1997 Jeep Cherokee OBD2 Codes: Your Comprehensive Guide to Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Navigating car troubles can be frustrating, especially when your trusty 1997 Jeep Cherokee’s check engine light illuminates. Understanding what those warning lights mean is the first step towards effective vehicle maintenance. For 1997 Jeep Cherokees, which utilize the OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are your vehicle’s way of communicating potential issues. This comprehensive guide will help you decipher these 1997 Jeep Cherokee Obd2 Codes, understand their implications, and point you in the right direction for repair.

This article provides an extensive list of OBD2 codes relevant to your 1997 Jeep Cherokee, drawing from reliable sources to offer a valuable resource for troubleshooting. While this guide aims to be thorough, it’s important to remember that it’s not exhaustive and should be used as an aid in diagnostics, not as a definitive repair manual. Accurate diagnosis often requires professional tools and expertise.

Understanding OBD2 and Your 1997 Jeep Cherokee

The introduction of OBD2 systems in vehicles marked a significant advancement in automotive diagnostics. For 1997 Jeep Cherokees, this system provides a standardized way to access and interpret vehicle data, making it easier to identify problems related to emissions, engine performance, and other critical systems.

Key Benefits of OBD2 in Your 1997 Jeep Cherokee:

  • Standardized Codes: OBD2 utilizes a universal set of diagnostic trouble codes, meaning a P0301 code, for example, generally indicates the same issue across different OBD2-compliant vehicles.
  • Enhanced Diagnostics: OBD2 systems monitor a wider range of vehicle parameters compared to older OBDI systems, offering more detailed insights into potential problems.
  • Easier Access to Information: Retrieving OBD2 codes is generally straightforward, often achievable with a simple code reader or even through a key-cycling method on some vehicles.

Retrieving OBD2 Codes on Your 1997 Jeep Cherokee

Before diving into the list of codes, it’s crucial to know how to retrieve them from your 1997 Jeep Cherokee. While using an OBD2 scanner is the most reliable and informative method, there’s also a key-cycling technique that might display codes on the odometer.

Method 1: Using an OBD2 Scanner

This is the recommended method for accuracy and ease of use.

  1. Locate the OBD2 Port: Typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
  2. Plug in the Scanner: Connect your OBD2 scanner to the port.
  3. Turn Ignition to “ON”: Turn the key to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
  4. Follow Scanner Instructions: Power on the scanner and follow its prompts to read diagnostic trouble codes. The scanner will display any stored codes, usually starting with a letter (P, C, B, or U) followed by four digits.

Method 2: Key Cycling Method (May vary, Scanner Recommended)

Note: This method may not work on all 1997 Jeep Cherokees, and a scanner is generally more reliable.

  1. Ensure Ignition is OFF.
  2. Within 5 Seconds: Turn the ignition key from “OFF” to “ON,” then “OFF,” then “ON,” then “OFF,” and finally “ON,” leaving it in the “ON” position. (ON is not “Start,” and OFF is not “Lock”).
  3. Observe the Odometer: If successful, the odometer might display codes. It may first show “P” followed by four digits. “P” indicates powertrain codes, which are the most common for engine-related issues.
  4. Record the Codes: Write down any codes displayed. “P1698”, for example.
  5. Code 55: A code “55” typically indicates the end of the code display sequence and is normal.

Important Considerations for Code Retrieval:

  • Parking Brake: In some cases, setting the parking brake might be necessary for codes to display using the key-cycling method.
  • Digital Odometer: 1997 Cherokees with digital odometers usually display codes directly on the odometer rather than blinking the check engine light as in older OBDI systems.
  • “Limp-In” Mode: If the computer detects a major failure, your Jeep Cherokee might enter “Limp-In” mode, which can limit engine power and transmission function to protect the vehicle. Loss of third and/or fourth gear in automatic transmissions can be a symptom of this mode.

