Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ represents a pivotal era for Jeep, blending SUV utility with a more refined, unibody construction. It appealed to a broad market seeking off-road capability and everyday drivability.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer
Chassis Design:
Unibody construction, offering a lighter weight and more car-like ride compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Powertrain:
Renowned for the durable 4.0L 'High Output' inline-six engine.
Off Road Capability:
Proven four-wheel-drive systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac) and robust suspension design.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Component identification, Wiring diagrams, Specifications, Torque values, Illustrations
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
4.0L Inline-6 (High Output), 2.5L 4-Cylinder (Optional)
Transmission:
42RE (4-speed Automatic), AX-15 (5-speed Manual)
Drivetrain:
2WD, 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)
Suspension:
Front: Solid Leaf Spring, Rear: Solid Leaf Spring
Brakes:
Front: Disc, Rear: Drum (Standard), Rear Disc (Optional)
Steering:
Power Steering System
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Tank
Electrical System:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition, Lighting, Fuses, Relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, Doors, Seats, Dashboard, Trim, HVAC
Exhaust System:
Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes
Climate Control:
A/C System, Heater Core, Blower Motor
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, Symptom analysis, Common fault finding
Repair:
Engine rebuild, Transmission overhaul, Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, Scan tool usage, Circuit testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Fluid capacities, Engine timing, Electrical resistance values
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor components
Bodywork And Collision:
Body panel alignment, Dent repair, Door adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Code And Description:
242ci (4.0L) I6 OHV 'High Output' (HO)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.580 in (98.4 mm x 90.9 mm)
Horsepower Rating:
190 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Torque Rating:
225 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Code And Description:
2.5L OHV 4-Cylinder (IDLE)
Horsepower Rating:
125 hp @ 4,400 rpm
Torque Rating:
140 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5-Star (Varies by configuration)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel ABS available, rear-only ABS standard on some models)
Traction Control:
Not standard on all models, available on select configurations.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for automatic, refer to manual for manual transmission. Inspect fluid condition regularly.
Engine Oil:
API Certified SAE 10W-30 (check manual for temperature ranges and specific OEM recommendations).
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).
Common Wear Items:
Leaf spring bushings, U-joints, Sway bar links, Water pump seals, Radiator leaks, Alternator failures.
Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier 4.0L models, less common on this generation but still possible), Valve cover gasket leaks, Oil pan gasket leaks.
Transmission Issues:
Torque converter shudder (42RE), Clutch wear (AX-15).
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to its military origins, known for robust off-road vehicles and a spirit of adventure.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction.
1997 Redesign:
The 1997 model year marked a significant facelift for the XJ, featuring a revised interior, updated exterior styling, and improved safety features.
Production Span:
1984-2001 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
