Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ)

WJ
Overview
Production	1999–2004 (North America) 2004-Present (China) 1999-2005 (Europe)
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr) Córdoba, Argentina Valencia, Venezuela (Carabobo Assembly) Beijing, China (Beijing Benz)
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L PowerTech I6 4.7 L PowerTech V8 4.7 L H.O. PowerTech V8 3.1 L 531 OHV I5 2.7 L OM647 I5
Transmission	4-speed 42RE automatic 4-Speed 45RFE automatic 5-speed 545RFE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	105.9 in (2,690 mm)
Length	1999–2000: 181.5 in (4,610 mm) 2001-03: 181.6 in (4,613 mm) 2004: 181.3 in (4,605 mm)
Width	1999–2000 & 2004: 72.3 in (1,836 mm) 2001–03: 72.6 in (1,844 mm)
Height	1999–2000 & 2004: 69.4 in (1,763 mm) 2001–03: 70.3 in (1,786 mm)
Curb weight	3,669 lb (1,664 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Grand Cherokee ZJ
Successor	Grand Cherokee WK

The redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor (mostly fasteners). The spare tire was relocated from the side of the cargo compartment to under the floor. The two heavy pushrod V8 engines were replaced by Chrysler's then-new PowerTech. New V8 engine produced less torque than the old pushrods, but was lighter, offered better fuel economy, and provided similar on road performance figures (the 23-gallon fuel tank was replaced with one of a 20.5-gallon capacity). The Inline 6 engine was also updated in 1999. A redesign of the intake manifold added 10 horsepower (7.5 kW). While other Jeep vehicles used the Mopar 5 x 4.5 bolt circle, this was the first Jeep following the 1987 Chrysler buyout to receive a wider bolt pattern: – 5 x 5.

A notable feature available in this generation was the automatic four wheel drive option called Quadra-Drive, which employed the New Venture Gear NV247 transfer case. This two-speed chain-driven transfer case uses a gerotor, a clutch pack coupled to a hydraulic pump, to transfer torque between the front and rear axles. The transfer case contains three modes, 4-All Time, Neutral, and 4-Lo. In 4-All Time, 100% of torque is sent to the rear axle in normal conditions. If the rear axle starts spinning at a higher rate than the front axle, hydraulic pressure builds up in the gerotor and causes the clutch pack to progressively transfer torque to the front axle until both axles return to the same speed. Neutral mode is intended for towing the vehicle. In 4-Lo, the front and rear axles are locked together through a 2.72 reduction gear ratio. The NV247 transfer case is mated to front and rear axles containing Jeep's Vari-Lok differentials. Vari-Lok differentials also use a gerotor to transfer torque between the wheels on either side of the axle. The major advantage of Quadra-Drive was that the combined transfer case and progressive locking differentials in each axle could automatically control traction between all four wheels. However, only the center differential could be permanently locked, and only in 4Lo. The Quadra-Trac II system included the NV247 transfer case with the standard open front and rear differentials.

The 45RFE and 545RFE automatic transmission in the WJ was notable. It included three planetary gear sets rather than the two normally used in a four-speed automatic. This gave it six theoretical speeds, and it would have been the first six-speed transmission ever produced in volume, but it was programmed to only use five of these ratios. Four were used for upshifts, with a different second gear for downshifts. Although five of the six ratios were used, Chrysler decided to call it a "4-speed automatic". In 2001, the programming was changed to make use of all six ratios. Rather than have six forward gears, the transmission was programmed to act as a five-speed with the alternate second gear for downshifts. The rpm at 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) on a 545RFE is 2000 rpm, 200 rpm less than the 45RFE programming. 1999 and 2000 model year WJ owners can have their 45RFE transmission's programming flashed to enable the extra gear as both transmissions are physically the same. The 42RE 4-speed automatic remained the transmission for the Inline 6 engine. It had slight changes from the previous model Grand Cherokee.

The interior was also completely redesigned in 1999. The redesign allowed for larger rear doors, and more space for rear passengers. Controls for various items like headlights, heated seats, and rear wiper were moved to more convenient locations. The electronic Vehicle Information center was moved from below the radio to above the windshield, and was standard on all 2000 and up models. Limited models included automatic dual-zone climate control. A 10 CD-Changer was also available with the Infinity Audio package.

In addition to Jeep's UniFrame construction, Daimler Chrysler partnered with Porsche to further strengthen the frame. This was done to reduce NVH. UniFrame is an unusual construction scheme, it incorporates all of the strength and durability of a body-on-frame construction into a unitized construction. By adding stiffness and rigidity to the structure, they enhanced the ride and strengthened the network of steel beams, rails and pillars (or "safety cage") that surround and protect occupants. More than 70 percent of the underbody is high-strength steel. All Jeep Grand Cherokees feature UniFrame construction.

The Grand Cherokee received a minor facelift for 2004 including round fog lamps, a lower front fascia and a new body-color matched inset grille design.

Export models produced at the plant in Graz, Austria, were given the vehicle designation of "WG".

Models

The Laredo and luxurious Limited trim levels were standard models, as was the Overland from 2002 to 2004.

