered robust for its era.

IIHS Ratings:

Refer to IIHS archives for specific ratings; overall structural integrity generally well-regarded.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger airbags (standard for 1997 MY).

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, with driver-side pretensioners.

Body Construction:

Unibody construction, a key innovation for SUVs at the time, contributing to its lighter weight and better on-road manners compared to body-on-frame rivals.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, with optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with A/C, or optional automatic temperature control (ATC) on higher trims. Revised interior for 1997 offered improved HVAC performance.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Keyless Entry:

Optional keyless entry system.

OBD Standard:

OBD-II compliant (On-Board Diagnostics II) for emissions and system monitoring.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used). Manual specifies 3,000 miles for severe conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (automatic and manual, depending on usage). Refer to manual for specific mileage or time interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for conventional coolant; up to 100,000 miles for HOAT/OAT coolants (refer to manual for exact spec).

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs (standard for 1997 MY).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 10W-30, API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol (Green) or HOAT (Orange/Yellow) coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket failures (especially on earlier 4.0L engines, though improved by '97), oil filter adapter housing leaks, CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failure, distributorless ignition system coil pack issues.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Worn track bar bushings, worn ball joints, steering box wear, leaf spring shackle issues, front sway bar links.

Common Problems Electrical:

Blend door actuator failure in HVAC, intermittent gauge issues, power window motor failures, wiring harness chafing in common wear points.

Common Problems Body:

Rust in rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and unibody frame rails, especially in areas with road salt.

Upgraded Components:

Many owners upgrade cooling systems (radiator, water pump) for increased reliability, especially in off-road or high-load situations. Suspension lift kits and improved steering components are also common modifications.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and durability, stemming from its military roots.

Xj Generation Introduction:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market with its compact size and unibody construction.

Xj Redesign 1997:

The 1997 model year marked a significant facelift for the XJ Cherokee, featuring updated exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, fenders, hood), a revised interior with a modernized dashboard and improved ergonomics, and an updated electrical system.

Xj Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America); 1984-2002 (International)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine Awards:

The XJ Cherokee platform has been a perennial favorite in off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support. While specific 'awards' for the '97 model are difficult to pinpoint historically, its reputation solidified its place.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for Jeep models of this era varied; the 4.0L engine is generally considered robust, but certain electrical and accessory components could be problematic. The service manual is crucial for maintaining these.

Emissions Compliance:

Designed to meet Federal EPA emissions standards for 1997 model year vehicles.