Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, general consumers seeking rugged utility, owners focused on long-term maintenance.
Competitors:
Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust 4x4 system (Selec-Trac/Command-Trac), durable inline-6 engine, legendary off-road capability, compact and maneuverable size.
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative and complete guide for maintaining and repairing the iconic XJ, empowering owners to perform a wide range of services.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance for the 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Specific Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Emissions Control.
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
4.0L (242 ci) Inline-6 OHV, 2.5L (150 ci) Inline-4 OHV. Includes diagnosis, repair, overhaul procedures, and specifications.
Transmission:
AX-15, NV3550 (5-speed Manual), AW-4 (4-speed Automatic), 32RH (3-speed Automatic). Includes service, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
NP231 Command-Trac Transfer Case, Dana 30 Front Axle, Dana 35c Rear Axle. Includes service, repair, and rebuilding.
Suspension:
Front: Leaf spring solid axle, Rear: Leaf spring solid axle. Includes steering components, shock absorbers, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front: Disc, Rear: Drum. Includes ABS system components (if equipped), hydraulic system, and service procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Frame construction, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, and associated hardware.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system, and climate controls.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emissions system.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and fan clutch.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and complex issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-II compliant).
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including disassembly, inspection, part replacement, and reassembly.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, and other critical technical data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits, including component locations.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using basic hand tools and diagnostic equipment for troubleshooting.
Engine 1:
4.0L (242 cubic inch) Inline-6 OHV
Engine 1 Displacement:
242 cu in / 3956 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 x 3.575 in (98.4 x 90.8 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.7:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
185 hp @ 4700 rpm (estimated)
Engine 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (estimated)
Engine 2:
2.5L (150 cubic inch) Inline-4 OHV
Engine 2 Displacement:
150 cu in / 2464 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
125 hp @ 4600 rpm (estimated)
Engine 2 Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for 4.0L, Distributor ignition for 2.5L
Transmission Manual:
AX-15 (5-speed Manual) - common with 4.0L
Transmission Automatic 1:
AW-4 (4-speed Automatic) - common with 4.0L
Transmission Automatic 2:
32RH (3-speed Automatic) - common with 2.5L
Transfer Case Standard:
NP231 Command-Trac (Part-time 2WD/4WD)
Transfer Case Optional:
Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD option)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent) for AW-4 and 32RH
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated in a comparable format to modern standards, but generally considered robust for its era.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not rated in a comparable format to modern standards, but generally considered robust for its era.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners, lap belts in rear.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette stereo, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
ABS:
As mentioned in safety, optional ABS system.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; no integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity. Primarily for diagnostic port access (OBD-II).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or annually. Manual: As per manual recommendation (typically longer).
Spark Plug Replacement:
4.0L: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum plugs. 2.5L: Varies by plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 4.0L. Consult manual for 2.5L.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter. 2.5L: 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Common Problems:
Head gasket issues (4.0L, especially older ones), heater core leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), differential leaks, aging suspension bushings, electrical connector corrosion.
Manual Utility For Issues:
Provides diagnostic procedures and repair instructions specifically for these common XJ issues.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and durability.
Xj Introduction:
The XJ Cherokee was revolutionary for its time, introducing the unibody construction to SUVs, offering a lighter and more car-like ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Xj Generation:
This is part of the second generation (1997-2001) of the XJ, which received a significant facelift including a redesigned interior and exterior, new front fascia, and updated powertrain options.
Production Years:
1984-2001 (Globally); 1997-2001 for this specific facelifted generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA