Positioning:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004) solidified Jeep's position in the premium mid-size SUV market, blending robust capability with increased refinement over its predecessors.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Discovery.
Platform:
Built on a unibody chassis for improved on-road manners compared to body-on-frame SUVs.
Engine Options:
Offered with the venerable 4.0L inline-6 and the more powerful 4.7L V8 Magnum engines.
Interior:
Known for a more luxurious and car-like interior than earlier Jeep models.
Utility:
Essential for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair all aspects of the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4x2.
Engine:
Complete coverage including overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, and emissions control
Transmission:
Service, repair, and diagnostics for automatic transmission (e.g., 45RFE, 545RFE)
Drivetrain:
Service and repair for 2WD (RWD) driveline components, rear axle, driveshafts, U-joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake component replacement, bleeding procedures, specifications
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component location, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, body control module (BCM)
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system diagnostics and repair
Body:
Exterior and interior trim, doors, windows, locks, body panel repair, glass replacement
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, component mounting
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Diagnostics:
System-level diagnostics, fault code interpretation, troubleshooting guides
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds
Installation:
Component replacement and installation guidance
Troubleshooting:
Flowcharts and symptom-based guides for problem diagnosis
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics
Engine 1:
4.0L I6 (242 cubic inch) Power-Tech
Engine 1 Displacement:
3952 cc
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.88 x 3.41 inches (98.5 x 86.7 mm)
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 V8 (285 cubic inch) Magnum
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.70 x 3.35 inches (94.0 x 85.0 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4000 RPM (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating:
87 minimum (91 recommended for 4.7L for optimal performance)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics
Length:
189.4 inches (4811 mm)
Width:
74.8 inches (1900 mm)
Height:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm) for 4.7L, 8.0 inches (203 mm) for 4.0L
Curb Weight:
4100 - 4400 lbs (approx. depending on engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
5800 - 6000 lbs (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
33.0 cubic feet (0.93 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
70.0 cubic feet (1.98 m³)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star rating (check specific NHTSA reports for detailed analysis)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Standard front airbags for driver and passenger
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Audio Options:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound systems (Infinity Gold).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
OBD Ii:
On-Board Diagnostics II compliant, enabling diagnostic code retrieval.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (ATF+4 is typically a longer-life fluid, consult manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
4.0L I6: approx. 100,000 miles. 4.7L V8: approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on temperature)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) meeting Chrysler MS-9769 or MS-10899, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Headliner sagging, rear main seal leaks (especially on 4.7L V8), catalytic converter issues, radiator failure (plastic tanks cracking), intake manifold gasket leaks (on 4.7L V8), power steering pump whine.
Specific Faults Covered:
The manual will detail troubleshooting and repair for these common issues and many others.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability, originating from its WWII military roots.
Wj Generation:
The WJ generation (1999-2004) represented a significant step forward in refinement and comfort for the Grand Cherokee, moving closer to luxury SUV standards while retaining some Jeep identity.
Assembly Location:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, USA
Wj Production Years:
1999-2004
Automotive Journal Awards:
The WJ Grand Cherokee received positive reviews from automotive publications for its improved ride quality and interior compared to previous generations, often cited as a strong competitor in its class.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied for the WJ generation, with some years showing average or below-average predicted reliability, particularly for the 4.7L V8 engine.