Positioning:
The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ represented a refined iteration of Jeep's popular mid-size SUV, known for its robust capability, comfortable ride, and premium features for its era.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Features:
Available with powerful V8 engines, advanced four-wheel-drive systems (Quadra-Drive II), comfortable interiors, and a focus on towing and off-road capability.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, overhaul, and component testing for all included engine variants.
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, ignition, emissions control systems, and ECU troubleshooting.
Transmission Automatic:
Repair, diagnosis, and fluid service for the automatic transmission.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for any manual transmission variants offered.
Drivetrain 4Wd:
Service for transfer case, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, and CV joints for 4x4 systems.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, replacement, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system inspection, repair, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of charging and starting systems, lighting, and accessories.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control diagnosis.
Body And Frame:
Exterior panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, and basic frame straightening procedures.
Body Control Modules:
Diagnosis and potential programming for body control modules and related electronic components.
Preventive Maintenance:
Detailed schedules and instructions for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, and tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems.
Engine Rebuild:
In-depth instructions for complete engine overhaul, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for the complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of automatic transmissions.
Brake Service:
Procedures for brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, and brake fluid flushing.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of sensors, actuators, modules, and wiring using multimeters and diagnostic scan tools.
HVAC Recharge:
Procedures for servicing and recharging the air conditioning system, including leak detection.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
References diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and likely requires a scan tool for advanced diagnostics.
Engine 1:
4.0L "Power Tech" Inline-6 (I6)
Engine 1 Code:
SOHC, 12-valve
Engine 1 Displacement:
3952 cc (241 cu in)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
98.5 mm x 86.7 mm (3.88 in x 3.41 in)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2:
4.7L "PowerTech" V8
Engine 2 Code:
SOHC, 16-valve (2 Valves Per Cylinder)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc (287 cu in)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 86.7 mm (3.66 in x 3.41 in)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
230 hp @ 4700 rpm (standard), 235 hp @ 4700 rpm (premium fuel, later production)
Engine 2 Torque:
302 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (standard), 305 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (premium fuel, later production)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating recommendation of 87 minimum for 4.0L, 89 recommended for 4.7L (premium may offer slight benefit).
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Coolant Capacity 4.0L:
Approx. 11.0 Quarts (10.4 Liters)
Coolant Capacity 4.7L:
Approx. 12.0 Quarts (11.4 Liters)
Oil Type 4.0L:
SAE 10W-30 (check manual for specific API service category)
Oil Type 4.7L:
SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific API service category)
Oil Capacity 4.0L:
5.0 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Oil Capacity 4.7L:
5.0 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter
Transmission Type 4.0L:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type 4.7L:
45RFE / 545RFE 4-Speed Automatic (later models may have 545RFE)
Optional Transmission:
No manual transmission option for this generation in North America.
Transmission Fluid 42Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid 45Rfe/545Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Re:
Approx. 9.6 US Quarts (9.1 Liters) for dry fill
Transmission Fluid Capacity 45Rfe/545Rfe:
Approx. 11.7 US Quarts (11.1 Liters) for dry fill
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Length:
185.5 inches (4712 mm)
Width:
73.3 inches (1862 mm)
Height:
67.0 inches (1702 mm)
Front Track:
61.6 inches (1565 mm)
Rear Track:
61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches (213 mm) typical
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 85.6 cu ft (2424 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 37.5 cu ft (1062 Liters)
Curb Weight 4.0L:
Approx. 4,425 lbs (2007 kg)
Curb Weight 4.7L:
Approx. 4,575 lbs (2075 kg)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 5,000 - 6,500 lbs (2268 - 2948 kg), depending on configuration and engine.
Payload Capacity Max:
Approx. 1,000 - 1,200 lbs (454 - 544 kg)
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
5x5.5 inches (5x139.7 mm)
Standard Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Optional Tire Size:
P245/65R17, P235/70R16 (early models/lower trims)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (as per NHTSA ratings for comparable vehicles of the era)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (as per NHTSA ratings for comparable vehicles of the era)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable/Good (depending on specific testing year and vehicle configuration)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional or standard depending on trim level; often part of the 4WD system (e.g., Traction Control System - TCS).
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) became available on later WJ models or as an option, but may not be standard on all 2003 models.
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, driver's side pretensioner.
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems, optional Infinity Gold with subwoofer, CD player, cassette player (on some models).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (often touch screen).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically factory equipped; aftermarket solutions usually required.
Bluetooth:
Not factory equipped; aftermarket solutions usually required.
Oil Change Interval 4.0L:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe service may require shorter intervals.
Oil Change Interval 4.7L:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe service may require shorter intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on usage (towing, severe conditions warrant more frequent changes). Check dipstick and condition.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for conventional coolant, or follow specific coolant manufacturer recommendations (e.g., HOAT).
Spark Plug Replacement:
4.0L: Platinum plugs typically good for 100,000 miles. 4.7L: Platinum plugs typically good for 100,000 miles.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions and visual inspection.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or Mopar power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on specific caliper/ABS module requirements (refer to cap or manual).
Common Issue 1:
Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.7L V8 engines (though this was more prevalent in earlier model years, it's a known concern for the engine family).
Common Issue 2:
Water pump leaks, especially on the 4.7L V8.
Common Issue 3:
Interior electronic module failures (e.g., Body Control Module - BCM) leading to various electrical gremlins.
Common Issue 4:
Heater core leaks leading to a sweet smell in the cabin or fogged windows.
Common Issue 5:
Transmission shifting issues or delays, often related to fluid condition or solenoids.
Common Issue 6:
Liftgate struts losing effectiveness.
Common Issue 7:
Death wobble or steering shimmy, often related to worn suspension components (track bar, ball joints, tie rod ends).
Jeep Heritage:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for robust off-road capability and durable construction, dating back to its WWII origins.
Wj Generation:
The WJ Grand Cherokee was produced from 1999 to 2004, representing the second generation. The 2003 model year saw subtle updates to features and available powertrains.
Key Wj Updates:
Significant updates for the WJ included improved interior refinement, enhanced on-road manners, and the introduction of the advanced Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system.
Manufacturing Plant:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
1999-2004