🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee

Model Code:

XJ

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle

Key Selling Points:

Renowned off-road capability, rugged construction, reliable powertrains, practical utility.

Competitors 1997:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.

Design Philosophy:

Body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road performance, unibody construction for the XJ offered a lighter, more fuel-efficient, and car-like ride.

Off Road Heritage:

Inherits Jeep's legendary off-road DNA with robust 4x4 systems and solid axle options (though front axle changed to Dana 30 for XJ).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Service and Repair

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and Advanced DIY Enthusiasts

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU/PCM).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic and Manual Transmissions (e.g., AW4, NV3550), Transfer Case (e.g., NP231), Driveshafts, Axles (Dana 30 front, Chrysler 8.25 rear), Wheel Hubs.

Chassis Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring Rear, Coil Spring Front), Steering System, Wheel Bearings, Control Arms, Shock Absorbers, Springs.

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (or optional Rear Disc), Hydraulic System, Parking Brake, ABS (if equipped).

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostics.

Body Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Power Accessories (windows, locks), Bumpers.

Maintenance:

Fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement.

Repair:

Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, gaskets), transmission overhaul, axle assembly repair, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault codes and their meanings, component testing procedures.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, component clearances, timing specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, schematics.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, digitally searchable PDF for easy navigation and printing.

Print Ability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Format Characteristic:

N/A (Digital Download)

Format Characteristic:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4.0L Inline-6 (High Output)

Displacement:

3960 cc (242 cubic inches)

Configuration:

OHV, Inline 6-Cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.414 in (98.4 mm x 86.7 mm)

Horsepower Est:

185 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque Est:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane

Engine Code 2:

2.5L 4-Cylinder (AMC 150)

Displacement 2:

2500 cc (150 cubic inches)

Horsepower Est 2:

125 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Est 2:

150 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

AW4 (Automatic, 4-Speed)

Transmission Type 2:

NV3550 (Manual, 5-Speed)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac NV231 (Part-Time, 2-Speed) or Selec-Trac NV242 (Full-Time, 2-Speed) optional.

Aw4 Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Mopar)

Nv3550 Fluid Type:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent 75W-90 GL-3/GL-4.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

165.3 inches (4200 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

63.4 inches (1610 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Ground Clearance Est:

7.7 inches (196 mm) - 8.1 inches (206 mm) depending on configuration.

Curb Weight Est:

3,200 - 3,500 lbs (1451 - 1588 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

4,500 - 5,000 lbs (2041 - 2268 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3-star (estimated for this era, official ratings may vary or be unavailable for specific years).

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 2-point rear seat belts (later models may have 3-point). Roll bar structure integrated into body.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many trims, optional on base models.

Diagnostics Port:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) connector, allowing for advanced scan tool diagnostics, crucial for modern repair.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (50,000 - 100,000 km) or as per manual's specific recommendations.

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (50,000 - 80,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

10W-30 or 10W-40 for 4.0L I6; 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 2.5L I4 (check manual for exact specs and ambient temperature ranges).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0L I6: 6 US quarts (5.7 Liters); 2.5L I4: 5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green color for this era) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.

Coolant Capacity Est:

Approximately 10-12 US quarts (9.5-11.4 Liters).

Common Issues Engine:

Head gasket leaks (especially early 4.0L models), oil filter adapter seal leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds (4.0L I6), distributor O-ring leaks.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn leaf springs (rear sag), worn control arm bushings, ball joint wear (on Dana 30 front axle).

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty blower motor resistor, intermittent dashboard lights, failure of instrument cluster components, PCM issues.

Common Issues Body:

Rust (especially on rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels), tailgate hinges, door lock actuators.

Common Issues Transmission:

AW4 transmission often develops harsh shifting or fails to engage due to solenoid issues or torque converter clutch problems. NV3550 can have clutch issues or internal wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.

Xj Generation:

The XJ Cherokee, introduced in 1984, was a revolutionary vehicle, being the first compact SUV with unibody construction. The 1997 model year represents a significant facelift and update to the second generation of the XJ.

Updates 1997:

Major exterior redesign with new front and rear fascias, updated interior with a revised dashboard and improved ergonomics, improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels, new HVAC system, potential for improved safety features.

Production Years:

1984 - 2001

Manufacturing Location:

USA (Toledo, Ohio)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The Jeep Cherokee XJ is widely regarded as one of the most capable and iconic compact SUVs ever produced, earning accolades for its blend of utility, off-road prowess, and durability. Often cited in 'best SUVs of all time' lists.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered a reliable vehicle, particularly the 4.0L inline-6 engine, though age-related maintenance is critical.