Positioning:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WG represents the second generation of the popular mid-size SUV, known for its blend of on-road comfort and Jeep's legendary off-road capability. This manual caters to owners and technicians seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and Nissan Pathfinder. The WG distinguished itself with its unibody construction (unlike many body-on-frame SUVs of the era) and premium interior options.
Vehicle Highlights:
The 2003 Grand Cherokee WG offered a refined ride, advanced four-wheel-drive systems (Quadra-Drive II), and a range of V8 and inline-6 engines. Interior appointments often included luxury features.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Driveline, Differentials, Transfer Case
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, Parking Brake), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments and Gauges, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats), Audio System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass, Seating Systems, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Routine Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections and Replacements, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Tire Rotations, Battery Maintenance
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Electrical System Diagnostics, Mechanical System Diagnostics
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Steering System Repairs, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Component Repair
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Settings, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Component Specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete system overhauls. Includes wiring diagrams, exploded views, and detailed repair sequences.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Option 1:
4.0L (3952cc) Inline-6 'PowerTech' (e.g., P0330)
Engine Option 2:
4.7L (4701cc) V8 'High Output' (e.g., P0470)
4.0L Horsepower:
195 hp @ 4600 rpm
4.0L Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
4.7L Ho Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5200 rpm
4.7L Ho Torque:
325 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (4.0L), 89 Octane Recommended for 4.7L HO for optimal performance
Transmission Type Standard:
45RFE / 545RFE 4-speed Automatic (with 4.0L), 545RFE 5-speed Automatic (with 4.7L HO)
Transmission Type Optional:
NV3500 5-speed Manual (Rare, primarily on base models with 4.0L)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive, Selec-Trac or Quadra-Drive II integration
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
45Rfe Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters)
545Rfe Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 11.3 quarts (10.7 liters)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Length:
184.0 inches (4674 mm)
Width:
73.5 inches (1867 mm)
Height:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
37.2 cubic feet (1.05 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
74.5 cubic feet (2.11 cubic meters)
Curb Weight Min:
4,209 lbs (1909 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
4,552 lbs (2065 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper towing package
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Traction Control (ETC) on some models
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; Optional side curtain airbags available on select trims
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette players. Optional Infinity Gold premium sound system with amplifier and subwoofer. Uconnect hands-free communication system not available in 2003.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Aux Input:
No standard auxiliary audio input; aftermarket solutions or CD changers were common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), or more frequently under severe driving conditions. Check manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
4.0L: Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Platinum plugs. 4.7L: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Coolant Spec:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) - typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent
Common Wear Items:
Radiator, Water Pump, Heater Core (prone to leaks), Front Suspension Components (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings), Sway Bar Links, Transfer Case Chain Stretch, Transmission Cooling Lines (leaks), Differential Seals
Electrical Quirks:
BCM (Body Control Module) failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, Window regulator failures, Seat heater failures
Engine Specific:
4.7L V8: Valve guide wear, oil pump issues, timing chain guides/tensioners. 4.0L I6: Head gasket issues at higher mileage, oil filter adapter housing leaks.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep, a brand with a rich history dating back to World War II, is synonymous with off-road capability and ruggedness.
Grand Cherokee Lineage:
The Grand Cherokee debuted in 1993 as a more refined, upscale SUV than the Cherokee (XJ). The WJ generation (1999-2004) marked a significant redesign, emphasizing improved on-road manners and luxury.
Manufacturing Location:
Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Model Run:
The WJ generation was produced from model years 1999 through 2004. The 2003 model year is part of the latter half of this successful generation.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Award Type 1:
Edmunds.com 'Best Retained Value Award' (for certain configurations)
Award Type 2:
Kiplinger's Personal Finance 'Best New Sport Utility Vehicle'
Consumer Reports Rating:
Varies by year and specific configuration, but generally considered a solid performer for its class with noted strengths in off-road capability and powertrain options.
๐ Professional Vehicle Manual Information
Comprehensive technical documentation for maintenance, repair, and operation