One problem related to battery dead has been reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While traveling on the highway without prior warning the vehicle shut down. The gauges malfunctioned (gas read empty), the vehicle jerked uncontrollably. Different mechanics were unable to duplicate the problem. The transmission leaked (there was pink fluid in the battery area), the belt pulley had fallen off and the vehicle overheated, and the battery failed.