🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV/Off-road Vehicle

Reputation:

Renowned for its off-road capability, durability, and distinctive styling. A legendary nameplate in the SUV segment.

Competitors:

Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero

Strengths:

Robust powertrain options, solid axle suspension (rear), excellent off-road articulation, compact yet capable size, strong aftermarket support.

Unique Selling Points:

The XJ's unibody construction was a pioneering design in its class, offering a lighter and more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs, while retaining exceptional off-road prowess.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 Pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Authorized Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4.0L Inline-6 (OHV), 2.5L 4-Cylinder (OHV), Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emission controls, engine diagnostics, performance tuning

Transmission:

4-speed Automatic (AW4/42RE), 5-speed Manual (AX-15/NV3550), Clutch, torque converter, transmission overhaul, service, adjustments, diagnostics

Drivetrain:

Front Axle (Dana 30), Rear Axle (Chrysler 8.25, Dana 35), Transfer Case (NP231, NP242), Driveshafts, U-joints, differentials, 4WD system operation and service

Suspension:

Front Leaf Spring and Solid Axle (early models), Front Coil Spring and Solid Axle (later XJ), Rear Leaf Spring, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, steering angle sensor (if applicable)

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake bleeding procedures

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, ignition system, engine control module (ECM), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, components, operation, troubleshooting, refrigerant handling

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, seals, glass replacement, body repair procedures

Chassis:

Frame construction, body mounts, corrosion protection

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Detailed repair instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustment

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, and axle overhaul procedures with torque specifications and tolerances

Installation:

Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, high-quality wiring schematics for all electrical systems

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, fuel injector diagnosis and cleaning, fuel tank service.

Exhaust System Service:

Catalytic converter replacement, muffler and pipe replacement, oxygen sensor diagnosis and replacement.

Cooling System Service:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant flush and fill procedures, heater core service.

Tire Wheel Specifications:

Recommended tire sizes (e.g., P215/75R15, P225/75R15), wheel bolt patterns (5x4.5 inches or 5x114.3mm), torque specifications.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque specifications for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Detailed 'No Start', 'Rough Running', 'No Power', 'No Brakes' type troubleshooting flowcharts.

Body And Trim Removal:

Instructions for removing interior panels, exterior trim pieces, bumpers, and body components.

Chassis And Frame Inspection:

Guidelines for inspecting the unibody structure for damage or corrosion.

Depth:

Expert-level, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of special tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams for easy reading and printing.

Binding:

Digital Download (Instant Access)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L OHV "PowerTech" Inline-6

Engine 2:

2.5L OHV 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

3956 cc (242 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.58 in (98.4 mm x 91 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.7:1

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Displacement:

2469 cc (151 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

125 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for both engines

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECM:

Chrysler Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Std:

5-speed Manual Transmission (AX-15 or NV3550 depending on build date)

Transmission Opt:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AW4 or 42RE)

Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter, electronic control (on later 42RE variants)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated clutch

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

176.9 inches (4493 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

63.4 inches (1610 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm) at lowest point (approx.)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300-3600 lbs (1497-1633 kg) depending on configuration

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

35.9 cu ft (1017 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

71.3 cu ft (2019 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not rated (vehicle designed prior to more stringent NHTSA testing standards for this era)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not rated (vehicle designed prior to more stringent NHTSA testing standards for this era)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, optional on all four wheels on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional on some models.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (later models may have 3-point rear belts)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio with cassette player or optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Gauges:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter. Warning lights for brake, seatbelt, check engine, etc.

ABS:

Optional ABS system, primarily focused on preventing wheel lock-up during braking.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. No Bluetooth, USB, or navigation typically factory installed. May have power windows, power locks, and cruise control depending on trim.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact recommendations).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-97,000 km) for automatic, depending on usage. Manual transmission fluid inspection as per manual.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or higher. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 5W-30 for the 4.0L engine (refer to manual for temperature variations). SAE 10W-30 for the 2.5L.

Transmission Fluid Auto Spec:

ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Manual Spec:

Refer to manual, typically GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil for AX-15, GL-4 for NV3550.

Coolant Spec:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.0L engines with 7120 head), cracked cylinder heads (later 4.0L engines), exhaust manifold cracks, radiator leaks, water pump failures, power steering pump issues, worn leaf spring bushings, rear main seal leaks, rust (particularly on unibody frame rails and rocker panels).

Electrical Quirks:

Intermittent electrical gremlins due to aging wiring harnesses, faulty grounds, and sensor failures are not uncommon.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

Jeep, a division of Chrysler Corporation (at the time), has a storied history rooted in WWII military vehicles.

Generation:

Second Generation XJ (1984-2001). The 1997 model represents a significant facelift and update to the XJ platform, including revised exterior styling, updated interior, and refinements to powertrain and chassis.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Years:

1984-2001

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine:

Frequently lauded by off-road publications for its trail capability and durability.

Automotive Journalism:

Often cited for its pioneering role in the compact SUV market and its enduring legacy.

Emission Standards:

Complies with U.S. Federal emission standards for 1997 model year.