Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY repairs and maintenance, professional mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery.
Vehicle Strengths:
Strong towing capacity, comfortable ride, capable off-road (with proper options), spacious interior.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with detailed, accurate technical information to maintain and repair their vehicle, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
All engine components, disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, repair.
Engine Management:
Fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics.
Transmission Automatic:
42RE, 45RFE, 545RFE transmission repair, rebuild, fluid service, diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
NV3500 manual transmission repair, rebuild, clutch service.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, NV242/NV247 transfer case, driveshafts, U-joints, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front (short-long arm independent) and rear (five-link solid axle) suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, parking brake, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, actuators.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, headliner, sound deadening.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, body structure integrity.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for all major systems, fault code definitions (OBD-II).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild, brake caliper replacement.
Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter, water pump, radiator, fuel pump, power steering pump, suspension components.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component diagnostics.
Body Repair:
Dent repair, panel replacement, rust prevention and repair, glass replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting flowcharts and procedures for common faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Highly detailed with torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic (42RE or 45RFE depending on engine/drivetrain)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Automatic (545RFE with V8)
Transmission Type Manual:
5-Speed Manual (NV3500 with 4.0L I6)
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (Command-Trac NV242, or Selec-Trac NV247 with Quadra-Drive)
Transfer Case Nv242:
Full-time 4WD, 2WD, 4WD Part-time, Neutral.
Transfer Case Nv247:
Full-time 4WD with front bias, 4WD Low, Neutral. (Part of Quadra-Drive system with Vari-Lok differentials).
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
42Re Capacity:
Approximately 10 quarts (9.5 Liters)
45Rfe 545Rfe Capacity:
Approximately 11.5 quarts (10.9 Liters)
Nv3500 Capacity:
Approximately 2.2 quarts (2.1 Liters)
Length:
185.4 inches (4710 mm)
Width:
73.3 inches (1862 mm)
Height:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Front Track:
61.2 inches (1554 mm)
Rear Track:
61.1 inches (1552 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 8.0 inches (203 mm) depending on tire size and suspension.
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 105.0 cubic feet (2973 liters)
Front Headroom:
Approximately 39.6 inches (1006 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approximately 39.1 inches (993 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approximately 40.8 inches (1036 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approximately 38.9 inches (988 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 37.5 cubic feet (1062 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 77.2 cubic feet (2186 liters)
Curb Weight 4.0L:
Approximately 4350 lbs (1973 kg)
Curb Weight 4.7L:
Approximately 4400 lbs (1996 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5700-5900 lbs (2585-2676 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package.
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 1200-1500 lbs (544-680 kg)
Wheelbase Options:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Wheel Size Standard:
16-inch Alloy
Wheel Size Optional:
17-inch Alloy
Tire Size Standard:
P225/75R16 or LT225/75R16
Tire Size Optional:
P235/65R17 or P245/65R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Offset:
ET30 to ET45 (Varies by wheel size)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
Acceptable
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Acceptable
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
N/A (Rollover testing conducted)
Rollover Rating:
Four-star rating.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control (TCS) on some models.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) not available on 2002 model.
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, front seat belt pretensioners.
Audio System Options:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player (single or in-dash 6-disc changer), optional Infinity Gold premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (typically CD-ROM based).
Climate Control Options:
Manual HVAC or optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) with digital display.
Parking Sensors:
Not available for this model year.
Remote Start:
Optional factory or dealer-installed remote start system.
Bluetooth:
Not available for this model year.
Usb Ports:
Not available for this model year.
Memory Seats:
Optional on higher trim levels (e.g., Limited).
Power Liftgate:
Not available for this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions may require shorter intervals.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) for severe use, or 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for normal use.
Spark Plug Replacement I6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using platinum-tipped spark plugs (e.g., Champion Copper Plus are NOT recommended for long life).
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as needed.
Engine Oil I6:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil V8:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or Dexron III/Mercon.
Differential Fluid Front Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Synthetic recommended). For differentials with Trac-Lok/Vari-Lok, use limited-slip additive if required by specification.
Transfer Case Fluid:
NV242: ATF+4 (MS-9602). NV247: Chrysler Mopar 7100 (or equivalent specified 4WD fluid).
Cooling System:
Leaking heater core (under dash), cracked coolant reservoir, failing water pump.
Transmission Issues:
42RE can develop torque converter shudder, solenoid issues. 45RFE/545RFE generally robust but can have accumulator piston issues. Leaking transmission cooler lines.
Suspension Issues:
Worn front control arm bushings, ball joints, track bar bushings, steering stabilizer.
Electrical Issues:
PCM failures, headlight switch issues, power window motor failures, rear hatch wiring harness fatigue.
Engine Issues:
4.7L V8 can suffer from valve stem seal issues (oil burning), cracked cylinder heads (early versions), crankshaft position sensor failures.
Exhaust Issues:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially 4.7L V8), catalytic converter failures.
Interior Issues:
Headliner sagging, worn seat bolsters, crumbling dashboard materials.
4X4 Of The Year:
The Grand Cherokee, in general, has received numerous '4x4 of the Year' awards over its history from various off-road publications.
Kl Magazine Editors Choice:
While specific awards for the 2002 model year are not prominently cited, the WJ platform was generally well-received for its blend of luxury, capability, and on-road manners compared to its predecessor.
Consumer Reports Rating:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era of Jeep Grand Cherokee were often mixed, with points deducted for reliability concerns, particularly in the early years of the WJ generation. However, praised for ride and handling.