1997 Jeep Cherokee OBD2 Codes List

Below is a comprehensive list of OBD2 codes that may be relevant to your 1997 Jeep Cherokee. These codes are categorized for easier navigation. Remember that this list is not exhaustive, but it covers a wide range of potential issues.

P0100 – P0199: Fuel and Air Metering

Code Description Possible Causes
P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance Problem Faulty MAP sensor, vacuum leaks, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0107 Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low Input Short to ground in MAP sensor circuit, faulty MAP sensor, PCM failure
P0108 Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit High Input Short to voltage in MAP sensor circuit, faulty MAP sensor, PCM failure
P0112 Intake Air Temperature Circuit Low Input Faulty IAT sensor, short to ground in IAT sensor circuit, PCM failure
P0113 Intake Air Temperature Circuit High Input Faulty IAT sensor, short to voltage in IAT sensor circuit, PCM failure
P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem Faulty ECT sensor, thermostat issue, cooling system problems, wiring issues
P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input Faulty ECT sensor, short to ground in ECT sensor circuit, PCM failure
P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input Faulty ECT sensor, short to voltage in ECT sensor circuit, PCM failure
P0121 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Problem Faulty TPS, throttle body issues, wiring problems, PCM failure
P0122 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input Faulty TPS, short to ground in TPS circuit, PCM failure
P0123 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input Faulty TPS, short to voltage in TPS circuit, PCM failure
P0125 Insufficient Coolant Temperature For Closed Loop Fuel Control Thermostat stuck open, faulty ECT sensor, cooling system issues
P0130 O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, PCM failure
P0131 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Lean air/fuel mixture, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues
P0132 O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Rich air/fuel mixture, faulty O2 sensor, fuel pressure issues, wiring issues
P0133 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P0134 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks
P0135 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues
P0136 O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, catalytic converter issues
P0137 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Lean air/fuel mixture, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, catalytic converter issues
P0138 O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Rich air/fuel mixture, faulty O2 sensor, fuel pressure issues, wiring issues, catalytic converter issues
P0139 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues, catalytic converter issues
P0140 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, catalytic converter issues
P0141 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2) Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues
P0147 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 3) Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues
P0151 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Lean air/fuel mixture, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues
P0152 O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Rich air/fuel mixture, faulty O2 sensor, fuel pressure issues, wiring issues
P0153 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P0154 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks
P0155 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1) Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues
P0157 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2) Lean air/fuel mixture, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, catalytic converter issues
P0158 O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2) Rich air/fuel mixture, faulty O2 sensor, fuel pressure issues, wiring issues, catalytic converter issues
P0159 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 2) Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues, catalytic converter issues
P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2) Faulty O2 sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, catalytic converter issues
P0161 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 2) Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues
P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1) Vacuum leaks, intake leaks, faulty MAF/MAP sensor, fuel delivery issues, exhaust leaks
P0172 System Too Rich (Bank 1) Faulty O2 sensor, fuel pressure regulator issues, leaky injectors, faulty MAF/MAP sensor
P0174 System Too Lean (Bank 2) Vacuum leaks, intake leaks, faulty MAF/MAP sensor, fuel delivery issues, exhaust leaks
P0175 System Too Rich (Bank 2) Faulty O2 sensor, fuel pressure regulator issues, leaky injectors, faulty MAF/MAP sensor
P0176 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Malfunction Faulty fuel composition sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0178 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Low Input Faulty fuel composition sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0179 Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input Faulty fuel composition sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0182 Fuel Temperature Sensor “A” Circuit Low Input Faulty fuel temperature sensor, wiring issues
P0183 Fuel Temperature Sensor “A” Circuit High Input Faulty fuel temperature sensor, wiring issues

P0200 – P0299: Injector Circuit

Code Description Possible Causes
P0201 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 1 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0202 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 2 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0203 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 3 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0204 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 4 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0205 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 5 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0206 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 6 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0207 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 7 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0208 Injector Circuit Malfunction – Cylinder 8 Faulty injector, wiring issues, PCM failure

