🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Generation:

ZG

Year:

1997

Drivetrain:

4X4

Steering Side:

Left Hand Drive (LHD)

Chassis Code:

ZJ (ZG is a market designation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV, premium off-road capable vehicle.

Key Competitors:

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

Off Road Capability:

Renowned Jeep off-road prowess with Quadra-Trac or Quadra-Coil suspension options and available locking differentials.

Comfort And Luxury:

Positioned as a more luxurious and comfortable SUV compared to earlier Jeep models, with higher trim levels offering leather interiors and premium features.

Powertrain Options:

Offered with powerful inline-6 and V8 engine options, providing strong towing and acceleration capabilities.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive maintenance and repair procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific publication, typically 1000+ pages for factory service manuals

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, ECU, sensors, wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (e.g., 42RE, 44RE) - overhaul, servicing, diagnostics, torque converter.

Drivetrain 4X4:

Transfer case (e.g., NP242, NP231), front and rear drive shafts, CV joints, differentials, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering knuckles.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, door locks, interior and exterior lighting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, interior trim, frame and unibody construction.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, diagnosis, and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, evaporative emissions control.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plugs, drive belts, hoses.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential overhauls.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain repairs.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent PDF viewers.

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and graphics for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

4.0L Inline-6

Engine 1 Displacement:

3956 cc

Engine 1 Code:

ERH

Engine 1 Hp:

190 hp @ 4750 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Name:

5.2L V8 Magnum

Engine 2 Displacement:

5211 cc

Engine 2 Code:

EMM

Engine 2 Hp:

220 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

8.75:1 (4.0L), 9.1:1 (5.2L)

Injection Type:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Model 4 0L:

42RE

Model 5 2L:

44RE

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Rare for ZG market)

Overdrive:

All automatic transmissions feature overdrive.

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac (NP242) or Command-Trac (NP231) based systems.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4808 mm (189.3 in)

Width:

1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height:

1626 mm (64.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2771 mm (109.1 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 203 mm (8.0 in) depending on tire size and suspension.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1850-2000 kg (4079-4409 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 2600 kg (5732 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 kg (7700 lbs) with appropriate tow package.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

3-star (1997 model year)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.

Four Wheel Drive:

Full-time 4X4 systems enhance traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

Body Construction:

Unibody construction with integrated crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player. Premium sound systems available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (availability varies by trim).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 4 0L:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (conventional) or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (platinum).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as specified by driving conditions (severe duty). Refer to manual for exact intervals.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for seasonal variations).

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT or HOAT coolant (Green or Orange), 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 for 42RE/44RE transmissions.

Transfer Case Fluid Spec:

ATF+3 or ATF+4 (for NP242) or generic transfer case fluid (for NP231).

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF+3 or ATF+4.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3.

Common Problems Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially 4.0L), oil filter housing leaks, thermostat housing leaks, cracking exhaust manifolds (4.0L).

Common Problems Transmission:

Slipping, delayed engagement, torque converter issues (42RE/44RE).

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links, track bar bushings.

Common Problems Electrical:

Instrument cluster failure, window motor issues, short circuits in wiring harnesses, O2 sensor failures.

Common Problems Rust:

Rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

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

Zg Introduction:

The ZG Grand Cherokee (a European/Australian market variant of the US ZJ) represents the second generation of the Grand Cherokee, introduced for the 1993 model year in the US and refined through 1998. The 1997 model year signifies a mid-cycle update.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Detroit, Michigan, USA (for ZJ). ZG designation typically applied to vehicles exported to markets outside North America.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

Consistently ranked highly by off-road publications for its capability.