Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Jeep Grand Cherokee (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

Pre- and post-facelifted WJ Grand Cherokees, right and left respectively

The Laredo served as the base Grand Cherokee trim level from 1999-2004, and still continues to be the base Grand Cherokee trim level to this day. A very well-equipped model, the Laredo offered these features as standard equipment: the 4.0L Power-Tech Inline Six-Cylinder (I6) engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, sixteen-inch (16") alloy wheels, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette (1999-2001) or CD players (2002-2004), wood interior trim (1999-2000) or aluminum interior trim (2001-2004), keyless entry, power windows and door locks, cloth seating surfaces, air conditioning, a split-folding 60/40/60 rear bench seat, gray-painted front and rear bumpers and body-side cladding trim panels, and more. After 1999, the Laredo 26D Package was dropped, leaving the Laredo 26E/28E Packages as the base Grand Cherokee packages, and adding a standard overhead Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC/VIC) and overhead console. Many features that were available on the luxurious Limited trim could also be optioned on the base Laredo trim.

The Limited served as the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee trim level from 1999-2001, and the more "luxurious" Grand Cherokee trim level from 2002-2004. It added these features: color-keyed body-side trim cladding panels and front and rear bumpers, a premium 180-watt Infinity Gold stereo system with 6 speakers, leather seating surfaces, dual power front bucket seats, a full-sized spare tire and spare wheel, a security alarm, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted remote audio system controls, driver's 2-position memory (color-coded keyless entry remotes), wood interior trim, and more.

The Sport was the lowest-priced trim level of the Grand Cherokee in 2002. Offered only for 2002, the Sport was aimed at value-oriented customers who wanted a very well-equipped vehicle at a modest price point. It added these features to the base Laredo trim: dual power front heated bucket seats, leather seating surfaces, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a premium 180-watt Infinity Gold audio system with 6 speakers, a full-sized spare tire and spare wheel, a 'sport' emblem on the tailgate, a security alarm, a power sunroof, and more. Cloth seating surfaces, deleted heated front bucket seats, a deleted cassette player, and a deleted sunroof could be had for credit in place of the standard options they replaced.

The Special Edition was a value-oriented trim level of the Grand Cherokee in 2002 and in 2004. Based on the base Laredo trim, the Special Edition added these features: a full-sized spare tire and spare wheel, power dual front bucket seats, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, color-keyed body-side cladding panels and front and rear bumpers, a security alarm, and 'Special Edition' emblems on both front doors.

The Freedom was a value-oriented trim level of the Grand Cherokee between 2003 and 2004. Based on the base Laredo trim, the Freedom added these features: a full-sized spare tire and spare wheel, seventeen-inch (17") graphite-finished alloy wheels, unique cloth seating surfaces, dual power front bucket seats, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a premium 180-watt Infinity Gold audio system with 6 speakers, and 'Freedom' emblems on both front doors.

The Columbia Edition was a partnership between Jeep and sportswear manufacturer Columbia in 2004. Based on the base Laredo trim, the Columbia Edition added these features: a full-sized spare tire and spare wheel, seventeen-inch (17") alloy wheels, unique two-toned cloth seating surfaces, dual power front bucket seats, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a premium 180-watt Infinity Gold audio system with 6 speakers, Bright Silver Metallic-painted body-side cladding panels and front and rear bumpers, and 'Columbia Edition' emblems on both front doors. Columbia Edition buyers also received a complimentary Columbia parka at the time of delivery of their new vehicle.

The Overland was the top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee trim level between 2002 and 2004. It added these features to the already-luxurious Limited trim level: an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a ten-disc remote rear-mounted CD changer, unique seventeen-inch (17") chrome-plated alloy wheels, unique leather-and-suede seating surfaces, dual power heated front bucket seats, a matching spare wheel, 'Overland' emblems on both front doors and the tailgate, a power sunroof, and the higher-output 4.7L Power-Tech V8 engine, which could also be had on the Limited trim.

The 60th Anniversary Edition was manufactured to commemorate Jeep's 60th anniversary in 2001. It added these features to the luxurious Limited trim level: unique seventeen-inch (17") "Rogue" chrome-plated alloy wheels, '60th Anniversary Edition' emblems on both upper front fenders, heated front bucket seats, a power sunroof, an A/M-F/M stereo with cassette and CD players, a matching spare wheel, and '60th Anniversary Edition'-embroidered front bucket seats.

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee AM-FM-CD Radio (RBK).

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

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)

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. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ).

• Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Internet Movie Cars Database