1997 Suzuki Sidekick Service and Repair Manual

A two-wheel-drive JS Sport was added for 1997, giving the Sidekick Sport's 1.8L DOHC four and flared bodywork a lower entry price. The four-door Sport also came as JX and JLX with four-wheel drive, while standard JS and JX convertibles and four-doors used the 1.6L SOHC four. With seven trim and body combinations, specifications vary widely, and this service and repair manual provides 1997 procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, diagnostics and maintenance schedules for every version.

Engines covered

• 1.6L inline-four — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 1.8L inline-four — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sport utility
• 2-door convertible

Trims covered

• JLX Sport
• JS
• JS Sport
• JX
• JX Sport

Known issues on the 1997 Sidekick. One recall is on federal record: the upper mounting base of the front struts may lack strength, so the bolts holding the struts to the body can break. Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train and the suspension. The front suspension procedures in this manual cover strut removal, mount inspection and bolt torque values for this campaign.