Jeep Cherokee XJ Service Repair Manual 1997-1999

Regular price: $16.99
Sale price: $16.99
Regular price
Unit price: per

🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee XJ Years Covered: 1997, 1998, 1999 Codes Chassis Code: XJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle Reputation: Renowned...

15 people are viewing this right now

Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 311420

Tags: 1997 1998 1999 Car Cars Cherokee XJ Jeep Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999

Codes

Chassis Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Compact SUV, Sport Utility Vehicle

Reputation:

Renowned for its off-road capability, ruggedness, and versatility. A popular choice for adventure enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco (early models), Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer

Key Features

Design:

Unibody construction (unique for its era and segment), compact size, excellent approach/departure angles, robust drivetrain options.

Manual Utility:

Essential resource for owners seeking to maintain, repair, and understand their Jeep Cherokee XJ, enabling DIY service and informed professional repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Main Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typical for factory service manuals covering multiple model years and systems)

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (High Output), 2.5L 4-Cylinder

Transmission:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic, AX-15 5-Speed Manual, NV3550 5-Speed Manual

Drivetrain:

Command-Trac (NP231) Transfer Case, Selec-Trac (NP242) Transfer Case, Dana 30 Front Axle, Dana 35 Rear Axle (C-clip and non-C-clip variations), Chrysler 8.25 Rear Axle

Suspension:

Front Leaf Spring Suspension (early XJ), Front Coil Spring Suspension (XJ from 1984 onwards, including covered years), Rear Leaf Spring Suspension

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes (Vented Rotor), Rear Drum Brakes (Standard), Optional Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Electrical:

Complete Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting Systems, Power Accessories, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, ECU/PCM Operation

Body:

Body Panel Removal/Installation, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, HVAC System, Body Control Module (BCM) if applicable

Cooling System:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Fan Clutch, Coolant Specifications

Fuel System:

Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Lines, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Gear, Steering Column, Linkages

HVAC:

Air Conditioning System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Controls, Refrigerant Specifications

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnosis, Component Testing

Repair Rebuild:

Engine Component Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Differential Rebuilds, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement

Diagnostics:

Electrical System Diagnosis, Fuel System Diagnosis, Engine Performance Diagnostics, ABS Diagnostics

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of required specialized tools

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and legible diagrams.

Printable:

Printable pages for easy workshop use.

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine 1:

4.0L (242 ci) Inline 6-Cylinder 'High Output'

Engine 1 Power:

Approx. 190-193 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 220-230 lb-ft @ 3000-3200 rpm

Secondary Engine

Engine 2:

2.5L (150 ci) Inline 4-Cylinder

Engine 2 Power:

Approx. 125 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Performance

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel System

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System

Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for 4.0L, Distributor with Electronic Control for 2.5L

Cooling System

Capacity 4.0L:

Approx. 11.3 quarts (10.7 liters)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-7170) or equivalent (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and deionized water)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission

Type 1:

42RE 4-Speed Automatic

Fluid Type 42Re:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent

Capacity 42Re:

Approx. 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters)

Optional Transmission

Type 2:

AX-15 5-Speed Manual (earlier models, may be present in early 1997)

Fluid Type Ax15:

MS-9417 (Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant) or equivalent (e.g., 75W-90 synthetic gear oil)

Type 3:

NV3550 5-Speed Manual (later models, common in 1997+)

Fluid Type Nv3550:

MS-9417 (Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant) or equivalent (e.g., 75W-90 synthetic gear oil)

Features

Transfer Cases:

Command-Trac (NP231) part-time 2-speed, Selec-Trac (NP242) full-time 2-speed with 2WD option

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) for NP231/NP242

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

Approx. 164.3 inches (4173 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.7 inches (1618 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 101.4 inches (2575 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Varies by trim and tire size, typically 8-10 inches (203-254 mm) at the lowest point.

Cargo

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33.5 cu ft (949 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1954 liters)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1451 - 1633 kg), varies by configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,650 - 5,000 lbs (2109 - 2268 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment (4.0L engine, Class III hitch)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - 1997 model

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (1997-2001 models generally)

Active Features

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels (rear disc models) or rear-wheel ABS.

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced unibody structure, consideration of center of gravity.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls with air conditioning (optional) and heating.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Available cruise control.

Connectivity

Power Accessories:

Available power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:

Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) using platinum or iridium plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, or more frequently under severe use.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Weight:

10W-30 for 4.0L, 5W-30 for 2.5L (refer to manual for precise details and conditions).

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

Approx. 6 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, check manual for specific recommendation.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent, check manual.

Known Issues

Common Wear Items:

Water pump, thermostat, radiator, fan clutch, U-joints, leaf spring bushings, track bar bushings.

Engine Related:

Cracked cylinder head (common on earlier 4.0L engines, less so on later ones but still possible), intake manifold gasket leaks.

Transmission Related:

Intermittent overdrive issues or solenoid failures in the 42RE automatic transmission.

Electrical Related:

Headlight switch issues, neutral safety switch failures (automatic transmission).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Brand:

Jeep, a brand with a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to World War II.

Model Evolution

Xj Generation:

Second Generation (facelifted) XJ, first introduced in 1984.

1997 Updates:

Significant exterior and interior refresh: new dashboard, updated front and rear fascia, improved aerodynamics, revised suspension components, introduction of the NV3550 manual transmission.

Production

Production Period:

1984-2001 (North America)

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Significance:

The Cherokee XJ is credited with popularizing the compact SUV segment and setting the standard for unibody SUV construction.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Industry Acclaim:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ, throughout its lifespan and particularly its later generations, has consistently been lauded by automotive publications for its off-road prowess and durability.

Cult Following:

Developed a strong enthusiast following for its go-anywhere capability and aftermarket support.