🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Model Code:

WJ

Year:

2003

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Families, Off-road Enthusiasts, Luxury SUV Buyers

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Lexus RX

Vehicle Strengths:

Comfortable Ride, Capable Off-Road Performance (with proper trims), Spacious Interior, Strong Powertrains

Benefits:

Empowers owners and technicians with detailed procedures for maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (4.0L, 4.7L), Transmission (42RE, 45RFE, NV242, NV247 Transfer Case)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front/Rear), Drivetrain (Axles, Driveshafts, Differentials)

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Instrument Cluster, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM)

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Doors, Windows, Seats, Roof

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics

Repair:

Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Component Reassembly

Specifications:

Torque Specifications, Tolerances, Clearances, Electrical Schematics

Wheel Alignment Specs:

Front and rear wheel alignment specifications (caster, camber, toe) for various tire sizes and trims.

Brake System Service:

Procedures for replacing brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding the brake system, and servicing ABS components.

Body And Paint:

Basic information on body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, and exterior trim components.

Level:

Comprehensive Factory Level - Suitable for Professional Technicians and Advanced DIYers

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly, including bearing clearances, piston ring gaps, and valve seat conditioning.

Transmission Overhaul:

Comprehensive steps for transmission disassembly, component identification (clutches, seals, servos), valve body troubleshooting, and reassembly with correct specifications.

Suspension And Steering:

Detailed procedures for replacing ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, steering gear, and shock absorbers, including alignment specifications.

Electrical System Diagnostics:

In-depth coverage of wiring diagrams for all major systems, including troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults, component testing, and PCM/BCM diagnostic procedures.

HVAC System Repair:

Detailed instructions for diagnosing and repairing HVAC components such as the blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant system, and blend door actuators.

Fuel System Diagnostics:

Procedures for testing fuel pump pressure, fuel injectors, and evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

Cooling System Service:

Detailed steps for radiator removal/installation, water pump replacement, thermostat testing, and heater core diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text Content

Resolution:

High Resolution for Clear Diagrams and Text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.0L (242 cu in)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline-6 (I6) OHV

Engine 1 Power Hp:

Approx. 195 hp @ 4600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.7L (287 cu in)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V8 SOHC

Engine 2 Power Hp:

Approx. 235 hp @ 4750 rpm (for 2003 HO version, standard 4.7L approx. 227 hp)

Engine 2 Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (for 2003 HO version, standard 4.7L approx. 285 lb-ft)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Breathing:

Naturally Aspirated

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-Speed Automatic (42RE on 4.0L, 45RFE on 4.7L)

Transfer Case 1:

NV242 'Selec-Trac' (2WD, Full-time 4WD, 4-Hi Part-time, 4-Lo Part-time)

Transfer Case 2:

NV247 'Quadra-Drive' (Full-time 4WD with Variable Torque Distribution)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

116.1

Length Inches:

184.5

Width Inches:

74.5

Height Inches:

70.5

Curb Weight Lbs Min:

4,461 (for 4.0L)

Curb Weight Lbs Max:

4,730 (for 4.7L HO with Quadra-Drive)

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 37.2

Cargo Volume Cu Ft Max:

Approx. 77.2

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Good

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver:

N/A (Side Impact Rating not consistently available for all 2003 configurations tested by NHTSA)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:

Acceptable

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel ABS

Traction Control:

Available (Part of Quadra-Trac II / Quadra-Drive systems)

Airbags Front:

Standard Dual Front Airbags

Airbags Side:

Available Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional premium Infinity sound system, CD player, cassette player (early models), optional navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard Cruise Control

Parking Assist:

Optional Rear Parking Sensors

Remote Keyless Entry:

Standard or Optional depending on trim level

Climate Control:

Manual or Optional Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specific recommendations)

Engine Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Miles:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (severe service recommendations are common)

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Approx. 100,000 miles (for Platinum/Iridium plugs)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (for both 4.0L and 4.7L, check owner's manual for precise API classification and potential variations)

Engine Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Pink Coolant, or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid OAT) antifreeze

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems Engine:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.7L models), intake manifold gasket leaks, oil filter adapter leaks.

Common Problems Transmission:

Slipping or harsh shifting (often due to worn solenoids, valve body issues, or low fluid levels/condition).

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, track bar wear, sway bar links requiring replacement.

Common Problems Electrical:

Instrument cluster failure (dead gauges, dimming lights), window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness since its origins in WWII.

Wj Generation:

The WJ Grand Cherokee (1999-2004) was a significant redesign from the ZJ, featuring a more refined interior, improved on-road manners, and updated powertrains. The 2003 model year brought minor updates including the 'High Output' 4.7L V8 option.

Production Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA and Graz, Austria (for some export markets)

Wj Generation Years:

1999-2004

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Generation Awards:

The Grand Cherokee line has historically received accolades for its off-road prowess and overall package, although specific awards for the 2003 model year are less commonly highlighted than its overall segment reputation.