🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

ZJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Families, off-road enthusiasts, luxury vehicle buyers

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery

Design:

Iconic Jeep styling, comfortable interior, robust chassis, capable off-road performance

Powertrain:

Available V8 engine option, strong towing capacity

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Bodywork

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, Searchable Text)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual where applicable), transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front and rear, ABS), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, instrumentation, power accessories, body control modules, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Body:

Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats, HVAC system, audio system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, tune-up procedures

Repair:

Component removal and installation, major overhauls, diagnostic procedures, calibration, troubleshooting guides

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, scan tool usage, component testing, circuit analysis, symptom-based troubleshooting

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnosis, and body panel repair. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and alignment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely OCR processed for text searchability

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L (3956cc) Inline 6-cylinder (OHV 12V)

Engine 1 Code:

AMC 242

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.88 x 3.41 inches (98.5 mm x 86.7 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

185 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Engine 2:

5.2L (5211cc) V8 (OHV 16V)

Engine 2 Code:

Magnum 5.2L

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.67 x 3.80 inches (93.2 mm x 96.5 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

220 hp @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Model I6:

42RE

Transmission Model V8:

44RE

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Model:

NV3500 (Rarely equipped, primarily on base models)

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac (Part-time 4WD), Quadra-Trac (Full-time 4WD)

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear)

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF+4 (or equivalent)

Fluid Type Manual:

Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (GL-4)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.1 inches (4549 mm)

Width:

71.1 inches (1806 mm)

Height:

66.0 inches (1676 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.0 inches (2642 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm)

Curb Weight I6:

4,080 - 4,435 lbs (1850 - 2011 kg)

Curb Weight V8:

4,260 - 4,580 lbs (1932 - 2077 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 6,500 lbs (2948 kg) with proper equipment

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

38.8 cu ft (1.098 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

76.5 cu ft (2.166 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (Statistical)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (On some models/trims)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette and optional CD player. Various speaker configurations available (4, 6, or 10 speakers).

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Keyless Entry:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

N/A (Limited by era; primarily analog systems)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement I6:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Every 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km) with standard plugs

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as per manual recommendations

Engine Oil Type I6:

API SJ, SAE 10W-30 (for most conditions), SAE 5W-30 (for cold weather)

Engine Oil Type V8:

API SJ, SAE 5W-30 (recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity I6:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity V8:

5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 11.7 Quarts (11.1 Liters)

Common Issues:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.0L models before revised castings), leaking intake manifold gaskets, worn front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), aging heater cores, transfer case chain wear, rear main seal leaks, PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Ruggedness, off-road capability, military heritage

Generation:

Second Generation (ZJ Facelift)

Facelift Year:

1996 (The 1997 model is part of the facelifted ZJ generation)

Key Changes 1996 Facelift:

Revised exterior styling (grille, headlights, bumpers), updated interior, improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) isolation, introduction of Quadra-Coil rear suspension (on some models), more powerful V8 engine option.

Production Years:

1993-1998

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Type:

N/A (No specific major awards widely documented for the 1997 model year, but generally well-regarded for its class)

Consumer Ratings:

Generally positive for its off-road capability and comfortable ride, though some criticisms regarding interior materials and reliability of certain components.