🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Generation:

WJ

Model Year:

1999

Platform Code:

WJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Key Competitors 1999:

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

Jeep Heritage:

Renowned for off-road capability, comfortable ride, and premium interior appointments in its segment.

Wj Generation Distinction:

Marked a significant departure from its predecessor with a more refined interior, improved on-road manners, and a wider range of available powertrains.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for full service manuals of this era)

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and possibly manual), transfer case, drive axles, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear disc), wheels and tires.

Body & Electrical:

Body panels, interior trim, HVAC system, lighting, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), instrument cluster, audio system, body control modules, wiring diagrams.

Maintenance:

Routine oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, tire rotation.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilding, differential repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms, fault code interpretation, step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data, wiring diagrams, component locations.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Readability:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (PowerTech)

Engine 1 Code:

AMC 242

Engine 1 Displacement:

3956 cc (242 cubic inches)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

98.5 mm x 86.6 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

185 hp @ 4600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2:

4.7L V8 (PowerTech)

Engine 2 Code:

ECHO

Engine 2 Displacement:

4701 cc (287 cubic inches)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 86.6 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

220 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

275 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (42RE)

Transmission Type Standard Engine Match:

Paired with 4.0L I6 engine

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (45RFE/545RFE)

Transmission Type Optional Engine Match:

Paired with 4.7L V8 engine (often the 545RFE variant which was an evolution of the 45RFE)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac NV242 (2WD high, 4WD high, 4WD low) or Select-Trac NV247 (full-time 4WD, 4WD low) depending on trim/options.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 10 quarts (9.5 Liters) for 42RE/45RFE, 11.7 quarts (11.1 Liters) for 545RFE (dry fill, varies with torque converter)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

116.7 inches (2964 mm)

Length:

184.4 inches (4684 mm)

Width:

71.3 inches (1811 mm)

Height:

66.6 inches (1692 mm)

Seating Capacity:

5

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

37.2 cubic feet (1053 Liters)

Cargo Volume Max:

75.0 cubic feet (2124 Liters)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 4,100 - 4,500 lbs (1860 - 2041 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:

4-star (1999 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:

4-star (1999 model year)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional (often part of premium trims or specific packages)

Airbags:

Standard front driver and passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (Infinity Gold).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, optional power seats.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type and severity of use).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on driving conditions (severe service more frequent).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred for both 4.0L I6 and 4.7L V8, consult manual for specific requirements and temperature ranges)

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, usually a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Common Problem 1:

Overhead Camshaft (OHC) failure on 4.7L V8 (cam lobe wear, timing chain issues)

Common Problem 2:

Water pump leaks and failure (especially on 4.0L I6)

Common Problem 3:

Blend door actuator failure in HVAC system (leading to temperature control issues)

Common Problem 4:

Death wobble (front suspension or steering component wear, often track bar or ball joints)

Common Problem 5:

Transfer case chain stretch and wear (particularly on NV247)

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep's legacy dates back to World War II with rugged, off-road capable vehicles. The Grand Cherokee introduced a more refined, family-oriented SUV to the brand.

Zj To Wj Transition:

The WJ replaced the ZJ generation in late 1998 for the 1999 model year. It featured a completely new body-on-frame design with a unibody construction internally, redesigned front and rear suspension, and a significantly updated interior and exterior styling.

Manufacturing Plant:

Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

1999-2004 (WJ Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

WJ Grand Cherokee was not MotorTrend's SUV of the Year for 1999 (that was the Ford Explorer), but it was highly regarded and a strong contender in its segment.

Consumer Reports Rating Trend:

Generally rated as average to good for reliability in its initial years, with some specific model year issues noted in later reports.