Explanation of the models

Laredo

The Laredo trim package continued to be the most basic trim package for the Grand Cherokee. It offered power windows and door locks, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player (later an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players) and six speakers, cloth seats, manually-adjusting front seats, and the 4.0L "Power-Tech" High-Output Inline Six-Cylinder Engine mated to a Four-Speed Automatic Transmission. It also featured sixteen-inch tires with sports alloy wheels. Leather seating surfaces, heated front power seats, a sunroof, and CD player, CD/cassette player, CD changer, and an Infinity Gold premium sound system could be added for buyers looking for luxury features in a modest-priced SUV. In 2000, the base "D" Package was dropped, meaning that the Laredo now included a standard overhead console with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). The HomeLink System, previously only available on the Limited model, became available on the Laredo "F" and "T" Packages in 2002. The Laredo was the volume selling model during the Grand Cherokee WJ's production run. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels became available for 2001, and was the only year these wheels were offered.

Limited

The Limited trim package was the uplevel trim package for the Grand Cherokee. It added an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette player and rear-mounted ten-disc remote CD changer, and six premium Infinity Gold speakers with an external 180-watt amplifier hidden under the rear seat, leather seats, power front seats with memory for two drivers (based on the two included keyless entry remotes, labeled "1" and "2" respectively, and colored either black or light gray). It also offered either silver or gold-painted accents on the wheels. The aforementioned option was discontinued starting in 2000, replaced by monochrome exterior trim. Seventeen-inch alloy silver-painted wheels were added for 2001. A sunroof, V8 engine, and heated front seats could be added for buyers looking for an even greater luxury experience. Seventeen-inch "Rogue" chrome-plated wheels became optional in 2000.

Overland

The Overland built on top of the Limited model, but offered features such as heated seats, a sunroof, the 4.7 Power-Tech V8 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, 17"x7.5" chrome-clad "Hammerhead" wheels, an available A/M-F/M radio with CD player, CD changer, and GPS navigation system (the standard radio was an A/M-F/M radio with Radio Data System, cassette player, CD player, and CD changer), and Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive, on four-wheel-drive equipped Overlands. The model was only offered from 2002-2004, and had a special Overland badge on both the front doors and the liftgate. In 2004, a GPS navigation system and SIRIUS Satellite Radio became available. These were about the only options available on the Overland model. Chrome-plated, seventeen-inch wheels became available later in 2002.

Specialty models:

• 2002 — Sport
• 2002-2004 — Special Edition
• 2004 — Columbia Edition
• 2003–2004 — Freedom Edition

These specialty models appeared for a brief time, The Sport was slightly more equipped than the Laredo and offered a two-tone black trim interior for style. The Special Edition was introduced, priced between the Laredo and Limited, offering the same quality of the Limited, differences included the option of the 4.7 L V8 engine. The Special Edition uses the Quadra-Trac II drivetrain, which utilizes the same NV247 transfer case as the Limited, but lacks Quadra-Drive's front and rear Vari-Lok differentials. Special Edition came with premium interior details (Instrument cluster graphics were shared with Laredo model, did not acquire white-faced gauges from Limited model), Plush Leather seats, AM-FM, In-Dash CD/Cassette along with ten-disc CD changer stowed in a well-thought-out location in the cargo space. Special Edition Trim package from bumper to bumper was presented with a fully polished, non-textured finish. Front grille was standard issue on the Special Edition. The Overland (appropriated after the former Jeep parent, Willys-Overland) was the top-of-the-line; alongside the Limited, the 4.7 L High Output engine V8 debuted as the standard engine. Alongside a wealth of standard features such as plusher interior trim with "Overland" badging, mid-2003 came with a revised strong black two-tone trim interior. Front and side-curtain airbags, an Infinity sound system with 10-disc changer, heated/power front seats, integrated rock rails, power sunroof, wood/leather steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels were also standard. The Columbia Edition offered the usual features of the other specialty models besides a strong unique two-tone interior with "Columbia Sportswear" badging, with the 4.7 L H.O. engine and GPS optional. The Freedom Edition was a modified Laredo model. Features include special badging, painted charcoal rock rails, charcoal lower-body cladding and front/rear fascias, charcoal painted wheels, silver interior accents, and optional leather seats.

Explanation of the specialty models

The Sport was basically a carryover 2001 Laredo that was made only for 2002. Based on the Laredo, the Sport had wheels from a 2001 Laredo, leather seating surfaces, an A/M-F/M radio with CD player and cassette player with Radio Data System. It had six Infinity Gold speakers with a 180-watt amplifier, a sunroof, a Sport badge on the rear liftgate, and available cloth seating surfaces. It was only offered for 2002. The Sport was priced below the Laredo model in 2002, and bundled features together that were optional on that model. It featured an MSRP of around $25,000, and was aimed towards buyers looking for luxury features in an SUV and did not want to spend a lot of money.

The Special Edition was basically a Laredo with Limited details. Based on the Laredo, the Special Edition had body-colored bumpers on the front and rear, as well as body-colored side cladding panels, no Laredo etching on the cladding panels, an A/M-F/M radio with CD player and six Infinity Gold speakers with a 180-watt amplifier, Special Edition badges on the front doors, and power seats. It was offered between 2002 and 2004. There was also a Special Edition model offered in 1997 and 1998 on the Laredo model.

