Hello everyone!

My sweet Cherokee XJ is a 1998 2.5L Manual Transmission 4x4.

I'm not an expert in Cherokees, but I can at least identify every component in my Jeep.
Except the part you can see in the following pictures. It kinda looks like the oil filter in a way, but it is attached to the transmission body.
I have searched both the parts catalogue and the FSM, but neither seem to show anything like it.

If you need any more info or better photos please tell me.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

Does anyone else think it's a starter motor?

 

Yes it is... I was eating popcorn waiting to see who would reply to it first.

 

Might want to fix that oil leak too, btw. Starters don't like to get oil baths. Probably the valve cover.

 

You are the best guys! As it was on the transmission I didn't think to check the electrical parts!

Thanks a lot!