For those of us who own a 97 model, or especially an early one ('96).
Post your known quirks so we can know in advance, instead of learning the hard way.
I’ll make a list and update it so folks don’t have to scroll through each post. I'm just pulling from the posts in this thread and others, so I can't take credit (or blame!) for what's below. Correct me if you see something wrong.
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General:
Electrical:
Frame & Body:
Engine & Drivetrain:
Interior:
Misc:
Post your known quirks so we can know in advance, instead of learning the hard way.
I’ll make a list and update it so folks don’t have to scroll through each post. I'm just pulling from the posts in this thread and others, so I can't take credit (or blame!) for what's below. Correct me if you see something wrong.
———
General:
- See this thread for an overview of TJ changes by year.
- Jeep never made a 96 model TJ. The 97 was supposed to be released as a 96 but there were manufacturing delays. However, it seems that there were some 96 exports. See here for details.
- Early 97s manufactured in 95 had a mix of YJ and TJ parts. 97s manufactured in 96 were more TJ parts. However, @Wildman says about engine swaps that the TJ's produced from 01/96-05/96 were a mish mash of parts and wiring.
- 97 TJs built after July 15, 1996 (MDH 0715XX) can be identified by having a ten-digit part number on the powertrain control module (PCM), whereas vehicles built prior to that date have an eight-digit part number on the PCM.
Electrical:
- 97s and 98s have different PDC connectors. See here.
- For a discussion of 97 cruise control resistance settings, see here.
- Some 97s have two-wire oil pressure sensors, not three. Discussion here.
- Some 97s have different color wiring for the speed sensors. See here for pics.
- Some 97s have different harness connectors for O2 sensors. See here for pics.
- Some 97s (early) use YJ sensors for throttle position and vehicle speed (see here).
- Some UK 97s have a different "immobilizer" than 98-and-up models do. The fix is here.
- 97 manual transmission models have a different clutch safety switch. See here for details.
- Some 97s have radio antenna thread of 1/4–28, whereas other TJs have 5/16–18. See here.
- 97s and early 98s have ignition key cylinders with older-style turn grips. See here and here.
- 97–98s have different electrical connectors to the fuel injectors. See here for details and a pic.
- 97s built before July 15, 1996 have an eight-digit part number on the PCM. After that came ten-digits.
- Some early 97s have a different under-hood PDC fuse and relay block, which matches the XJ's. See here.
- The 97 TCC pass-through connector and solenoid connectors are different. See here and next few replies.
- The 97s (and maybe others?) have a grounding strap from upper end of gas filler tube to frame. See here.
- The 97 VSS would break down and leak ATF into the electrical connector—hence the redesign. See here for more.
- The 97-99 models have the AC mounted on passenger side. This means the Durango alternator swap won't work.
- Some 97s have AC blower motor with pigtail connecting to harness, instead of harness plug. Pics and PNs here.
- Some early 97s have AC blower motor switch that is different than other TJs and YJs. Seems hard to find. See here.
- The 97 had different light bulbs in a few places. See also here.
- Step / Footwell / Courtesy : 89 (This is a YJ hold-over. For LED options and pics, see here or also here.)
- Sound Bar / Dome: 906 || HVAC and Instrument: 74 || Tail lights use a 4-pin GM weatherpack, like YJ. See here.
- Some 97s have different side marker bulbs and housings. Pics are here, scroll down for link. See also here.
- For all other bulbs, see here.
Frame & Body:
- Few-to-no quirks when it comes to doing a body lift. See here.
- 97 models have three cowl vents, whereas later models have just one.
- 97 models have unique tailgate strike mounts on the body side. See here.
- Under those cowl vents, the AC air intake has no cover. See here and here.
- Some 97s seem to have different clips for where the tops meet the windshield. See here.
- 97s had two grilles with different hood-latch mechanisms. See here. Part numbers are here.
- 97 half doors had plastic track attached with push pins and two-sided tape. Rubber seal slides into track. Pics here.
- 97s have different door hinges, which means two things:
- 1) You can't remove the OEM metal bushings by pounding upward (from the bottom) with the tapper-tool that comes with replacement bushing sets. Instead, you have to chisel the top edge loose and pull it out from above with pliers.
- 2) You can't use any of the replacement bushing sets without trimming them down to about 3/4 of their original length. Buy Delrin bushings instead of ABS so you can trim them without shattering the bushing.
- See here and here for details.
- There were two different latches used on the '97 TJ based manufacture date. For more, see here and here.
- HOOK, Hood Safety Catch 55074952AB 1 (Up to 1-2-97)
- HOOK, Hood Safety Catch 55176731AA 1 (After 1-3-97)
- The screw that holds it is: SCREW, Tapping, M6x1x20.
Engine & Drivetrain:
- 97 was the only year a TJ had 3.55 gears with a Dana 44 option.
- 97 4.0s had a TSB for weak valve springs that could cause a misfire. See here.
- 97 fan clutch is held to the water pump by 4 separate 5/16" nuts and all thread studs.
- 97 automatics seem to have a different transmission dipstick & sealing mechanism. See here.
- 97–98s have different electrical connectors to the fuel injectors. See here for details and a pic.
- 97 4.0s have 15mm bolts on the manifolds, not 14mm. 2.5s had 14mm bolts. See here and scroll down.
- 97s have the evap canister under the hood. It was also a different canister than used in other year models.
- 97 2.5Ls had the fuel rail damper located opposite side of rail from regular 2.5Ls, and also used a vacuum line.
- 97s (some) have different plug for speedo gear. Pins vs blades in the connector (important for super short SYE).
- Big quirk in the wiring of the 01-03 1996 build dates. @Wildman has more to offer here.
Interior:
- 97s and early 98s have the non-cruise, one-piece steering wheel.
- 97s and 98s were the only years that used Mist Gray for an interior color.
- 97s and early 98s have ignition key cylinders with older-style turn grips. See here.
- 97s and early 98s have windshield visors without the colorful airbag warnings and child seat labels.
- Early 97s did not use the fabric strap to hold glove box in place. Used plastic "catch" built into the box itself.
- 97s and 98s were only years that used "sliders" to control the HVAC system. Discussion here. Replacement decals here.
- Some 97s and 98s have a seat "tumble" design that is incompatible with most replacement bushings. See here.
Misc:
- 97s were the only year to have "Unleaded Fuel Only" written on the gauge cluster.
- Not a quirk, but 97s became "antique" cars in some states starting in 2022. See here and here.
- This forum's copy of the 97 FSM was updated in mid-2021. See here if you downloaded it previously.
- 97s display two-digit error codes on the odometer, instead of the three-digit numbers preceded by a P. See here.
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Sold to a redneck type that cut the body up put 35s on it without no lift and regear. It will probably be in a junkyard in a few years.
