Segment:
Mid-size Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Families, off-road enthusiasts, luxury vehicle buyers
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer/TrailBlazer, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Land Rover Discovery
Powertrain Options:
Robust inline-6 and V8 engines, capable 4WD systems
Off Road Capability:
Renowned Jeep off-road prowess with available Quadra-Drive system
Interior Comfort:
Luxurious appointments for its time, spacious cabin
Engine:
4.0L (1999-2004), 4.7L V8 (1999-2004), 4.7L HO V8 (2002-2004)
Transmission:
42RE (4-speed automatic), 45RFE/545RFE (4-speed automatic)
Drivetrain:
NV242 (Selec-Trac), NV247 (Quadra-Drive), NV147 (Quadra-Trac I) transfer cases, Dana 30/35 front axles, Dana 44a rear axle
Suspension And Steering:
Front solid axle (early models), independent front suspension (IFS) with coil springs and track bars, rear solid axle with coil springs and track bars, steering gear, power steering system
Brakes:
Front disc (vented), rear disc, ABS, traction control systems
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, infotainment, comfort controls, power accessories
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, climate control systems
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, frame, interior trim, glass, doors, liftgate
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant passages
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, troubleshooting flowcharts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, alignments, component-specific repairs
Overhaul And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, axle servicing
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Detailed specifications, step-by-step repair instructions, torque values, special tool requirements, diagnostic procedures
Engine 1 Variant:
4.0L 'Power Tech' Inline-6
Engine 1 Displacement:
3956 cc (242 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.875 x 3.562 inches (96 mm x 90.5 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
185 hp @ 4600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Variant:
4.7L 'Power Tech' V8
Engine 2 Displacement:
4701 cc (287 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.70 x 3.35 inches (94 mm x 85 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
8.7:1 (standard), 9.7:1 (HO)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4750 rpm (standard), 260 hp @ 5200 rpm (HO)
Engine 2 Torque:
325 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (standard), 325 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (HO)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (standard 4.7L), 91 Octane Unleaded (recommended for HO 4.7L)
Engine Cooling:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Standard Transmission:
42RE 4-Speed Automatic (with 4.0L engine)
Optional Transmission 1:
45RFE / 545RFE 4-Speed Automatic (with 4.7L V8 engines)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 45RFE/545RFE; ATF+3 (MS-9224) for 42RE (consult manual for exact specs and potential upgrades)
Transfer Case Options:
Selec-Trac (NV242), Quadra-Trac I (NV147), Quadra-Drive (NV247)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for models tested)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for models tested)
Traction Control:
Available (e.g., Brake Traction Control for Quadra-Trac, Electronic Traction Control for Quadra-Drive)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Audio System:
Optional Infinity Gold premium audio system with CD player, cassette player, and AM/FM radio
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - consult manual)
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-100,000 miles or 2-5 years (depending on coolant type - consult manual for specific interval)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (severe use may require more frequent changes - consult manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A; SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions (4.0L and 4.7L)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0L: 5 quarts (4.7L); 4.7L V8: 6 quarts (5.7L)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - e.g., Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV247 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon - consult manual for specific transfer case)
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (or specified viscosity for Quadra-Drive)
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (or specified viscosity for Quadra-Drive, potentially with limited slip additive)
Common Complaints Engine 4.0L:
Cracked cylinder heads (less common than earlier generations, but possible), oil filter adapter leaks, thermostat housing leaks
Common Complaints Engine 4.7L:
Cracked cylinder heads (more prevalent, especially early models), valve seat recession, oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected, intake manifold leaks
Common Complaints Transmission:
Slipping, harsh shifting, transmission fluid leaks (especially at the cooler lines)
Common Complaints Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, death wobble (especially with aftermarket modifications or worn components on solid axle models), leaky power steering pumps/hoses
Common Complaints Electrical:
Failed HVAC blower motor resistor, interior accessory failures (power windows, seats), PCM/BCM issues
Brand Focus:
Jeep's legacy in off-road vehicles and rugged capability
Wj Generation Debut:
1999
Wj Generation Redesign:
The WJ was a significant redesign from the previous ZJ Grand Cherokee, featuring a more aerodynamic exterior, a unibody construction with integrated frame rails, and an independent front suspension (IFS) for improved on-road manners.
Wj Generation Updates:
Significant updates included the introduction of the 4.7L V8 engine, the Quadra-Drive system, and minor styling revisions throughout its production run.
Production Location:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan