Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Key Selling Points:
Off-road capability, comfortable ride, spacious interior, premium features
Competitors 1997:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Engine Options:
Available with two V8 engine options and one inline-6 engine option
Drivetrain:
Available in 2WD (RWD) and 4WD configurations with various transfer case options
Interior Appointments:
Leather seating, power seats, premium audio systems, and available sunroof
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic), Transfer Case, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/Non-ABS), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Ignition, Instrumentation, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), HVAC, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors)
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seating
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit Testing, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair, Interior Component Repair
Installation:
Component Installation and Replacement (e.g., Alternator, Starter, Water Pump, Suspension Arms)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, basic diagnostics, in-depth troubleshooting, complete repair procedures, and component overhaul
Engine 1 Type:
4.0L (3956cc) I6 Power-Tech SE
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Aluminum Heads
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 3.02 in (95.2 mm x 76.7 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4750 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Engine 1 Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Engine 1 Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Engine 1 Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A, SAE 10W-30 (preferred), SAE 5W-30 (for colder climates)
Engine 2 Type:
5.2L (5211cc) V8 Magnum
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Cast Iron Heads
Engine 2 Horsepower:
220 hp @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Engine 2 Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A, SAE 10W-30 (preferred), SAE 5W-30 (for colder climates)
Engine 3 Type:
5.9L (5900cc) V8 Magnum
Engine 3 Configuration:
V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), Cast Iron Block, Cast Iron Heads
Engine 3 Horsepower:
242 hp @ 4800 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3 Fuel Induction:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 3 Oil Capacity:
7 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter
Engine 3 Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A, SAE 10W-30 (preferred), SAE 5W-30 (for colder climates)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE for I6 and 5.2L V8; 46RE for 5.9L V8)
Optional Transmission:
None (Automatic was standard for 1997)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac NV242 (full-time 4WD with 2WD mode), Command-Trac NV244 (part-time 4WD with 2WD mode - less common on higher trims)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Re:
Approximately 9 quarts (8.5 liters) for a full refill
Transmission Fluid Type 46Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 46Re:
Approximately 11 quarts (10.4 liters) for a full refill
Wheelbase:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Length:
189.4 inches (4811 mm)
Width:
72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 4200 lbs (1905 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 4700 lbs (2132 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package
Wheelbase 4Wd:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Wheelbase 2Wd:
113.0 inches (2870 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 33.5 cu ft (949 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 74.5 cu ft (2110 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1997 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1997 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
N/A (testing not performed for all models/years)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
N/A (testing not performed for all models/years)
ABS:
Standard on all models (4-wheel disc with ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, height-adjustable shoulder belts
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard, top tether anchors available on rear seats
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specifics)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km), more frequently under severe service conditions
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (50,000-80,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement I6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Common Problems I6:
Head gasket leaks (particularly the 4.0L I6), valve cover gasket leaks, oil filter adapter O-ring leaks
Common Problems V8:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, valve seal issues, oil pan gasket leaks
Common Problems Transmission:
Transmission solenoid failures, cracked transmission cooler lines (especially those routed near exhaust components)
Common Problems Electrical:
Faulty power window motors, intermittent gauge operation, issues with the Central Timer Module (CTM)
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn ball joints, worn control arm bushings, leaking shock absorbers/struts
Common Problems Cooling System:
Leaking radiator, failed water pump, faulty radiator fan clutch
Jeep Heritage:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II with robust off-road vehicles.
Zj Generation:
Second generation of the Grand Cherokee (ZJ series, 1993-1998)
1997 Model Year Changes:
Minor updates, potential introduction of new features or trim levels. This generation marked the move to a unibody construction for improved ride and handling.
Manufacturing Plant:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Years Zj:
1993-1998
Jeep Grand Cherokee Awards:
The ZJ Grand Cherokee was generally well-received for its luxury and off-road capabilities, often praised for its refinement compared to previous Jeep models and competing SUVs.
Industry Ratings:
Consistently ranked among the better SUVs in its class for ride comfort and interior amenities during its production run.