Three problems related to automatic transmission gear indicator have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driver was pinned between vehicle and vehicle being driven. Vehicle jumps out of gear if gear is shifted from reverse to park and is not pushed forward to its limit. The lever indicates that it is in park.
Problem seemed to be with the shift linkage to the transmission. Keys would also not come out of the car because I could not get it in "park". After putting significant pressure on the shifter, vehicle did go into park and then was "ok". I did call a local dealer who seemed to be familiar with the problem and recommended the "heavy pressure" fix.
I have noticed that my gear shift doesn't alway go all the way into "park" although it clicks like it does. I have to take extra care that it does go into "park".