🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Generation Code:

XJ

Model Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ (1997) represented a significant refresh for the venerable XJ platform, offering improved styling and more refined features. It remained a dominant force in the compact SUV segment, prized for its off-road capability and rugged construction.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Blazer in the compact to mid-size SUV market.

Features:

Renowned for its unibody construction, excellent off-road performance with its Command-Trac and optional Selec-Trac 4WD systems, and the robust 4.0L inline-6 engine.

Value:

This digital service repair manual provides comprehensive, in-depth information critical for maintaining and repairing the 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ, empowering owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

4.0L inline-6 (242 ci) OHV, 2.5L inline-4 (150 ci) OHV

Transmission Coverage:

AX-5, AX-15, NV231/NV242 Transfer Case, AW-4 Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Coverage:

2WD and 4WD systems, Dana 30 front axle, Chrysler 8.25 rear axle, AMC 20 rear axle (late models)

Suspension Coverage:

Leaf spring rear suspension, Coil spring front suspension with various axle configurations

Braking System Coverage:

Front disc, rear drum; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for applicable models

Electrical System Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays

Body And Chassis Coverage:

Exterior panels, interior trim, seating, glass, doors, body repair, rust prevention

HVAC Coverage:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser

Fuel System Coverage:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)

Cooling System Coverage:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans, coolant types

Exhaust System Coverage:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

Steering And Alignment Coverage:

Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, alignment specifications

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, ignition timing, fuel injection, emission controls, engine diagnostics

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission overhaul, manual transmission repair, transfer case service

Chassis Systems:

Suspension component replacement, steering gear repair, axle assembly maintenance

Brake Systems:

Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS component testing

Electrical Systems:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, module diagnosis

Body Systems:

Door panel removal, glass replacement, body panel alignment, weatherstripping

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, water pump), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting flowcharts for various symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, component testing

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions

Adjustment Procedures:

Idle speed adjustment, parking brake adjustment, belt tension adjustment

Calibration Procedures:

ABS sensor calibration, throttle position sensor (TPS) reset (if applicable)

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine repairs, advanced diagnostics, and complete unit overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text enabled

Printability:

Printable pages

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L (3956cc) Inline-6 OHV, 12-valve

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.570 in (98.4 mm x 90.7 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

185 hp @ 4,700 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Engine 2:

2.5L (2460cc) Inline-4 OHV, 8-valve (AMC 150)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.88 in x 3.25 in (98.5 mm x 82.5 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

125 hp @ 4,800 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

150 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Fuel Delivery 4.0L:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery 2.5L:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) - specific part numbers vary by engine and emissions package

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Manual

Manual Transmission Model:

AX-5 (4-cyl), AX-15 (6-cyl)

Automatic Transmission Model:

AW-4 (4-speed automatic)

Transfer Case Options:

NV231 (Command-Trac, part-time 4WD), NV242 (Selec-Trac, full-time 4WD option)

Aw-4 Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler Mopar specification)

Ax-5 Ax-15 Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 recommended)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.4 inches (2626 mm)

Length:

167.5 inches (4255 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

63.7 inches (1618 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm) (varies with suspension)

Curb Weight Min:

3,350 lbs (1520 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

3,750 lbs (1700 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4,750 lbs (2155 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

33.5 cu ft (0.95 cu m)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

70.4 cu ft (1.99 cu m)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4/5 stars (for 1997 models)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, three-point rear seat belts

Body Type:

Unibody construction

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and optional CD player.

Speaker Configuration:

Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker system.

Cruise Control:

Available cruise control system.

Instrument Cluster:

Standard analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Optional compass and outside temperature display in rearview mirror for some trims.

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity features by modern standards. Power windows and locks were optional on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (5,000 to 12,000 km), depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) with standard spark plugs, up to 100,000 miles with platinum/iridium plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on usage. Manual transmissions typically have longer intervals.

Engine Oil 4.0L:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended; check manual for ambient temperature viscosity charts. API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL classification.

Engine Oil 2.5L:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended. API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL classification.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (green type) for mixed-metal engines. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issue 1:

Radiator leaks (plastic tanks).

Common Issue 2:

Head gasket failure on the 4.0L engine (often exacerbated by overheating).

Common Issue 3:

Cracked exhaust manifolds on the 4.0L engine.

Common Issue 4:

Leaf spring axle wrap/sag due to heavy use or wear.

Common Issue 5:

Power steering pump whine or leaks.

Common Issue 6:

Interior trim pieces can become brittle and crack over time.

Schedule Reference:

Detailed mileage and time-based maintenance schedules are provided for all major components and systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing heritage in rugged, off-road vehicles, dating back to its military origins in World War II.

Xj Introduction:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was introduced in 1984, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction, a departure from traditional body-on-frame SUVs. The 1997 model year marked a significant mid-cycle refresh.

Xj 1997 Refresh:

Key changes for 1997 included revised exterior styling (new front and rear fascias, updated grille, revised headlights), a redesigned interior with a new dashboard and improved ergonomics, and updated powertrain options.

Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America)

Production Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine Award:

Often cited by off-road enthusiasts and publications for its capability and durability.

Value Retention:

Known for strong resale value, particularly well-maintained examples, due to its enduring popularity and off-road prowess.