🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Model Code:

WJ

Model Generation:

Second Generation (WJ)

Model Year:

1998

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery

Key Selling Points Wj:

Robust off-road capability, comfortable ride, spacious interior, choice of powerful engines

SUV Characteristics:

Body-on-frame construction, available 4WD systems (Selec-Trac, Quadra-Trac II), high ground clearance

Interior Comfort:

Premium materials on higher trims, optional leather seating, available dual-zone climate control

Powertrain Options:

Emphasis on V8 engine availability for enhanced performance

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Complete Service and Repair Procedures

Diagnostic Coverage:

Extensive Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and Troubleshooting Guides

Mechanical Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Exhaust

Electrical Systems:

Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, HVAC Controls, Audio Systems

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Trim, Restraint Systems

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Purpose:

Official Dealer Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, lubrication, cooling system, fuel delivery (excluding injectors for specific engines), timing components, seals and gaskets

Engine Performance:

Ignition system, fuel injection (system operation), emissions control, engine diagnostics, performance tuning specifications

Transmission Automatic:

Operation, overhaul, hydraulic controls, electrical controls, torque converter, internal components, fluid specifications, diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Operation, overhaul, clutch system, gear selection, fluid specifications, diagnostics

Drivetrain:

Transfer case operation and overhaul, front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, differentials

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS system components, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake system, brake fluid specifications

Electrical Power Distribution:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, fuse boxes, relays, wiring diagrams for all systems

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, frame, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, weatherstripping, interior trim, bumpers, paint and corrosion protection

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser), heating system, ventilation, climate control module, blower motor, ducts

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system components, seat belt mechanisms, SRS module, diagnostic procedures

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, wiring diagrams, bulb specifications

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, steering system repair

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and intermittent faults, interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using diagnostic scan tools

Troubleshooting:

System-specific troubleshooting trees, common symptom identification and resolution

Electrical Diagnosis:

Circuit testing, voltage drop testing, continuity testing, troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams

Specifications And Tolerances:

All critical torque specifications, measurement tolerances, clearances, and adjustments

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Detailed exploded views, step-by-step repair illustrations, wiring schematics, diagnostic flowcharts

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete component overhaul and system diagnostics

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Searchable PDF

Readability:

High-resolution scans, clear text and diagrams

Print Support:

Printable for easy workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

4.0L Power Tech I-6 (ERH)

Displacement 1:

3952 cc (241 cu in)

Configuration 1:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Horsepower 1:

185 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque 1:

245 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Block Material 1:

Cast Iron

Head Material 1:

Cast Iron

Engine Code 2:

4.7L PowerTech V8 (EVA)

Displacement 2:

4701 cc (287 cu in)

Configuration 2:

V8, Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 Valves per Cylinder

Horsepower 2:

220 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque 2:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Block Material 2:

Cast Iron

Head Material 2:

Aluminum

Compression Ratio 1:

8.8:1

Compression Ratio 2:

8.7:1

Induction System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Pressure:

49-57 psi (338-393 kPa) for 4.0L; 59-69 psi (407-476 kPa) for 4.7L

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

4-speed automatic (42RE)

Transmission 2:

4-speed automatic (45RFE) on 4.7L V8 models

Transmission 3:

5-speed manual (NV3550) available on some early 4.0L models (less common)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive

Transmission Fluid Capacity 42Re:

8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)

Transmission Fluid Capacity 45Rfe:

10.0 quarts (9.5 liters)

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

184.5 inches (4686 mm)

Width:

72.3 inches (1836 mm)

Height:

66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Front Track:

60.6 inches (1539 mm)

Rear Track:

60.5 inches (1537 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm) (standard) / 10.4 inches (264 mm) (optional Off-Road package)

Curb Weight 4.0L:

4430 - 4600 lbs (2009 - 2087 kg)

Curb Weight 4.7L:

4580 - 4750 lbs (2077 - 2155 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

5600 - 5750 lbs (2540 - 2608 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

37.5 cu ft (1062 L)

Cargo Volume Max:

72.3 cu ft (2047 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

3 Stars (for 1998 model year)

Traction Control:

Optional

ABS Brakes:

Standard (4-wheel disc on most models)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, optional Infinity Gold premium sound system

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system available on some higher trims

Cruise Control:

Standard

Auxiliary Input:

Not available (pre-auxiliary era)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (4,800-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually

Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:

Around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs

Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:

Around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as recommended based on usage

Engine Oil 4.0L:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

Engine Oil 4.7L:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problem 1:

Cracked cylinder heads (especially early 4.7L V8 models)

Common Problem 2:

Water pump leaks and failures

Common Problem 3:

Transfer case chain stretch and wear

Common Problem 4:

Cooling fan clutch issues

Common Problem 5:

Front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings)

Common Problem 6:

Power steering pump leaks

Common Problem 7:

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) issues on later models (not applicable to 1998, but a common WJ issue)

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep's long history of off-road capability and ruggedness dating back to WWII

First Generation Xj:

The compact XJ Cherokee (1984-2001) established Jeep's SUV dominance. The Grand Cherokee was introduced as a larger, more luxurious sibling in 1993 (ZJ).

Wj Introduction:

The WJ Grand Cherokee debuted for the 1999 model year, replacing the ZJ. The product information provided appears to be for a model year that did not exist (1988 WJ). This is a critical discrepancy. Assuming the '1988' in the product name is an error and it refers to the WJ generation, the WJ ran from 1999 to 2004.

Discrepancy Note:

The product name 'Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 1988' is factually incorrect, as the WJ generation was introduced for the 1999 model year. The 1988 model year would correspond to the ZJ generation of the Grand Cherokee, or potentially an earlier Cherokee XJ model. For the purpose of this manual's coverage, we will assume it pertains to the WJ generation (1999-2004) and the '1988' is a data entry error.

Manufacturing Plant:

Jefferson North Assembly, Detroit, Michigan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:

The WJ Grand Cherokee was recognized by Popular Mechanics as an Editors' Choice award winner in its segment upon its introduction.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Variable; often cited for comfort and capability but with mixed reliability ratings, particularly for the V8 engine.

Epa Fuel Economy City 4.0L:

14 MPG

Epa Fuel Economy Highway 4.0L:

18 MPG

Epa Fuel Economy City 4.7L:

13 MPG

Epa Fuel Economy Highway 4.7L:

17 MPG