Vehicle Class:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Key Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery
Design:
Distinctive Jeep styling, comfortable interior, capable off-road presence
Diesel Advantage:
Improved fuel economy and torque compared to gasoline counterparts, enhanced towing capability
Powertrain:
Engine (diesel), Transmission (automatic), Transfer Case
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (front and rear, ABS), Driveline (axles, driveshafts)
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Instrument Cluster, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Interior trim, Seats, Glass
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs, Belt inspections and replacement, Spark plug replacement (if applicable to diesel variant, though unlikely), Cooling system service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, Wiring diagram analysis
Repair:
Engine overhaul and component replacement (fuel injection, turbocharger, etc.), Transmission overhaul and component replacement, Suspension and steering component replacement, Brake system component replacement and bleeding, Electrical component repair and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, Fluid capacities and types, Component part numbers, Exploded views, Repair times (labor guides)
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering all major systems from basic maintenance to full rebuilds)
Wiring Diagrams:
Included, detailed
Engine Code:
VM Motori CRD 2.5L (export markets, less common in 2003) or 2.7L Mercedes-Benz CRD (OM612) for some markets
Displacement:
2.7 Liters (2700 cc) or 2.5 Liters (2500 cc) depending on market
Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder (2.7L) or Inline 4-cylinder (2.5L)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged, Intercooled
Horsepower 2 7L:
Approx. 163 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque 2 7L:
Approx. 295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Injection System:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi)
Engine Oil:
API CJ-4 or ACEA E7/E9 (synthetic recommended), viscosity typically 5W-40 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for precise spec.
Coolant:
Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Mopar part number.
Timing Drive:
Timing Chain
Transmission Type 2 7L:
5-Speed Automatic (Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic / NAG1)
Transmission Type 2 5L:
4-Speed Automatic (less common with diesel)
Drivetrain:
Part-time 4WD (Selec-Trac NV242 or Quadra-Drive NV247)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 or equivalent (e.g., ATF 445T). Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity.
Transfer Case Fluid:
Typically Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent. Refer to manual for specific type and capacity.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star (2003 model year, specific test results may vary)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star (2003 model year, specific test results may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Traction Control:
Available (e.g., Electronic Traction Control - ETC)
Stability Control:
Not typically available on 2003 models
Airbags:
Front airbags, available front side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Available premium Infinity Gold sound system, CD player, optional navigation system.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for 2003 model year.
Phone Integration:
Not available in modern sense; may have provisions for aftermarket hands-free kits.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific diesel recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Critical for diesel. Intervals vary; consult manual. Typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as recommended.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per severe service schedule. Refer to manual for exact interval and procedure.
Common Diesel Issues:
Glow plug failure, injector issues, EGR valve clogging, turbocharger problems, potential for water in fuel if not filtered properly.
Common Wj Issues:
Transfer case chain stretch, U-joint wear, radiator leaks, HVAC blower motor issues, steering components.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Refer to manual for specific requirement.
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler/Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Jeep Legacy:
Long history of off-road capability and ruggedness
Wj Generation:
Second generation Grand Cherokee (1999-2004), known for improved on-road manners and refinement over previous ZJ generation.
Diesel Introduction:
Diesel engines were offered in select markets during the WJ generation, often sourced from Mercedes-Benz or VM Motori.
Manufacturing Locations:
Jefferson North Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Not awarded for the 2003 model year; however, the Grand Cherokee (as a model line) has received numerous accolades over its history.
Fuel Economy Diesel:
Generally better than gasoline counterparts, e.g., EPA estimates around 18-20 MPG city / 23-25 MPG highway (for 2.7L diesel, varies by specific configuration and driving conditions).
