🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Cherokee XJ Year: 1997 Codes Chassis Code: XJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle Target Audience: Jeep Cherokee XJ owners, mechanics, off-road enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer. Key Features Vehicle Appeal: Renowned for its off-road capability, durable construction, and iconic styling, the XJ pioneered the compact SUV segment. Manual Value Benefit To Owner: Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving money and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep, understanding complex systems. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Vehicle Model Years: 1997 Engine Variants: All 1997 XJ models (e.g., 4.0L Inline-6, 2.5L Inline-4) Trim Levels: All 1997 XJ trim levels (e.g., Sport, Classic, Country) Page Count Approximate Pages: Hundreds (exact count not specified, but described as 'complete' and allowing full printing) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine control systems (EFI, ignition), exhaust system, fuel system, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer case, drivelines, axles, differentials. Chassis: Suspension (front and rear, coil springs, leaf springs, steering linkage), brakes (front discs, rear drums, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires. Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, wipers/washers, horn, comfort controls (HVAC), power windows/locks, audio systems, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Body: Body construction, doors, windows, latches, hinges, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, bumpers, frame/unibody structure. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing. Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, adjustments, fluid capacities, diagnostic data. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance and adjustments to complete engine, transmission, and driveline overhauls and advanced electrical system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Typically searchable text within PDFs, allowing for quick keyword-based information retrieval. Print Quality Printability: Designed for printing, allowing users to select specific sections or print the entire manual. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Option 1: 4.0L (242 ci) Inline-6 OHV Engine Option 2: 2.5L (150 ci) Inline-4 OHV (AMC 150) Performance 4.0L Horsepower: Approx. 185 hp @ 4700 rpm 4.0L Torque: Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm 2.5L Horsepower: Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm 2.5L Torque: Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 87) Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant OAT or HOAT, or equivalent). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Option 1: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW4 for 4.0L, 30RH for 4.0L/2.5L) Optional Transmission Option 2: 5-speed Manual (e.g., AX-15 for 4.0L, NV1500 for 2.5L/4.0L) Features Transfer Case Options: Command-Trac (2WD/4WD Part-Time), Selec-Trac (2WD/4WD Full-Time/Part-Time). Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific manual for exact designation for 1997) Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear lubricant, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specific viscosity depends on transmission model). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 101.4 inches Length: 167.2 inches Width: 70.5 inches Height: 63.5 inches Weights Curb Weight Approx: 3400 - 3700 lbs (depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx: 4700 - 5200 lbs (depending on configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 4-star (1997 model year, according to some sources, but check specific report) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 4-star (1997 model year, according to some sources, but check specific report) Active Features ABS: Available (standard on some higher trims, optional on others). Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags. Seatbelts: Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level. Climate Control: Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic temperature control on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available. Connectivity Power Accessories: Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on select trims. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by oil change indicator (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions). Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection/conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (standard copper vs. platinum/iridium). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity: 4.0L: 6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter. Engine Oil Viscosity: Typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 for most climates (check manual for...
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Blazer.
Key Features
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its off-road capability, durable construction, and iconic styling, the XJ pioneered the compact SUV segment.
Manual Value
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving money and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep, understanding complex systems.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Vehicle Model Years:
1997
Engine Variants:
All 1997 XJ models (e.g., 4.0L Inline-6, 2.5L Inline-4)
Trim Levels:
All 1997 XJ trim levels (e.g., Sport, Classic, Country)
Page Count
Approximate Pages:
Hundreds (exact count not specified, but described as 'complete' and allowing full printing)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (EFI, ignition), exhaust system, fuel system, automatic and manual transmissions, transfer case, drivelines, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, coil springs, leaf springs, steering linkage), brakes (front discs, rear drums, ABS, parking brake), wheels and tires.
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, adjustments, fluid capacities, diagnostic data.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance and adjustments to complete engine, transmission, and driveline overhauls and advanced electrical system diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within PDFs, allowing for quick keyword-based information retrieval.
Print Quality
Printability:
Designed for printing, allowing users to select specific sections or print the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Option 1:
4.0L (242 ci) Inline-6 OHV
Engine Option 2:
2.5L (150 ci) Inline-4 OHV (AMC 150)
Performance
4.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 185 hp @ 4700 rpm
4.0L Torque:
Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
2.5L Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp @ 4600 rpm
2.5L Torque:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 87)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant OAT or HOAT, or equivalent).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Option 1:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., AW4 for 4.0L, 30RH for 4.0L/2.5L)
Optional
Transmission Option 2:
5-speed Manual (e.g., AX-15 for 4.0L, NV1500 for 2.5L/4.0L)
ATF+3 or ATF+4 (check specific manual for exact designation for 1997)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear lubricant, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specific viscosity depends on transmission model).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches
Length:
167.2 inches
Width:
70.5 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
3400 - 3700 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:
4700 - 5200 lbs (depending on configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1997 model year, according to some sources, but check specific report)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1997 model year, according to some sources, but check specific report)
Active Features
ABS:
Available (standard on some higher trims, optional on others).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional automatic temperature control on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available.
Connectivity
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on select trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by oil change indicator (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection/conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (standard copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 6 US quarts (5.7 L) with filter; 2.5L: 5 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 for most climates (check manual for specific temperature ranges).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11-12 US quarts (10.4-11.4 L).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (check manual for exact specification).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
U-joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, leaf spring bushings, radiator, water pump, alternator, fuel pump.
Grounding issues, PDC (Power Distribution Center) corrosion, intermittent warning lights.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII Willys Jeeps.
Model Evolution
Xj Introduction:
The Jeep Cherokee XJ was introduced for the 1984 model year, revolutionizing the SUV market with its unibody construction.
Xj Redesign:
The 1997 model year represents a significant mid-cycle refresh for the XJ, including updated exterior styling, interior enhancements, and powertrain refinements.
Production
Production Span:
1984-2001 (North America)
Assembly Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Offroad Magazine:
Consistently ranked highly by off-road publications for its capability and aftermarket support.
Ratings
Fourwheeler Magazine:
Recognized as a significant vehicle in the SUV and off-road landscape by magazines like Four Wheeler.
Certifications
Manual Quality:
Official Factory Service Manual, implying adherence to OEM standards for repair procedures and specifications.