Positioning:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004) represented Jeep's entry into the mid-size luxury SUV segment, offering enhanced on-road comfort and refinement while retaining legendary Jeep off-road capability.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Discovery.
Features:
Unibody construction, independent front suspension for improved ride quality, available Quadra-Drive 4WD system, and a range of powerful inline-6 and V8 engines.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline engine variants.
Transmission:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., 45RFE, 545RFE).
Drivetrain:
Coverage of front and rear axles, transfer case (e.g., NV242, NV247), driveshafts, and differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including components like control arms, ball joints, shocks, springs, and bushings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), including hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, and linkages.
Electrical System:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power distribution, and component testing.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection, and alignment.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, and coolant specifications.
Maintenance:
Detailed scheduled maintenance procedures, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all components and systems.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for the removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major vehicle components.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and diagnostic data for all systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for easy tracing and diagnosis.
Depth:
Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
4.0L Inline-6 (PowerTech)
Displacement:
3952 cc (241 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine Code:
4.7L V8 (PowerTech)
Displacement:
4701 cc (287 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
220 hp @ 4400 rpm (later models 235 hp @ 4700 rpm)
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (later models 325 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
ECU:
Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent.
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (42RE for 4.0L, 45RFE for 4.7L)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (545RFE available on later models)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (NV242), Quadra-Trac II (NV247), Quadra-Drive (NV247 with Vari-Lok differentials).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent (for 45RFE/545RFE). ATF+3 (MS-9224) for 42RE.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9-11 quarts (8.5-10.4 liters) for 45RFE/545RFE, 7-8 quarts (6.6-7.6 liters) for 42RE.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2000 model year).
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control system (on some models).
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side-impact airbags.
Audio System:
Optional Infinity Gold premium audio system with CD player and amplifier.
Navigation:
Rarely available, but optional GPS navigation systems were offered on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions required for auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Approximately every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), or as specified by driving conditions and manual recommendations.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 160,000 km) or 2 to 5 years, depending on coolant type (conventional or HOAT).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (for both 4.0L and 4.7L engines) meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Coolant Specification:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, typically pink or orange.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks (especially on early 4.7L V8), rear main seal leaks, cracked exhaust manifolds, transmission cooler line leaks, radiator leaks, and HVAC blend door actuator failures.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, ignition switch issues, and occasional instrument cluster problems.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing heritage in off-road vehicles, dating back to World War II with the Willys MB.
Wj Generation Introduction:
The WJ Grand Cherokee debuted for the 1999 model year, replacing the ZJ generation. It was designed to offer a more refined and luxurious experience than its predecessors.
Wj Generation Updates:
Key updates for the 2000 model year included the introduction of the more powerful 4.7L V8 engine as a widely available option and refinements to the interior and exterior styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing was at the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan.