Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Desirable Features

Upcountry suspension – 1″ lift springs and monotube shocks
Skid plates
“High Output” V8 – Adds 30hp and 30 ft-lbs of torque to the regular V8 along with a forged crank, higher compression ratio, modified ECU, and additional knock sensor. It also adds upgraded pistons, rods, bearings, heads, valves, intake manifold, fuel injectors, airbox, air plenum, intake tube, and spark plugs. Basically, it’s a huge upgrade, and was optional on the Limited trim starting in MY02 – but rare. It was also standard on the Overland trim.
“Quadra-Drive” 4WD system – Uses the same transfer case as the Quadra-Trac II system (NV247), but adds limited slip differentials in front and rear
Overland trim – Came standard with all of the above plus rock rails, and was almost fully loaded otherwise

Click the links below to see common problems specific to the engines available on this vehicle.

Climate control blend doors on vehicles with automatic/dual-zone climate control (e.g. Limited and Overland trims) frequently have broken actuators – this is an inexpensive and easy fix
Window regulators
Seat heaters
Hood and liftgate struts
Brake lights
Front driveshaft – identified by popping or snapping noises from front of car
Rear driveshaft – identified by whining noise from rear of car
Long crank times and low fuel pressure may be due to bad check valve in fuel pump assembly
Miscellaneous electrical issues, often caused by malfunctioning computers
Rust, especially on:
- Rocker panels
- Skid plates (if equipped)
- Oil pan
- Transmission oil pan
- Brake calipers

Vehicles with Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive full-time 4WD: TSB – Vehicles equipped with the NV247 transfer case (which are all vehicles with the aforementioned 4WD systems) are prone to issues with the progressive coupler related to the transfer case fluid. Specifically, most service documentation lists ATF+4 as the correct fluid, but this is actually incorrect and causes premature wear and eventually total failure of the transfer case. This leaves the vehicle permanently in RWD mode except when engaging 4Lo.
MY99-01 vehicles with V8 engines: Although the transmission was capable of five gear ratios, the vehicle was programmed to only use four. A trip to the dealer can flash the car to use all five ratios.
MY99-02 vehicles with Teves or ATE brake calipers: TSB – The carriers can freeze up and cause uneven clamping on the brake disc, which causes warping – vehicles with Akebono calipers are not susceptible to this