Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Positioning:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ represented a significant step forward in refinement and capability for Jeep, blending off-road prowess with a more comfortable and luxurious on-road experience, competing with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Blazer.
Key Competitors 2002:
Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Envoy, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery
Defining Features:
Available Quadra-Drive 4x4 system, luxurious interior options, robust towing capacity, strong off-road heritage
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, diagnostics, PCM
Transmission Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission (42RE, 45RFE, 545RFE), transfer case (NV242, NV247), differentials, axles, drivelines, PTO
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (Solid axles, Quadra-Coil), steering system, power steering, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc), ABS, Traction Control (TCS), brake system diagnostics and repair
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, interior and exterior electrical components, power accessories, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), diagnostic connector (OBD-II)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats, frame, chassis components
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt and hose replacement, spark plug service, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, electrical component repair, HVAC system repair
Troubleshooting Procedures:
System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical schematic interpretation
Technical Specifications Procedures:
Torque specifications, alignment procedures, diagnostic tool usage, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Engine 1:
4.0L (242 ci) I-6 'Power Tech' (Engine Code: ERH)
Engine 2:
4.7L (285 ci) V8 'Power Tech' (Engine Code: EVA/EVL)
4.0L Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.)
4.0L Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
4.7L Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
4.7L Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (4.0L), 89 Octane Recommended (4.7L V8)
Transmission Std:
4-speed Automatic (42RE for 4.0L, 45RFE/545RFE for 4.7L)
Transmission Opt:
None (All models equipped with automatic transmission)
Transmission Features:
Selectable 4WD (42RE/NV242), Permanent 4WD with lock (NV247, standard on higher trims/4.7L)
Transmission Fluid 42Re:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid 45Rfe 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3 out of 5 stars (for 4x4 models)
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (4W-ABS), Traction Control System (TCS - available/standard on higher trims)
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seat side airbags (optional), LATCH child seat anchor system, crumple zones, steel safety cage
Infotainment Options:
AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (Infinity), optional navigation system (rare)
Driver Assistance:
ABS, Traction Control (TCS)
Connectivity Features:
Power windows, power locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (dependent on oil type and driving conditions)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and fluid type used)
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (depending on coolant type, often a 5-year interval for OAT)
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Typically every 100,000 miles with platinum-tipped plugs
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Typically every 100,000 miles with platinum-tipped plugs
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity range based on temperature)
Engine Oil Type 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred for cold starts and fuel economy)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, usually a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for exact specification.
Common Issues:
Headliner sagging, various minor electrical gremlins, radiator leaks, transmission cooler line leaks, possible death wobble on solid axle models with worn components, exhaust manifold cracks (4.7L), water pump leaks
Brand Origin:
Jeep, established in 1941, is renowned for its off-road capability and ruggedness.
Wj Generation Introduction:
The WJ generation of the Grand Cherokee was introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the ZJ. It featured a more refined unibody construction (though still robust) and a more upscale interior compared to its predecessors, marking a significant evolution towards a premium SUV.
Wj Updates 2002:
The 2002 model year brought minor updates to the WJ, including revised option packages, potential interior trim refinements, and possibly minor powertrain adjustments depending on the specific engine and transmission configurations offered that year. It continued to offer the popular 4.0L inline-6 and the more powerful 4.7L V8.
Wj Production Years:
1999-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA
