Mine is a 2001 Cherokee Spot 4.0L with manual transmission> I'm the original owner, and it now has 315,000 miles (!). What is this tube that's hanging loose beneath and behind the engine block (center of photo)? It's got some sort of cap/valve on it which seems blocked with gunk, and a clip is attached to it but I can't see where it's supposed to be attached to the body. It's just odd to see a tube-end hanging, and I can't make sense of it.

 

I'd guess it's a breather tube that ventured away from it's original mounting spot on the firewall. Can you trace it toward the other end?

 

Looks like the transmission breather hose.

 

Yes, that makes sense; it terminates in the back of the transmission. Any harm in it hanging lose from where it once was fastened?

 

As long as it stays above water, you're fine.

 

That's your transfer case vent. The transmission vent fitting is White (not sure a manual trans has a vent).


Normally it would attach to the right hand, back side, of the bell housing with a mounting clip. See pic.