🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1997

Drivetrain:

4x4

Steering Side:

Left-Hand Drive (LHD)

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Category:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Appeal:

Renowned for its robust off-road capability, ruggedness, and reliability. A popular choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

Competitors 1997:

Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer.

Off Road Capability:

Command-Trac NV231 or Selec-Trac NV242 transfer cases, solid front axle (pre-1999), strong unibody construction.

Durability:

Proven powertrain and chassis designed for demanding use.

Practicality:

Spacious interior for its class, good cargo capacity, and relatively compact exterior dimensions.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 1997 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 (LHD).

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Transfer Case, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams included), HVAC, Body & Chassis.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 (typical for a full factory service manual)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed repair procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, component replacement, timing, lubrication, and cooling systems.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), sensors, actuators, starter, alternator, and troubleshooting for engine control module (ECM).

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair for manual gearboxes, clutch system, and related components.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair for automatic transmissions, torque converter, and shift control mechanisms.

Transfer Case:

Service and repair for the 4x4 transfer case, including operation, maintenance, and overhaul.

Drivetrain Axles:

Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, drive shafts, and U-joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, and steering gear/rack and pinion.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or rear disc if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake, and ABS (if applicable).

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, and fuel injection system components.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipes.

Electrical System General:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, and accessories.

Electrical System Wiring:

Complete color-coded wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Body Interior:

Interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, and related components.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, and glass replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections, and general tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, axle repair, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system overhaul, and electrical system repairs.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor vehicle components.

Diagnostics:

In-depth diagnostic trees and procedures for electrical and mechanical systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagrams.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Abundant exploded views, schematic diagrams, and step-by-step illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (242 cu in) OHV

Engine Code 1:

242 (AMC 4.0L)

Bore Stroke 1:

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

Compression Ratio 1:

8.8:1

Horsepower 1:

190 hp @ 4750 rpm

Torque 1:

225 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

Engine Type 2:

2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder (150 cu in) OHV

Engine Code 2:

150 (AMC/Chrysler)

Horsepower 2:

125 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque 2:

150 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (Aisin AX-15)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (Chrysler 30+2 / 32RH)

Transfer Case Manual Option:

NV231 Command-Trac (Part-time 4WD)

Transfer Case Automatic Option:

NV242 Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD selectable)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

172.5 in (4382 mm)

Width:

70.2 in (1783 mm)

Height:

63.7 in (1618 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.4 in (2576 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.7 in (221 mm) depending on tire size

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 33.5 cu ft (949 L)

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 69.0 cu ft (1954 L)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg)

Towing Capacity Max:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Side Impact:

Not extensively tested or rated by NHTSA for this specific year/configuration in readily available data.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or all four wheels on later models.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in the front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System.

Power Windows Locks:

Optional depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (automatic) or as specified for manual.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (conventional vs. long-life).

Engine Oil Type 4.0L:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 in extreme cold)

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Ax15:

GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF+3 (or equivalent)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 (or equivalent)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.0L engines), cracked cylinder heads (less common on 1997+), rust in common areas (rocker panels, rear quarter panels, unibody rails), door hinge wear, front sway bar links, and dashboard cracking/warping.

Electrical Gremlins:

Can occur due to age; proper wiring diagnosis is crucial.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Building on the legacy of Jeep's military origins and rugged off-road reputation.

Xj Generation:

Second generation of the Cherokee XJ, produced from 1984-2001. The 1997 model year marked a significant refresh.

1997 Updates:

Revised interior, new dashboard design, updated exterior styling (new grille, headlights, bumpers), improved aerodynamics, driver and passenger airbags, and optional ABS.

Production Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Years:

1984-2001 (XJ platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Magazine Awards:

Jeep Cherokee XJ consistently recognized by off-road publications for its capability and durability.