Market Segment:
Mid-size luxury SUV
Positioning:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) was positioned as a more refined and upscale offering compared to its predecessor, blending off-road capability with on-road comfort and luxury features. It competed with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Discovery.
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery.
Vehicle Strengths:
Robust powertrains, significant off-road capability (especially with higher trims and options like Quadra-Drive), comfortable interior, refined ride compared to earlier generations, spacious cabin.
Covered Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Covered Models:
Jeep Grand Cherokee WG (WJ)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (4.0L I6, 4.7L V8), engine performance, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emission controls, transmission (42RE, 45RFE, 545RFE automatic), transfer case (NV231J, NV247, NV245), driveline components.
Chassis:
Suspension (front solid axle, rear solid axle), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear disc, ABS), wheels and tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system, body electrical systems (lighting, power accessories), instrument panel, security systems, airbags, audio systems, navigation systems (if equipped).
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, inspections.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system testing, component testing.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, steering gear repair, body panel repair, electrical component replacement.
Component Installation:
Installation procedures for major components such as engine, transmission, axles, suspension parts, body panels, electrical modules.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, overhaul instructions, and specifications for all major systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Engine 1 Displacement:
4.0L (3952cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-6 (I6)
Engine 1 Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approximately 190-195 hp @ 4600-4800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approximately 235-238 lb-ft @ 3200-3400 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
4.7L (4701cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
V8
Engine 2 Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 16 valves, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approximately 220-235 hp @ 4700-5200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
Approximately 280-325 lb-ft @ 3200-3600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Transmission Type:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic (for 4.0L engine)
Transmission Type 2:
45RFE / 545RFE 4-Speed Automatic (with overdrive, for 4.7L V8)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (NV231J), Quadra-Trac II (NV247), Quadra-Drive (NV247 with ELSD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1999-2004 models)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1999-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
4 Stars (1999-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
4 Stars (1999-2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel disc ABS
Traction Control:
Available (Trak-Lok, Part-time 4WD) and standard on some trims (Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Available side-impact airbags for front occupants.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD players, optional premium sound systems (Infinity Gold), cassette players.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Telematics:
Optional satellite radio, early forms of Uconnect might be present in late models but less common than in later generations.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Check manual for exact mileage and specific transmission type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles (48,000-160,000 km) or 3-5 years, depending on coolant type. Typically HOAT coolant is recommended.
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
API SN or higher, SAE 10W-30 (or 5W-30 for extreme cold). Consult manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Type 4.7L:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30. Consult manual for exact specification.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula.
Cooling System:
Overheating due to faulty water pump, radiator issues, or head gasket failures (especially on 4.7L). Cracked cylinder heads on early 4.7L engines were a known issue.
Transmission:
42RE can be prone to solenoid failures or torque converter issues. 45RFE/545RFE are generally more robust, but fluid maintenance is critical.
Electrical:
Issues with the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM), body control modules (BCM), window regulators, and instrument cluster failures.
Suspension Steering:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings. Death wobble on early models with solid front axles if components are worn.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long and storied history dating back to World War II, renowned for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, and iconic design. The Grand Cherokee lineage began in 1993 as Jeep's first luxury SUV.
Wj Generation:
The WJ generation (1999-2004) represented a significant redesign from the previous ZJ. It adopted a unibody construction with integrated body-frame (IBF) design for improved refinement and ride quality, moving away from traditional body-on-frame. It also featured a more aerodynamic exterior and a luxurious interior.
Manufacturing Plant:
Jefferson North Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Period:
1999-2004 model years
Year 2000 Award:
Often praised for its improved refinement and interior quality over the outgoing ZJ model. Received generally positive reviews from automotive publications for its blend of luxury and off-road capability.
Off Road Capability:
Consistently recognized for its strong off-road performance, especially models equipped with Quadra-Drive system, which offered excellent traction control through its electronic locking differentials.
