๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee XJ Year: 1997 Codes Chassis Code: XJ ๐ Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle Competitive Analysis Key Competitors Era: Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, Nissan Pathfinder. Key Features Jeep Legacy: Continues Jeep's reputation for robust off-road capability and utilitarian design. Xj Significance: Known for its unibody construction offering a balance of comfort and off-road prowess, a significant departure from earlier body-on-frame Jeeps. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Workshop Service and Repair Page Count Total Pages: 3000+ Manual Type Type: Comprehensive Service Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions control, engine performance tuning. Transmission Drivetrain: Manual and automatic transmission repair, transfer case service, driveline components (propeller shafts, U-joints, axles), differential service, 4WD system diagnostics. Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS diagnostics, brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper and wheel cylinder service, parking brake. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, control arms, shocks/struts, ball joints), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, diagnostics. Body Chassis: Body panel repair, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, exhaust system, fuel tank, frame straightening procedures. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, belt and hose inspection, tune-up procedures. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major vehicle systems. Repair Replacement: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation for all major vehicle systems. Diagnostics: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing, use of diagnostic tools. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive: covers basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Yes, fully searchable text Bookmarking: Yes, bookmarked for easy navigation Device Compatibility: iPad-ready, suitable for tablets and computers Print Quality Printability: Yes, printable pages Binding Type Binding: Digital (PDF) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type 1: 4.0L Inline-6 OHV (High Output) Engine Code 1: ERH Displacement 1: 3956 cc (241 cu in) Bore X Stroke 1: 3.875 in x 3.580 in (98.4 mm x 91.0 mm) Compression Ratio 1: 8.75:1 Horsepower 1: 190 hp @ 4750 rpm (approx.) Torque 1: 225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.) Fuel System 1: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Optional Engine Engine Type 2: 2.5L Inline-4 OHV (AMC/Pontiac 'Tech IV') Engine Code 2: ENH Displacement 2: 2499 cc (153 cu in) Horsepower 2: 125 hp @ 4700 rpm (approx.) Torque 2: 147 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approx.) Fuel System 2: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type Manual: AX-15 5-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Automatic: AW4 4-Speed Automatic Features Transfer Case: Command-Trac NV231 Part-Time, Selec-Trac NV242 Full-Time (Optional) Axle Ratios: 3.55:1 (Standard on 4.0L), 3.73:1 (Optional/Heavy Duty), 4.10:1 (Optional on 2.5L) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches (2576 mm) Length: 167.2 inches (4247 mm) Width: 66.5 inches (1689 mm) Height: 64.1 inches (1628 mm) Ground Clearance: Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) depending on suspension/tire. Weights Curb Weight Min: 3300 lbs (1497 kg) approx. (2.5L 2WD) Curb Weight Max: 3800 lbs (1724 kg) approx. (4.0L 4WD Automatic) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: 30.3 cu ft (858 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: 69.2 cu ft (1959 L) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Resistance: 4/5 stars (for 1997 models) Active Features ABS: Optional (rear-wheel ABS standard on some models, 4-wheel ABS optional) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger airbags Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts, shoulder belts with height adjusters ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speakers: Standard 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker Infinity system. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Connectivity Power Accessories: Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 miles with synthetic oil). Air Filter Replacement: 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (or 10W-40 in colder climates). Coolant Type: Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically Mopar brand or equivalent). Transmission Fluid Auto: ATF+4 (Mopar) Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Known Issues Common Problems: Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L engines (less common by '97 but still a concern), radiator leaks, water pump failure, heater core leaks, rear main seal leaks, pinion seal leaks, worn...
Manual and automatic transmission repair, transfer case service, driveline components (propeller shafts, U-joints, axles), differential service, 4WD system diagnostics.
Front and rear suspension components (leaf springs, control arms, shocks/struts, ball joints), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, diagnostics.
3.55:1 (Standard on 4.0L), 3.73:1 (Optional/Heavy Duty), 4.10:1 (Optional on 2.5L)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches (2576 mm)
Length:
167.2 inches (4247 mm)
Width:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Height:
64.1 inches (1628 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.5 inches (216 mm) depending on suspension/tire.
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
3300 lbs (1497 kg) approx. (2.5L 2WD)
Curb Weight Max:
3800 lbs (1724 kg) approx. (4.0L 4WD Automatic)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
30.3 cu ft (858 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
69.2 cu ft (1959 L)
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 stars (for 1997 models)
Active Features
ABS:
Optional (rear-wheel ABS standard on some models, 4-wheel ABS optional)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, shoulder belts with height adjusters
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speakers:
Standard 4-speaker system, optional 6-speaker Infinity system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 miles with synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (or 10W-40 in colder climates).
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (typically Mopar brand or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.0L engines (less common by '97 but still a concern), radiator leaks, water pump failure, heater core leaks, rear main seal leaks, pinion seal leaks, worn leaf springs, death wobble (steering/suspension instability).
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Origins:
Wilys-Overland MB 'Jeep' of WWII, evolving into civilian utility vehicles.
Model Evolution
Xj Introduction:
Introduced in 1984, the XJ was a revolutionary compact SUV, pioneering the unibody construction for its class.
1997 Facelift:
Significant interior and exterior refresh, including redesigned dashboard, improved ergonomics, revised body panels, and updated powertrain management.
Production
Production Years Global:
1984โ2001
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Acclaim:
Consistently lauded for its off-road capability and value proposition throughout its production run.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Ranking:
Varies by year, but generally recognized as a capable, though sometimes mechanically quirky, vehicle.