🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Grand Cherokee

Year:

2003

Platform:

WJ

Chassis Code:

WJ

Factory Manual Code:

Unknown (specific codes vary by publication)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Luxury SUV

Target Audience:

Families, off-road enthusiasts, luxury vehicle buyers

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Land Rover Discovery

Segment Strength:

Off-road capability, comfortable ride, available premium features

Powertrain Options:

Renowned inline-6 and V8 engines, advanced 4WD systems

Capability:

Strong towing capacity, significant off-road prowess

Interior Comfort:

Spacious cabin, optional leather seating, premium audio systems

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Secondary Coverage:

Global (technical specifications are largely universal)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Purpose:

Professional Technician Repair and Service

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Accessibility:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

4.0L (136HP) PowerTech I-6, 4.7L (235HP) High Output V8 Magnum

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (OBD-II diagnostics)

Transmission Manual:

NV3500 (5-speed manual, less common)

Transmission Automatic:

42RE (4-speed automatic - RWD), 45RFE/545RFE (4/5-speed automatic - 4WD/QDII)

Drivetrain:

Quadra-Trac II (4WD), Quadra-Drive II (4WD with electronic limited slip differentials)

Suspension:

Front: Solid axle with radius arms, Rear: Multi-link solid axle

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Solid discs (ABS, EBD, BAS)

Steering:

Power-assisted recirculating ball

Electrical:

12V system, charging, starting, lighting, power accessories, body control module (BCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (manual and automatic climate control)

Body And Frame:

Unibody construction, exterior panels, interior trim, glass

Restraints:

Airbags (driver, passenger, side), seat belts

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing

Repair Procedures:

Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement

Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors, radiators, etc.

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment specifications, balancing procedures

Electrical System Repair:

Wiring harness repair, component testing, charging system diagnosis

HVAC System Service:

Refrigerant service, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator)

Body And Interior:

Panel replacement, trim removal/installation, glass replacement

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all fasteners

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including scan tool data interpretation and circuit testing

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools for specific repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (typically)

Resolution:

High (suitable for printing)

Graphics:

Clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3952 cc)

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder (I6)

Engine 1 Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Engine 1 Horsepower:

136 hp @ 3600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

3.88 in x 3.56 in (98.5 mm x 90.5 mm)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine 1 Fuel Requirement:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.7 Liters (4701 cc)

Engine 2 Configuration:

V8

Engine 2 Valvetrain:

Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Engine 2 Horsepower:

235 hp @ 4700 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

3.88 in x 3.31 in (98.5 mm x 84.1 mm)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.1:1

Engine 2 Fuel Requirement:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) / Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on engine variant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model Rwd:

42RE

Transmission Model 4Wd:

45RFE / 545RFE

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Model Manual:

NV3500

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear)

Transfer Case:

NV242 (Selec-Trac II - 2WD/4WD Full-Time), NV247 (Quadra-Trac II - 4WD Full-Time with 2-Speed), NV247QD (Quadra-Drive II - 4WD Full-Time with 2-Speed and ELSD)

Transmission Fluid Spec 42Re:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Spec 45Rfe 545Rfe:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.8 inches (4770 mm)

Width:

73.3 inches (1862 mm)

Height:

67.8 inches (1722 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm)

Approach Angle:

37.7 degrees

Departure Angle:

29.5 degrees

Breakover Angle:

23.5 degrees

Passenger Volume:

105.0 cubic feet (2973 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

37.5 cubic feet (1062 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

77.0 cubic feet (2180 liters)

Curb Weight:

4,317 - 4,584 lbs (1958 - 2079 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5,500 - 5,700 lbs (2495 - 2585 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4/5 stars

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Airbags Front:

Standard driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available premium Infinity Gold sound system with CD player, cassette, and optional satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory installed Uconnect hands-free system (later in the WJ generation).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Severe:

3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months

Oil Change Interval Normal:

7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (synthetic blend)

Air Filter Replacement:

15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or as needed based on conditions

Transmission Fluid Change:

60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), or under severe usage conditions

Coolant Flush:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years for original fill; subsequent flushes every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30 (API Service SG or higher), meeting MS-6395

Engine Coolant Spec:

Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, P/N 05010011AA or equivalent

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (MS-9602)

Common Issues Overview:

WJ Grand Cherokees are known for certain potential issues that are well-documented and covered in detail by comprehensive service manuals.

Cracked Cylinder Heads 47 Liter:

The 4.7L V8 engine can be prone to cracking cylinder heads, particularly around the spark plug wells. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Death Wobble:

A phenomenon often referred to as 'death wobble' can affect the steering and suspension, typically due to worn steering/suspension components like track bar bushings, ball joints, or tie rod ends. The manual provides diagnostic steps.

Transfer Case Actuator Failure:

The transfer case actuator motor for Selec-Trac and Quadra-Trac systems can fail, leading to engagement issues. Manual covers diagnosis and repair.

Heater Core Leaks:

Heater core failures can lead to coolant leaks into the cabin. The manual details the complex procedure for replacement.

Power Window Motors:

Power window regulators and motors can fail over time. The manual covers their replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing heritage in off-road vehicles, dating back to WWII.

Wj Generation Start:

The WJ Grand Cherokee was introduced for the 1999 model year.

Wj Generation End:

The WJ generation ran from 1999 to 2004.

Model Year Updates 2003:

The 2003 model year saw minor updates, including refinements to interior materials and optional features.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability Awards:

Jeep vehicles, including the Grand Cherokee, are consistently recognized for their off-road prowess by various automotive publications and off-road enthusiasts.

SUV Of The Year:

While specific awards for the 2003 model year may vary, the Grand Cherokee platform has historically received numerous accolades for its blend of luxury, capability, and utility.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Subject to individual owner experiences, but generally considered a capable and durable vehicle with proper maintenance.