The Freedom Edition was basically a Laredo with extra details. Based on the Laredo, the Freedom Edition had 17"x7.5" "Hammerhead" gunmetal-finished wheels, an A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and CD player, Radio Data System, and six Infinity Gold speakers with a 180-watt amplifier, special two-tone cloth seating surfaces, Freedom Edition badges on both front doors, and power seats. It was offered for both 2003 and 2004. Jeep resurrected the Freedom Edition nameplate in 2012, though only for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Jeep Patriot vehicles.

The Columbia Edition was basically a Laredo with extra details. Based on the Laredo, the Columbia Edition had 17"x7.5" "Hammerhead" wheels, an A/M-F/M radio with Radio Data System, cassette player, and CD player, six Infinity Gold speakers, gunmetal-finished front and rear bumpers and body side cladding panels, two-tone cloth seating surfaces, Columbia Edition badges on both front doors, and power seats. With the purchase of a Columbia Edition Grand Cherokee, the owner received a complimentary exclusive Columbia Sportswear parka. It was only offered for 2004.

Finally, the 60th Anniversary Edition was basically a Limited with extra details. Based on the Limited, the 60th Anniversary Edition offered 17"x7.5" chrome-clad "Hammerhead" wheels, an A/M-F/M radio with cassette player and ten-disc CD changer, a sunroof, and heated seats. It was only offered for 2001. The 60th Anniversary Edition was only available in Bright Silver Metallic or Black Clear Coat, and featured a two-tone Dark Slate Gray/Taupe Royale Leather interior.

Chinese production

Beijing Jeep Corporation, Ltd. had been producing the XJ classic Cherokee since 1984, and in 2004 they bought the old tooling for the WJ Grand Cherokee when the WK was introduced for the U.S. as a 2005 model. After some tooling-up time, the WJ was introduced in 2006 for the Chinese market as the Jeep 4000 and 4700 Grand Cherokee (for the 4.0 I-6 and 4.7 V8, inc. HO, models respectively).

It was their flagship model and nearly identical to the 2004 Grand Cherokee Limited in looks and equipment, including the solid axle suspension, choice of 4wd systems, body color cladding, alloy wheels, Chrysler sound systems, and Chrysler automatic climate controls. This is unlike the XJ Cherokee that was significantly modified by Beijing Jeep for the Chinese market.

As of 2010, the current model is sold in China.^[1]

Engines

Years	Displacement	Engine	Power	Torque	Notes
1999–2004	4.0 L (242 CID)	Power Tech I6	195 hp (145 kW)	230 lb·ft (310 N·m) @ 3000 rpm
1999–2004	4.7 L (287 CID)	PowerTech V8	235 hp (175 kW) @ 4800 rpm	295 lb·ft (400 N·m) @ 3200 rpm
2005–2007	4.7 L (287 CID)	PowerTech V8	235 hp (175 kW) @ 4700 rpm	290 lb·ft (390 N·m) @ 3700 rpm
2002–2004	4.7 L (287 CID)	High Output PowerTech V8	265 hp (198 kW)	330 lb·ft (450 N·m)	Limited, Overland and Freedom Edition only
1999–2001	3.1 L Diesel	531 OHV Diesel I5	138 hp (103 kW) @ 3600 rpm	283 lb·ft (384 N·m) @ 1800 rpm	available in Europe, South Africa, and Mercosur/Mercosul
2002–2004	2.7 L Diesel	OM647 Diesel I5	161 hp (120 kW) @ 4000 rpm	295 lb·ft (400 N·m) 1800 - 2600 rpm	available in Europe, South Africa, Australia, and Mercosur/ Mercosul

Detroit Diesel/VM Motori

The 3.1 litre turbo-diesel on the 1999 Grand Cherokee was developed in conjunction with Detroit Diesel/VM Motori. It has an electronic injection pump, electronically controlled, vacuum-actuated exhaust gas recirculation, and a special catalyst to control oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Manufactured in Cento, Italy, at 13,000 units per year. It was available in European models and meets the European stage III emissions.

• Displacement: 3,124 cc (191 cu in)
• Power: 104 kW (141 PS; 139 bhp)
• Torque: 367 N·m (271 lb·ft)
• Transmission: Four speed electronically controlled automatic

Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

1999-2004 Grand Cherokee IIHS scores^[2]

Moderate overlap frontal offset	Marginal
Small overlap frontal offset	Not Tested
Side impact	Not Tested
Roof strength	Not Tested

NHTSA

1999-2004 Grand Cherokee NHTSA scores^{[3][4][5][6][7][8]}

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
4x2 Rollover:	*
4x4 Rollover:	*

*Note: Only 2001-2003 models rated

Recall

On November 8, 2012, Chrysler announced the recall on certain model year 2002 though 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

References

Inline

General

• Berg, Phil. "Jeep Grand Cherokee Preview". Car and Driver (August 1998): 69–70. 

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