P0300 – P0399: Misfire

Code Description Possible Causes
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil packs), fuel delivery problems (injectors, fuel pump), vacuum leaks, low compression, PCM failure
P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 1
P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 2
P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 3
P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 4
P0305 Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 5
P0306 Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 6
P0307 Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 7
P0308 Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected Ignition system issues (spark plugs, wires, coil pack), fuel injector problem, low compression in cylinder 8
P0320 Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction Crankshaft position sensor issue, wiring problems, distributor problems, PCM failure
P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) Faulty knock sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0330 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2) Faulty knock sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor) Faulty camshaft position sensor, wiring issues, timing chain/belt issues, PCM failure
P0350 Ignition Coil Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0351 Ignition Coil “A” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 1), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0352 Ignition Coil “B” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 2), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0353 Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 3), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0354 Ignition Coil “D” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 4), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0355 Ignition Coil “E” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 5), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0356 Ignition Coil “F” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 6), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0357 Ignition Coil “G” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 7), wiring issues, PCM failure
P0358 Ignition Coil “H” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction Faulty ignition coil (cylinder 8), wiring issues, PCM failure

P0400 – P0499: Auxiliary Emission Controls

Code Description Possible Causes
P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected Blocked EGR passages, faulty EGR valve, vacuum leaks, faulty EGR sensor, wiring issues
P0403 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty EGR valve solenoid, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0404 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Range/Performance Faulty EGR valve, carbon buildup in EGR valve, wiring issues
P0405 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor “A” Circuit Low Faulty EGR position sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0406 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor “A” Circuit High Faulty EGR position sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0412 Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Control Circuit Faulty air injection valve, wiring issues, vacuum leaks
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) Faulty catalytic converter, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensors, engine misfires
P0432 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2) Faulty catalytic converter, exhaust leaks, faulty O2 sensors, engine misfires
P0441 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow Faulty purge valve, vacuum leaks, blocked EVAP lines, faulty fuel tank pressure sensor
P0442 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak) Leaky fuel cap, cracked EVAP lines, faulty purge valve, faulty vent valve, faulty fuel tank pressure sensor
P0443 Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Faulty purge valve solenoid, wiring issues
P0455 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Large Leak) Leaky fuel cap, cracked EVAP lines, faulty purge valve, faulty vent valve, faulty fuel tank pressure sensor
P0456 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Very Small Leak) Leaky fuel cap, cracked EVAP lines, faulty purge valve, faulty vent valve, faulty fuel tank pressure sensor
P0460 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Malfunction Faulty fuel level sensor, wiring issues, instrument cluster issues
P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Faulty fuel level sensor, wiring issues, fuel tank issues
P0462 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Low Input Short to ground in fuel level sensor circuit, faulty fuel level sensor, wiring issues
P0463 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input Short to voltage in fuel level sensor circuit, faulty fuel level sensor, wiring issues

P0500 – P0599: Vehicle Speed Controls and Idle Control System

Code Description Possible Causes
P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Malfunction Faulty speed sensor, wiring issues, ABS system problems, PCM failure
P0505 Idle Air Control System Malfunction Faulty IAC valve, vacuum leaks, throttle body issues, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0522 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Input Faulty oil pressure sensor, low oil pressure, wiring issues
P0523 Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High Input Faulty oil pressure sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0551 Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Faulty power steering pressure switch, wiring issues

P0600 – P0699: Computer Output Circuit

Code Description Possible Causes
P0600 Serial Communication Link Malfunction Wiring issues in CAN bus, PCM failure, other module failures
P0601 Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error PCM failure
P0604 Internal Control Module Random Access Memory (RAM) Error PCM failure
P0605 Internal Control Module Read Only Memory (ROM) Error PCM failure
P0615 Starter Relay Circuit Malfunction Faulty starter relay, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0622 Generator Field Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty alternator, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0645 A/C Clutch Relay Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty A/C clutch relay, wiring issues, PCM failure, A/C system issues

