Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Families, off-road enthusiasts, those seeking comfortable highway cruising
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX, BMW X5
Powertrain Options:
Renowned Jeep capability with available powerful engines and robust 4WD systems
Interior Comfort:
Spacious interior with available premium materials and amenities
Off Road Capability:
Class-leading off-road prowess thanks to Quadra-Drive II system and solid axle rear suspension
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, component replacement, and tuning
Powertrain:
Includes transmission (NV3500 manual, 45RFE/545RFE automatic), transfer case (NV242, NV247, NV249), and differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting
Brakes:
Brake system inspection, repair, ABS components, bleeding procedures, and specifications
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for electrical systems, including ECUs and sensors
Body And Frame:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal, glass replacement, and structural components
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting
Chassis Systems:
Includes frame, axles, driveshafts, and universal joints
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various systems, including symptom-based troubleshooting trees
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and differentials
Alignment Procedures:
Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures
Brake Bleeding:
Correct procedures for bleeding the brake system, including ABS-equipped vehicles
Electrical Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing starters, alternators, sensors, ECUs, and other electrical parts
Body Panel Repair:
Procedures for removing, installing, and repairing body panels and associated hardware
Depth Level:
Expert/Professional Grade: Suitable for certified technicians and advanced DIY mechanics
Diagnostics Coverage:
Includes detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit descriptions, and testing procedures
Torque Specifications:
Extensive listing of torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components
Schematics Included:
Comprehensive electrical schematics and vacuum diagrams
Engine Code 1:
4.0L Inline-6 (AMC 242)
Displacement 1:
3956 cc (242 cubic inches)
Horsepower 1:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque 1:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 2:
4.7L V8 (PowerTech)
Displacement 2:
4701 cc (287 cubic inches)
Horsepower 2:
235 hp @ 4750 rpm (updated to 260 hp @ 5200 rpm for 2003-2004 model years)
Torque 2:
295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (updated to 325 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm for 2003-2004 model years)
Fuel System 2:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
0 60 Mph Estimate 4.0L:
Approx. 9.5 - 10.5 seconds
0 60 Mph Estimate 4.7L:
Approx. 8.0 - 9.0 seconds
Recommended Fuel Octane 4.0L:
87 Octane (Regular Unleaded)
Recommended Fuel Octane 4.7L:
89 Octane (Mid-Grade Unleaded) recommended for optimal performance, 87 acceptable
Transmission Type 4.0L:
4-speed Automatic (42RE)
Transmission Type 4.7L:
5-speed Automatic (545RFE)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Rare; NV3500 5-speed manual transmission available on some base models with the 4.0L engine in earlier WJ years, less common for 2004
Transfer Case Options:
NV231 (Part-Time Command-Trac), NV242 (Full-Time Selec-Trac), NV247 (Full-Time Quadra-Trac II), NV247HD (Quadra-Drive II)
Transmission Fluid Spec 42Re:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Spec 545Rfe:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Length:
189.8 inches (4821 mm)
Width:
74.7 inches (1897 mm)
Height:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Ground Clearance Standard:
Approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm)
Ground Clearance Off Road Package:
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Curb Weight 4.0L:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg)
Curb Weight 4.7L:
Approx. 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
Towing Capacity Max:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional tow package
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 900 - 1100 lbs (408 - 499 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Front Seat:
Acceptable (may vary by configuration)
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, part of 4WD systems
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Not widely available on 2004 WJ, introduced later in Jeep models
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags on some higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM/CD, optional premium Infinity sound system with subwoofer, optional CD changer
Navigation System:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC or optional dual-zone automatic climate control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist system
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions common
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement 4.0L:
Every 100,000 miles (if original copper plugs), consult manual for exact type/interval
Spark Plug Replacement 4.7L:
Every 100,000 miles (if original platinum plugs), consult manual for exact type/interval
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (crucial for longevity, especially under towing/heavy use)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type 4.0L:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 (check specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Type 4.7L:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (check specific climate recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) approved coolant (e.g., Mopar OAT or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or CHRYSLER power steering fluid
Common Issue Cooling System:
Leaking radiator, water pump failures, heater core issues are common; regular flushing is key
Common Issue Front Driveshaft Symptoms:
Vibration, particularly at higher speeds, often due to worn U-joints or balance issues
Common Issue Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft seals can develop leaks over time
Common Issue Transfer Case Clunk:
Characteristic 'clunk' on acceleration/deceleration due to wear in the transfer case viscous coupling unit (especially in Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive)
Common Issue Ignition Coils 4.7L:
Individual ignition coil failures can lead to misfires
Jeep Legacy:
Iconic brand known for off-road capability and ruggedness since WWII
Wj Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1999 model year, representing a significant refinement over the ZJ generation
Wj Generation Updates 2004:
Minor updates for 2004, including slight powertrain refinements and feature availability changes, it was the final year for the WJ generation
Platform Shared With:
Shared platform with Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) during DaimlerChrysler alliance
Manufacturing Location:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Years Wj:
1999-2004
Kbb Best Resale Value:
While specific year awards might vary, Grand Cherokee has historically been recognized for strong resale value in its segment.
Off Road Magazine Awards:
Jeep vehicles, including Grand Cherokee, frequently receive accolades for off-road capability from specialized publications.
Jd Power Dependability:
Varies by model year and specific issues, but often ranks competitively in the SUV segment.