📚 Vehicle Manual Information

Jeep CHEROKEE XJ 4X2 (RHD) 1997 Service Repair Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee XJ

Year:

1997

Drivetrain:

4x2 (Rear-Wheel Drive)

Steering Position:

RHD (Right-Hand Drive)

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-road vehicle

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, automotive technicians, and restoration enthusiasts.

Competitors 1997:

Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer

Jeep Cherokee Xj Legacy:

Pioneered the compact SUV segment, known for its robust unibody construction (early adoption in its class), capable off-road performance (even in 2WD guise for on-road stability), and durability.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

Primarily targets markets where Right-Hand Drive vehicles are standard, such as Australia, UK, South Africa, etc.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for applicable gasoline engines.

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for the 2WD (RWD) transmission, including fluid services and internal component repair.

Drivetrain:

Maintenance and repair of rear axle, driveshaft, and related components for 4x2 configuration.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of front and rear brake systems, including disc/drum configurations, hydraulic components, and ABS (if equipped).

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension geometry, component replacement (e.g., ball joints, bushings, shocks/struts), and steering system diagnostics and repair.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, locks, and accessory circuits.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and fan assembly maintenance and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, and evaporative emissions system.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and hangers.

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system diagnostics and repair, including refrigerant handling.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, and related hardware.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Information on using diagnostic tools, reading trouble codes (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on specific build), and interpreting sensor data.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and hardware.

Alignment Specifications:

Wheel alignment parameters for optimal handling and tire wear.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repairs.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Specifies necessary tools, including common hand tools, torque wrenches, specialized diagnostic equipment (e.g., multimeters, scan tools), and fluid exchange equipment.

Special Tools Listed:

Identifies any factory-specific or specialized tools required for particular procedures, often with part numbers or descriptions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable (assuming a properly OCR'd PDF), allowing users to quickly find specific information.

Image Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for clear display of diagrams, illustrations, and photographs. Adobe Reader recommended for optimal viewing.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

4.0L (242 cid) OHV Inline-6 (Optional, but most common powerful option)

Engine Code Alternative:

2.5L (150 cid) OHV Inline-4 (More common in base 2WD models)

4.0L Horsepower:

Approximately 180-190 hp (depending on specific calibration)

4.0L Torque:

Approximately 220-235 lb-ft (depending on specific calibration)

2.5L Horsepower:

Approximately 120-130 hp

2.5L Torque:

Approximately 145-155 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Automatic Transmission Type:

42RE (for 4.0L engines) or 30RH (for 2.5L engines) 4-speed automatic

Manual Transmission Type:

AX-15 5-speed manual (typically with 4.0L engines, less common in RHD 2WD variants but possible)

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Chrysler ATF+4 (or equivalent, check manual for specific ATF+3/ATF+4 transition period).

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approx. 7-9 quarts (1.75-2.25 gallons) for refill, higher for complete overhaul.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2576 mm)

Length:

Approx. 166.9 inches (4239 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

Approx. 61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,200 - 3,600 lbs (1450 - 1630 kg) depending on engine and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not consistently rated; SUVs of this era generally had higher rollover risk than sedans.

ABS:

Optional rear ABS was available, not typically on all four wheels for 1997 models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts in front and rear

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trim levels.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were optional or standard on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (traditional interval).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), service/replace fluid and filter every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or as per manual recommendation.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 10W-30 for 4.0L, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 2.5L. API Service SG or higher.

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual), glycol-based.

Common Cherokee Xj Issues:

Cracking of the unibody near the front spring perches, camshaft position sensor (CPS) failure (especially on 4.0L), rear main seal leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), heater core leaks, window regulator failures, rust in common areas (rocker panels, rear quarters).

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles dating back to World War II. Known for the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and the original Cherokee.

Xj Generation Intro:

The XJ Cherokee was introduced in 1984, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction, offering a more comfortable ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Xj 1997 Updates:

The 1997 model year marked a significant facelift for the XJ generation, featuring updated exterior styling (new grille, headlights, bumpers, and fenders), revised interior with a more modern dashboard and improved ergonomics, and some powertrain refinements.

Xj Production Years:

1984-2001 (North America), 1984-2002 (International)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine Acclaim:

The XJ Cherokee platform, even in its earlier iterations, was consistently lauded by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.