Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Usp:
Combination of Jeep's renowned off-road capability with increased refinement and on-road comfort compared to previous generations.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery
Design:
Larger and more car-like than its predecessor (XJ Cherokee), featuring a unibody construction with integrated body-frame.
Powertrain:
Available with the robust 4.0L inline-six and the more powerful 4.7L V8 engines, offering a range of Jeep's famous 4x4 systems.
Interior:
Improved interior materials and design for a more premium feel compared to earlier Jeep models.
Engine:
4.0L (Power Tech I6), 4.7L (Power Tech V8) engine overhaul, diagnostics, and repair
Transmission:
42RE (4-speed automatic), 45RFE/545RFE (4-speed automatic) repair, service, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
NV231/NV242 (transfer case), Dana 30, Dana 44 front axles, Chrysler 8.25 rear axle, service and overhaul
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering, alignment, component replacement
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc), ABS, parking brake, hydraulics, component service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, modules (PCM, BCM, etc.)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, body panels, bumpers, seats
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, radiator replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II code interpretation, electrical circuit testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including in-depth electrical diagnostics.
Searchability:
Searchable text for easy navigation and information retrieval
Printability:
Printable pages for offline use or referencing during repairs
Quality:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and text for clarity
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine 1:
4.0L 'Power Tech' Inline-6
Engine 1 Displacement:
3956 cc (241.5 cu in)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
98.5 mm x 86.7 mm (3.88 in x 3.41 in)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2:
4.7L 'Power Tech' V8
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc (286.8 cu in)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 86.7 mm (3.66 in x 3.41 in)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
220-235 hp @ 4700-4800 rpm (varies by year)
Engine 2 Torque:
285-325 lb-ft @ 3200-3500 rpm (varies by year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission
Transmission Model 4 0L:
42RE
Transmission Model 4 7L:
45RFE / 545RFE (later years adopted 5-speed, but typically referred to as 4-speed in documentation)
Optional Transmission:
None (manual transmission not offered on WJ Grand Cherokee)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (NV242), Quadra-Trac II (NV247), Quadra-Drive (NV247 with ELSD)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 stars (driver and passenger) - 1999 model year
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (older test, model year dependent)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels
Traction Control:
Optional (often integrated with 4x4 systems or as a separate system)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional on later models (ESP)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), optional side curtain airbags on some later models
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity Gold premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on later models.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles (10W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate and engine, refer to manual for specifics)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Champion copper or platinum plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Champion platinum plugs)
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (ATF+4, filter replacement recommended)
Engine Oil:
API SN or newer, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (consult manual based on temp range)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4
Common Problems 1:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), especially the plastic end tanks on the radiator. Head gasket issues on 4.7L V8 can occur due to overheating.
Common Problems 2:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings), leading to steering looseness and tire wear.
Common Problems 3:
Interior electronic issues: window regulators, power lock actuators, HVAC blower motor resistor, instrument cluster failures.
Common Problems 4:
Transfer case chain stretch/wear (Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive) can cause noise and shifting issues.
Common Problems 5:
Oil filter adapter housing leaks on the 4.7L V8.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and ruggedness, dating back to WWII.
Previous Generation:
Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-1998)
Next Generation:
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK (2005-2010)
Production Location:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Major Updates:
Facelift in 2005 introduced revised styling, improved interior, and updated powertrains (e.g., 5.7L HEMI V8 became available in later WJ models).
