Positioning:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ is a highly regarded compact SUV known for its off-road capability, ruggedness, and versatility. This manual serves owners and enthusiasts who prefer DIY maintenance and repairs on this iconic model.
Competitors 1997:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer.
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its unibody construction offering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road prowess, robust 4.0L inline-six engine, and legendary Jeep four-wheel-drive systems.
User Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs themselves, saving money and ensuring work quality. Essential for preserving the vehicle's performance and longevity.
Coverage:
All service and repair procedures
Pages:
Detailed page count not specified in product description, typically 1500-2500+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, driveline components.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, ABS, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical system, lighting, instruments, HVAC, power accessories, charging system, starting system, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, structural components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, common fault diagnosis.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Format:
Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchable text is a common feature of such manuals.
Quality:
High-resolution digital scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and images.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine 1:
4.0L (242 cu in) Inline 6-cylinder OHV 12-valve (Power-Tech Six)
Engine 1 Code:
ERH (AMC 242)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 3.575 in (98.4 mm x 90.8 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
185 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine 2:
2.5L (150 cu in) Inline 4-cylinder OHV 8-valve (AMC 150)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
121 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 AKI) or higher for 4.0L, 87 octane for 2.5L.
Transmission Standard:
4-speed Automatic (42RE for 4.0L, 30RH for 2.5L)
Transmission Optional:
5-speed Manual (AX-15 for 4.0L, NV1500 for 2.5L)
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac NV231 (Part-time, 2WD High, 4WD High, Neutral, 4WD Low) or Selec-Trac NP242 (Full-time, Part-time, Neutral, 4WD Low) options.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent specification, check manual for specific fluid type).
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
GL-3 or GL-4 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific type and capacity).
Wheelbase:
103.4 inches (2626 mm)
Length:
166.9 inches (4239 mm)
Width:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Height:
63.5 inches (1613 mm)
Curb Weight Est 2 5L:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg)
Curb Weight Est 4 0L:
Approx. 3450-3700 lbs (1565-1678 kg)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper towing package and engine.
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
33.5 cu ft (0.95 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
71.2 cu ft (2.02 m³)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Score 2001 Update:
4/5 stars (based on later model year data, though XJ structure remained consistent).
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels, or 4-wheel ABS available.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 for 4.0L; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 2.5L. Check manual for specific viscosity and API rating.
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Green or Gold coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified).
Engine 4 0L:
Cracking of cylinder head (especially earlier models, less common on '97+ but still possible), lifter tick, oil filter adapter housing leaks.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, leaf spring bushings, and sway bar links are common due to age and off-road use.
Electrical:
Sagging headliner, intermittent gauge cluster operation, failing window regulators, fuel pump relay issues.
Body Rust:
Rocker panels, floor pans, and rear quarter panels are susceptible to rust, especially in areas with road salt.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II, renowned for its rugged, go-anywhere vehicles.
Xj Introduction:
The Cherokee XJ was first introduced in 1984, pioneering the compact SUV segment with its unibody construction.
Xj Generations:
This 1997 model falls within the second generation of the XJ, which ran from 1991-2001, featuring significant updates in the mid-90s, including revised interiors and powertrains.
Production Period:
1984-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
