🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Generation Code:

ZJ

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a capable, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV with strong off-road heritage.

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery.

Design Philosophy:

Blend of rugged Jeep capability with increasing on-road refinement and luxury features.

Powertrain Options:

Powerful V8 engine option, available 4x4 systems.

Interior Comfort:

Spacious interior, available leather seating, premium audio options.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Parts Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, implied by description for technicians)

Page Count:

Estimated 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive parts manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Engine blocks, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, cooling system, lubrication system, intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel injection system components, ignition system components, emission control components.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RE, 44RE), transfer case components (e.g., NP242 Selec-Trac, NP231 Command-Trac), drive shafts, U-joints, differentials (front and rear), axles, CV joints.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (control arms, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shocks/struts), steering gear, steering column components, power steering system components.

Braking System:

Brake rotors, brake pads, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake components, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components.

Electrical System:

Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, switches, lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), alternator, starter motor, battery components, sensors, powertrain control module (PCM) related connectors.

Body Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, tailgate), bumpers, grilles, trim pieces, mirrors, glass, seals, latches, hinges, roof rack components.

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard components, door panels, carpeting, headliner, seat belts, interior trim, HVAC vents, center console components, audio system components (bezels, mounts), airbag system components.

HVAC System:

Evaporator, condenser, blower motor, heater core, control panels, ducting, refrigerant lines.

Parts Identification:

Detailed diagrams with exploded views of all major assemblies and sub-assemblies, clearly labeling each part with its corresponding part number.

Parts Supersession:

Information on superseded part numbers, indicating when an older part has been replaced by a newer design or manufacturing process.

Assembly Disassembly Sequences:

Implied by exploded views, guiding the order of component removal and installation for efficient parts replacement.

Fastener Identification:

Identification of specific bolts, nuts, washers, and clips used in various assemblies, often with size and type specifications.

Tool Requirements:

May indirectly indicate specialized tools through the design of fasteners or components.

Scope:

Comprehensive listing and illustration of all factory-specified replacement parts, including optional equipment and different trim levels within the covered model years.

Detail Level:

Highly detailed, focusing on the exact OEM part numbers and their visual representation for accurate part identification and ordering.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content (typical for high-quality PDFs).

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear illustration of diagrams and part details.

Layout:

Organized by vehicle system and assembly, with diagrams and part lists presented clearly.

Binding Method:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

4.0L Inline-6 (242 cu in) OHV

Engine Option 1 Power:

Approx. 185 hp @ 4,700 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm

Engine Option 2:

4.7L V8 (287 cu in) Magnum OHV

Engine Option 2 Power:

Approx. 220 hp @ 4,700 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm

Compression Ratio 4.0L:

8.8:1

Bore Stroke 4.0L:

3.88 x 3.41 inches

Compression Ratio 4.7L:

8.7:1

Bore Stroke 4.7L:

3.92 x 3.31 inches

Fuel Delivery Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Recommended:

87 Octane Unleaded (4.0L), 89 Octane Unleaded Recommended (4.7L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (42RE)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (44RE - typically with 4.7L V8)

Transfer Case Options:

2WD, NP231 Command-Trac (Part-Time 4WD), NP242 Selec-Trac (Full-Time 4WD).

Gear Ratios 42Re:

2.74:1 (1st), 1.54:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd), 0.69:1 (4th)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+3 (Chrysler Material Number 05010098AC or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

110.0 inches (2794 mm)

Length:

178.1 inches (4524 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

62.3 inches (1582 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.4 inches (213 mm)

Curb Weight 4.0L 2Wd:

Approx. 3,850 lbs (1746 kg)

Curb Weight 4.0L 4Wd:

Approx. 4,000 lbs (1814 kg)

Curb Weight 4.7L 4Wd:

Approx. 4,150 lbs (1882 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 5,500 - 5,800 lbs (2495 - 2630 kg), varies by configuration.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package.

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1,100 - 1,500 lbs (499 - 680 kg), varies by configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-star (for 1997, representative of the era)

IIHS Ratings:

Good in frontal offset crashes (for vehicles of its era, though specific ratings may vary).

ABS:

Standard on all models for 1997-1998.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in this era; typically relies on seat belt installation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, available premium Infinity Gold sound system.

Speakers:

4 to 8 speakers depending on trim level and sound system option.

Cruise Control:

Standard on all models.

Speed Sensitive Steering:

Not a prominent feature in this generation.

Auxiliary Input:

Not available in this era; upgrades typically involve aftermarket head unit replacements.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (or 3-6 months), depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult specific owner's manual or workshop manual for precise recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on towing and severe usage. Fluid should be ATF+3.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years. Use a 50/50 mix of Chrysler approved coolant (e.g., Mopar HOAT coolant).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 (4.0L), SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (4.7L) - always verify with owner's manual for exact specifications and API service category.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:

5 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter.

Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:

6 US quarts (5.7 liters) with filter.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+3 (Chrysler)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gasket Failure 4.0L:

While generally robust, head gasket leaks can occur, especially in high mileage or poorly maintained engines.

Transmission Overheating:

Early models (pre-1995) could be prone to transmission overheating; improved cooling was a focus for later ZJs. Ensure transmission fluid is at the correct level.

Heater Core Leaks:

Common issue across many vehicles of this era; leaks often manifest as a sweet smell in the cabin or fogged windows.

Power Window Motors:

Motors can fail over time, requiring replacement.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can lead to intermittent starting or stalling issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness dating back to WWII.

Zj Introduction:

The ZJ generation, introduced for the 1993 model year, marked Jeep's entry into the premium SUV segment, moving away from the more utilitarian Cherokee XJ.

Zj Updates 1997:

Significant facelift for 1997 included new front and rear fascias, updated interior, and the introduction of the 4.7L Magnum V8 engine.

Production Location:

Jefferson North Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Zj Production Years:

1993-1998

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) was not the recipient for these specific years, but the model line often received praise for its blend of on-road manners and off-road prowess.

Consumer Reports:

Ratings varied by year and specific components. General reliability concerns for a vehicle of this age would be typical, but specific data for 1997-1998 would need to be consulted from historical reports.

Emissions Compliance:

Meets Federal EPA emissions standards for the respective model years.