🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV, known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and practicality.

Key Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Bronco, and Chevrolet Blazer in its era.

Unique Selling Points:

Renowned for its unibody construction (a significant departure from body-on-frame SUVs of the time), robust 4.0L inline-six engine, and legendary Selec-Trac or Command-Trac 4WD systems, providing excellent off-road prowess.

Primary Users:

Enthusiasts, off-roaders, and owners seeking a durable and capable vehicle for both daily driving and adventure. This manual caters to DIY mechanics and professional technicians alike.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual for Repair

Page Count:

1724

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Comprehensive coverage of 4.0L (242ci) inline-6 cylinder engine, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for all major components (cylinder head, block, crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valvetrain).

Engine Electrical:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures for ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starting and charging system, sensors, actuators, and engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Repair and overhaul procedures for the AX-15 5-speed manual transmission, including clutch system, shift linkages, and internal component specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Overhaul and diagnostic procedures for the 30RH 3-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, hydraulic circuits, and electronic controls.

Drivetrain 4Wd:

Detailed information on the Command-Trac NV242 transfer case, including operation, maintenance, and repair of its part-time 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low, and Neutral modes. Coverage for front and rear differentials, axle shafts, U-joints, and driveshafts.

Suspension:

Complete service information for the front and rear suspension systems, including leaf spring and solid axle (front and rear) design. Procedures for shock absorber replacement, ball joint inspection, control arm bushings, and steering linkage.

Brakes:

Detailed procedures for front disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads) and rear drum brakes (shoes, drums, wheel cylinders). Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) diagnostics and repair for models equipped with it. Brake bleeding procedures and specifications.

Steering:

Service and repair of the power steering system, including steering gear box, pump, hoses, and steering column. Wheel alignment specifications and procedures.

Fuel System:

Inspection, testing, and repair of the multi-point fuel injection (MPI) system, including fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.

Cooling System:

Service and maintenance of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and cooling fan (mechanical or electric). Coolant type and capacity specifications.

Exhaust System:

Inspection and replacement procedures for exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipes. Oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) testing and replacement.

Electrical Body:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, and instrument cluster. Fuses, relays, and circuit breaker locations and specifications.

HVAC:

Service and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant lines, and controls.

Body And Frame:

Procedures for body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumper service, and frame inspection. Underbody protection and rust prevention guidance.

Routine Maintenance:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, tire rotations, and lubrication points.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon vehicle issues, including check engine light (CEL) diagnosis and drivability problems.

Component Removal Installation:

Precise instructions for removing, overhauling, and reinstalling virtually every component of the vehicle, from minor sensors to major powertrain assemblies.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine overhaul procedures, including detailed specifications for all internal engine parts, torque sequences, and machining recommendations.

Transmission Rebuild:

In-depth rebuild instructions for both manual and automatic transmissions, covering all internal components and hydraulic circuits.

Brake Service Repair:

Step-by-step guides for brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake caliper service, and brake bleeding for both standard and ABS systems.

Electrical System Repair:

Detailed troubleshooting for electrical faults using wiring diagrams, including component testing and harness repair techniques.

Suspension Steering Alignment:

Procedures for replacing suspension components, adjusting steering alignment, and diagnosing steering system issues.

Body Panel Replacement:

Instructions for removing and installing body panels, doors, windows, and related hardware.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic information, including OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code explanations, sensor data interpretation, and oscilloscope usage recommendations for troubleshooting complex issues.

Specification Accuracy:

Precise torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, and tolerances for all mechanical and electrical components.

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions and guidance on using specialized diagnostic tools and equipment required for specific repair procedures and system tests.

Component Rebuilding:

Comprehensive instructions for the complete overhaul and rebuilding of major vehicle systems, including engines and transmissions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing users to quickly find specific information.

Print Quality:

Designed for clear reproduction when printed. High-resolution diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

242ci / 4.0L OHV V6

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.560 in (98.4 mm x 90.4 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower Gross:

190 hp @ 4750 RPM (approximate, may vary slightly by specific model year tuning)

Torque Gross:

225 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM (approximate, may vary slightly by specific model year tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Required:

Unleaded Gasoline, Octane Rating 87 Minimum

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized Liquid Cooling System

Oil Capacity:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 (preferred for general use), SAE 5W-30 (for extreme cold weather)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

AX-15 5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

30RH 3-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case Options:

Selec-Trac NV242 (Part-Time 2WD, Full-Time 4WD, 4WD Low) or Command-Trac NV231 (Part-Time 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) or equivalent. Capacity: 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON ATF for early AX-15 models). Capacity: 2.4 US quarts (2.3 liters)

Transfer Case Fluid:

Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON ATF). Capacity: 1.7 US quarts (1.6 liters) for NV242, 1.4 US quarts (1.3 liters) for NV231.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

169.3 inches (4300 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

63.5 inches (1613 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm) depending on tire size and suspension configuration.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 4,800 - 5,000 lbs (2177 - 2268 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific year in all categories; early SUVs had varied rating methodologies. Known for robust construction.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts. Front seat belts with pretensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced unibody structure with integrated roll bar elements designed for improved structural integrity in rollovers.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on some models, typically on all four wheels.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level (e.g., 4-speaker base, 6-speaker premium).

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with A/C. Some higher trims may have optional automatic climate control (less common).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trim levels.

Towing Features:

Towing capacity typically rated up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped with the Class III trailer tow package.

Oem Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic port, allowing for scanning of trouble codes and real-time sensor data.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or every 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually. Inspect more frequently in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with standard plugs; up to 100,000 miles with platinum or iridium plugs (if applicable, though less common for '97 4.0L).

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every 24 months. Filter replacement recommended concurrently.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months.

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent ATF DEXRON II/III for some models).

Common Failures:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially pre-late '90s models, though the '97 is generally improved), differential pinion seal leaks, transfer case chain stretch, worn leaf spring bushings, front sway bar links, and radiator leaks. Check for common exhaust manifold cracks.

Electrical Quirks:

Occasional issues with the overhead console, door lock actuators, and instrument cluster illumination can occur due to age.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep, a brand synonymous with off-road capability, has a rich history dating back to World War II with the original Willys MB. This heritage of ruggedness and adventure is embodied in the Cherokee XJ.

Xj Generation:

The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, revolutionized the SUV market with its unibody construction. The 1997 model year represents a significant facelift and update to the second generation (XJ Facelift II) with updated styling, interior, and powertrain refinements.

Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America), continued production elsewhere for longer.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Acclaim:

Consistently recognized for its off-road capabilities and segment-defining design. Often cited as one of the most capable compact SUVs of its era.