Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Professional repair shops
Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery
Nvh Reduction:
Significant improvements in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) over previous generation
Interior Space:
Larger interior cabin and cargo volume compared to ZJ Grand Cherokee
Off Road Capability:
Maintained Jeep's signature off-road prowess with available 4WD systems
Engine:
4.0L I6 PowerTech, 4.7L V8 Magnum
Transmission:
42RE Automatic, 45RFE/545RFE Automatic, NV242/NV247 Transfer Cases
Drivetrain:
Front and Rear Axles, Driveshafts, Differentials, NV242/NV247 Transfer Case
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems (Solid Axle Rear, Independent Front in later WJ years, though 2002 likely has solid front), Control Arms, Springs, Shocks, Sway Bars
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System, Parking Brake
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gear
Electrical:
12V Battery System, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter), Ignition System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System, Climate Control
Comfort Convenience:
Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Seats, Sunroof (if equipped), Remote Keyless Entry
Safety Security:
Airbags, Seat Belts, Anti-theft System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics for Fault Finding
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement
Diagnostics:
Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostics, ABS Diagnostics, HVAC Diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Electrical Component Specifications, Diagnostic Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Diagnostic Tools:
References to use of DRB III scanner or equivalent OBD-II tools for advanced diagnostics
Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed automatic (42RE for 4.0L, 45RFE for 4.7L)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed automatic (545RFE for 4.7L - often in later production models or specific trims)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac NV242 (2WD/4WD Part-Time), Quadra-Trac II NV247 (Full-Time 4WD with electronic transfer case)
Fluid Spec Automatic:
ATF+3 (Chrysler specification) or equivalent (e.g., Mopar ATF+4, Dexron III/Mercon)
Fluid Capacity 42Re:
1.6 liters (1.7 US qt) pan drain
Fluid Capacity 45Rfe 545Rfe:
1.7 liters (1.8 US qt) pan drain
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2002:
Four Stars
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2002:
Four Stars
NHTSA Side Driver 2002:
Not Rated (or Five Stars depending on testing criteria)
IIHS Front Small Overlap 2002:
Acceptable (but tests were less rigorous then)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (often linked to specific 4WD systems or trim levels)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Check every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), Replace every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) or as per manual recommendation
Engine Coolant Interval:
First change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Certified (or 10W-30 for hotter climates, consult owner's manual for specific recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 4.7L:
6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on the 4.7L V8 Magnum engine (especially earlier versions, but can affect 2002 models).
Common Issue 2:
Water pump leaks, especially around the housing and seal.
Common Issue 3:
Blend door actuator failures in the HVAC system, leading to temperature control issues.
Common Issue 4:
Power steering pump leaks and groaning noise.
Common Issue 5:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failures or communication issues.
Common Issue 6:
Transfer case actuator or sensor failures (on Quadra-Trac II models).
Jeep Heritage:
Jeep has a long history of rugged, capable off-road vehicles, originating from military applications.
Grand Cherokee Launch:
First generation (ZJ) introduced in 1993 as a more luxurious alternative to the Cherokee.
Wj Generation Intro:
The WJ generation was introduced for the 1999 model year, representing a significant redesign.
Wj Facelift:
A minor facelift and powertrain updates occurred for the 2001 model year.
Production Location:
Detroit, Michigan, USA (Jefferson North Assembly Plant)
Wj Production Span:
1999-2004