P0700 – P0899: Transmission Control System

Code Description Possible Causes
P0700 Transmission Control System Malfunction Transmission control module (TCM) failure, wiring issues, internal transmission problems
P0703 Brake Switch “B” Circuit Input Faulty brake light switch, wiring issues
P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Faulty TFT sensor, wiring issues, transmission fluid level issues
P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input Faulty TFT sensor, short to ground in TFT sensor circuit, wiring issues
P0713 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input Faulty TFT sensor, short to voltage in TFT sensor circuit, wiring issues
P0720 Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction Faulty output speed sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P0740 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid, wiring issues, internal transmission problems
P0743 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid, wiring issues, internal transmission problems
P0748 Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Electrical Faulty pressure control solenoid, wiring issues, internal transmission problems
P0751 Shift Solenoid “A” Performance or Stuck Off Faulty shift solenoid, wiring issues, valve body issues, internal transmission problems
P0753 Shift Solenoid “A” Electrical Faulty shift solenoid, wiring issues, internal transmission problems
P0756 Shift Solenoid “B” Performance or Stuck Off Faulty shift solenoid, wiring issues, valve body issues, internal transmission problems
P0783 3-4 Shift Solenoid Malfunction Faulty shift solenoid, wiring issues, valve body issues, internal transmission problems, mechanical transmission problems
P0801 Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty reverse lockout solenoid, wiring issues, shifter linkage issues
P0833 Clutch Pedal Switch Circuit Malfunction Faulty clutch pedal switch, wiring issues (manual transmission vehicles)

P1100 – P1199: Manufacturer Specific Fuel and Air Metering and Auxiliary Emission Controls

Code Description Possible Causes
P1192 Inlet Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input Faulty inlet air temperature sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P1193 Inlet Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input Faulty inlet air temperature sensor, wiring issues, PCM failure
P1194 Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Faulty O2 sensor heater, wiring issues
P1195 Heated Oxygen Sensor Slow Response Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P1196 Heated Oxygen Sensor Switched Too Slowly (Bank 2) Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P1197 Heated Oxygen Sensor Switched Too Slowly (Bank 1) Aging O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P1198 Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input Faulty radiator coolant temperature sensor, wiring issues
P1199 Radiator Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input Faulty radiator coolant temperature sensor, wiring issues

P1200 – P1299: Manufacturer Specific Fuel and Air Metering and Idle Control

Code Description Possible Causes
P1281 Engine Is Cold Too Long Thermostat stuck open, faulty ECT sensor, cooling system issues
P1282 Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty fuel pump relay, wiring issues, PCM failure
P1288 Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty intake manifold runner control valve, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P1289 Manifold Tuning Valve Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction Faulty manifold tuning valve solenoid, vacuum leaks, wiring issues
P1290 CNG Pressure Too High CNG system issues, pressure regulator problems
P1291 Heated Air Intake System Malfunction Faulty heated air intake system components, wiring issues
P1292 Natural Gas Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction Faulty natural gas pressure sensor, wiring issues
P1293 Natural Gas Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction Faulty natural gas pressure sensor, wiring issues
P1294 Target Idle Not Reached Vacuum leaks, idle air control system issues, throttle body issues
P1295 Throttle Position Sensor 5 Volt Supply Circuit Malfunction Wiring issues, PCM failure
P1296 MAP Sensor 5 Volt Supply Circuit Malfunction Wiring issues, PCM failure
P1297 MAP Sensor Signal Voltage Too Low Vacuum leaks, faulty MAP sensor, wiring issues
P1298 Lean During Wide Open Throttle Fuel delivery issues, vacuum leaks, faulty O2 sensor
P1299 MAP Sensor and TPS Inconsistent Vacuum leaks, faulty MAP sensor, faulty TPS, wiring issues

P1300 – P1399: Manufacturer Specific Ignition System or Misfire

| Code | Description | Possible Causes

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