Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Jeep Cherokee XJ owners, mechanics, off-road enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer.
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its off-road capability, durable construction, and iconic styling, the XJ pioneered the compact SUV segment.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving money and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep, understanding complex systems.
Vehicle Model Years:
1997
Engine Variants:
All 1997 XJ models (e.g., 4.0L Inline-6, 2.5L Inline-4)
Trim Levels:
All 1997 XJ trim levels (e.g., Sport, Classic, Country)
Approximate Pages:
Hundreds (exact count not specified, but described as 'complete' and allowing full printing)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (EFI, ignition), exhaust system, fuel system, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer case, drivelines, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, coil springs, leaf springs, steering linkage), brakes (front discs, rear drums, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers/washers, horn, comfort controls (HVAC), power windows/locks, audio systems, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body construction, doors, windows, latches, hinges, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, bumpers, frame/unibody structure.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, adjustments, fluid capacities, diagnostic data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance and adjustments to complete engine, transmission, and driveline overhauls and advanced electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Option 1:
4.0L (242 ci) Inline-6 OHV
Engine Option 2:
2.5L (150 ci) Inline-4 OHV (AMC 150)
4.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 185 hp @ 4700 rpm
4.0L Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
2.5L Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm
2.5L Torque:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 87)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant OAT or HOAT, or equivalent).
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW4 for 4.0L, 30RH for 4.0L/2.5L)
Transmission Option 2:
5-speed Manual (e.g., AX-15 for 4.0L, NV1500 for 2.5L/4.0L)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific manual for exact designation for 1997)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear lubricant, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specific viscosity depends on transmission model).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1997 model year, according to some sources, but check specific report)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1997 model year, according to some sources, but check specific report)
ABS:
Available (standard on some higher trims, optional on others).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic temperature control on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Available.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on select trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by oil change indicator (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection/conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (standard copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 for most climates (check manual for specific temperature ranges).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11-12 US quarts (10.4-11.4 L).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (check manual for exact specification).
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, leaf spring bushings, radiator, water pump, alternator, fuel pump.
Engine Specific:
4.0L: 'Cylinder head tick' (cracking), oil filter housing leaks; 2.5L: Timing chain noise.
Electrical Issues:
Grounding issues, PDC (Power Distribution Center) corrosion, intermittent warning lights.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII Willys Jeeps.
Xj Introduction:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ was introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction.
Xj Redesign:
The 1997 model year represents a significant mid-cycle refresh for the XJ, including updated exterior styling, interior enhancements, and powertrain refinements.
Production Span:
1984-2001 (North America)
Assembly Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Offroad Magazine:
Consistently ranked highly by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.
Fourwheeler Magazine:
Recognized as a significant vehicle in the SUV and off-road landscape by magazines like Four Wheeler.
Manual Quality:
Official Factory Service Manual, implying adherence to OEM standards for repair procedures and specifications.
