Market Position:
The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ represented a significant evolution for the model, moving to a unibody construction for improved on-road manners while retaining considerable off-road capability. It competed in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Discovery. The WJ offered a blend of American V8 power and Jeep's off-road heritage.
Key Features Model:
Available with two popular engine options, multiple 4x4 systems (Selec-Trac, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive), luxurious interior appointments, and a comfortable ride for its class.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical (including 4.0L I6 and 4.7L V8), Engine Performance, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (42RE, 45RFE, NV3500), Drivetrain (Front & Rear Axles, Differentials, Transfer Cases), Brakes (ABS), Steering, Suspension (Front & Rear), Body & Frame, HVAC, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Emissions Control, Interior & Exterior Trim, Wheels & Tires.
Procedures Included:
Disassembly, Assembly, Inspection, Adjustment, Lubrication, Maintenance Schedules, Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, Component Replacement, Torque Specifications, Repair Instructions, Rebuild Procedures.
Technical Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including detailed component specifications, tolerances, and systematic troubleshooting sequences. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Body Repair Procedures:
Includes procedures for body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumper repair, and interior trim service.
HVAC System Repair:
Detailed diagnostics and repair for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including refrigerant handling (R134a), blower motor replacement, and climate control module service.
Electrical System Diagnostics:
Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including power distribution, grounding points, component testing, and detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Complete rebuild instructions for both the 4.0L I6 and 4.7L V8 engines, including disassembly, inspection of internal components, measurement of wear, and reassembly with specified torque values.
Differential And Axle Service:
Procedures for servicing front and rear differentials, axle shafts, hub assemblies, and bearings, including gear pattern checks and backlash adjustments.
Wiring Diagrams Included:
Comprehensive, detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems (powertrain, chassis, body, HVAC, etc.), color-coded for clarity.
Engine 1 Description:
4.0L (242 cid) OHV Inline 6-Cylinder (PowerTech)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.6 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 2 Description:
4.7L (287 cid) SOHC V8 (PowerTech)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.66 in x 3.31 in (93 mm x 84 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
220 hp @ 4700 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
285 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Automatic Transmission 1:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic (with 4.0L engine)
Automatic Transmission 2:
45RFE 4-Speed Automatic (with 4.7L V8 engine, later replaced by 545RFE)
Manual Transmission:
NV3500 5-Speed Manual (Optional, less common)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (Full-time 4WD), Quadra-Trac II (Part-time 4WD with NV247 transfer case), Quadra-Drive (4WD with Tru-Lok differentials)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Overall Length:
181.1 inches (4600 mm)
Overall Width:
71.6 inches (1819 mm)
Overall Height:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Curb Weight:
4,200 - 4,500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg) (approx. depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
5,500 - 5,700 lbs (2495 - 2585 kg) (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
37.2 cu ft (1053 liters)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
75.6 cu ft (2141 liters)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.3 inches (211 mm) (depending on tire size and suspension)
Approach Angle:
Approx. 37.5 degrees
Departure Angle:
Approx. 30.0 degrees
Breakover Angle:
Approx. 23.0 degrees
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
Four Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
Four Stars
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), available Traction Control System (TCS).
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, available side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced safety cage construction.
Infotainment Options:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium Infinity Gold sound system, optional navigation system (rare).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional steering wheel mounted audio controls.
Connectivity Features:
Not applicable for this era; no Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Gauge Cluster Features:
Analog gauges with tachometer, speedometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Some models featured a driver information center with trip computer.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil recommended).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Fluid Specifications Engine
Engine Oil Spec 4.0L:
API SN, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Spec 4.7L:
API SN, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Fluid Specifications Power Steering
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Fluid Specifications Brake
Common Issues 4.0L:
Cracked cylinder heads (less common on 2000 model than earlier 4.0L, but still possible), intake manifold gasket leaks, starter motor issues.
Common Issues 4.7L:
Valve seat recession (especially on early models), head gasket failures, water pump leaks, ignition coil failures.
Common Issues Transmission:
42RE torque converter shudder, potential for 45RFE/545RFE solenoid pack issues.
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints (due to IFS), steering linkage wear, leaking power steering pumps.
Common Issues Electrical:
Water pump failure leading to instrument cluster issues, interior trim panel fitment issues, HVAC blower motor failures.
Fluid Specifications Transfer Case
Transfer Case Fluid Spec Nv242:
Mopar NV242 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent)
Transfer Case Fluid Spec Nv247:
Mopar NV247 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent)
Transfer Case Fluid Spec Nv231:
Mopar NV231 Transfer Case Fluid (or equivalent)
Jeep Brand Heritage:
Founded on military utility vehicles, Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road prowess.
Grand Cherokee Wj Generation:
The WJ generation (1999-2004) was a significant redesign, moving from the ZJ's solid front axle to a coil-spring independent front suspension (IFS) for better on-road handling. It introduced the 4.7L V8 and updated 4x4 systems.
Production Years:
1999-2004 (WJ generation)
Manufacturing Plants:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA.