1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) Notes

November 28, 2009
By Christopher
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
New "WJ" series, exterior and
interior completely redesigned		 Engine, 4.7L V8 added as an option for 2WD model Automatic transmission, new 545RFE five-speed with 4.7-liter engine provides a second overdrive ratio for increased highway fuel economy and reduced engine noise at highway speeds.

Note: A Flash upgrade was introduced on September 15, 2000 which when performed on 1999 and 2000 models adds the new second overdrive ratio to upgrade those transmissions to 5-speeds

 New Overland upscale model (August 2001) Short-run model year, production started Monday July 22nd and ended Friday December 20th Early launch, production started January 2, 2003 (Overland 2/3/03)
Air bags, next Generation driver and front-passenger Selec-Trac¨ 4WD Transfer case now available with 4.7-liter Power Tech V-8 Engine Small storage net added to left-rear quarter trim panel New Laredo Sport model (November 2001) Laredo, Limited and Overland models continue, no body changes Nearly identical in features and options to the 2003 model year except front-end refreshed with a unique grille and fascia for each model. The new "inset" style grille designs have vertical instead of angled "throats". New round fog lamps replace the rectangular style used from 1999-2003. Other fascia changes include a lower front fascia chrome appliquŽ for Limited and Overland models.
Braking improvements:

  • approximately 25% larger rear swept area than predecessor
  • enhanced antilock system
  • reduced pedal pulsation
  • dual-piston sliding front calipers
  • improved fade resistance
  • quieter operation
 New Laredo cladding and fascia color: Dark Gray Metallic (Medium Driftwood Metallic continues) Cargo area upper trim tie-down D-rings added New Special Edition model (introduced at NY Auto Show March 27, 2002) Laredo Sport model discontinued New Freedom Edition model debuted in late March 2003 (Production started March 10th)
Engine, new 4.7L Power Tech V8 engine. SOHC, 16-valve, SMPI V-8 (235 horsepower, 295 lb.-ft. of torque) Laredo "D" package dropped, making Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) standard on all models Child seat tether, added rear provision Adjustable Pedals (available option on all models except Sport) Special Edition model discontinued until model year 2004 New Columbia Edition debuted in October 2003 (Production started October 6th)
Engine, 4.0-liter Power Tech OHV, 12-valve, SMPI I-6 engine upgraded:

  • 195 horsepower
  • 230 lb.-ft. of torque
  • new cylinder head
  • new exhaust manifolds
  • redesigned water pump and other improvements
 New Optional Convenience Group on Laredo E Package includes Protection Group, Remote Keyless Entry System and P225/75R16 OWL tires Chrome color "Jeep" horn cover badge added as standard Air Bag system upgraded with Multiple Threshold Sensors and Dual-Stage Inflators to meet more stringent impact requirements Suspension: Reduced pressure shocks for improvements in overall ride comfort New Rocky Mountain Edition debuted in May 2004. This was the last WJ series model.
High-strength steel door beams Backlighting added to Homelink controls (running change in late 2000MY production) Chrome exterior accents added to Limited model including grill throat Air conditioning performance and airflow improvements (new thermal expansion valve for 5%-10% improved cooling) Brakes:

  • Reduced brake pedal effort allowing shorter stopping distances during braking maneuvers, accomplished by increasing the master cylinder output pressure for a "lighter" brake pedal feel.
  • New brake calipers for 2003 complement lighter brake pedal feel, providing smoother and more linear braking
 Last model year for the 4.7 HO engine
Infrared dual zone climate control (Limited models only) Center console release mechanism improved. Grip also improved on inside pen holder Cooling fan, industry-first hydraulically driven engine cooling fan on 4.7-liter engine for increased fuel economy and efficiency. Attached to radiator assembly and powered by power steering system for more efficient and quieter operation Assist handles (all models) passenger side interior roof handle deleted to make room for the side air bags. On both driver and passenger sides the A-pillar trim piece was shortened and restyled to house the new pull handles. Steering:

  • Revised steering gear torsion bar, reducing steering effort both on- and off-center by a very noticeable 20-percent
 Laredo and Limited models started arriving in showrooms in early February, Overland in March
HVAC improvements:

  • New floor ducts
  • Redesigned rear passenger and redesigned rear body/air exhausters (50% improvement in flow through capacity).
  • New defroster system, faster and more uniform coverage. 5¡ cooler than previous systems.
  • New quieter electric fan.
  • Body sealing greatly improved
 Color-keyed sun visor extensions added to all models Fuel cap, new 1/4 turn quick-on, tethered Electroluminescent gauges (standard on Limited and Overland. N/A on Laredo, Sport or Special Edition) LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for mounting the new generation of aftermarket infant child seats. With the LATCH system, child seats attach directly to the structure of the rear seat, making them easier to install. I-6 engine continued as the base engine throughout the 2004 model year (replaced by the 3.7L V6 in model year 2005).
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) improvements:

  • Stiffer uniframe body structure to reduce noise transmission into passenger compartment.
  • Undesirable shake eliminated across the full spectrum of vibration frequencies at the mounting points of the seats, instrument panel and steering wheel.
  • Fan noise eliminated by installing a hybrid cooling fan system (on models with V8 or trailer tow package).
  • Redesigned weather-stripping and better body dimensional control.
  • Hydroformed tubular control arms are five times stiffer than on previous models to reduce transmission of axle noise.
  • Expandable beta-foam is used inside the lower structural pillars to reduce road noise.
  • A variety of insulation, seals and other NVH materials used throughout
 Color-keyed cruise control switch bezels on leather-wrapped steering wheel Gauges, white-faced (Limited models) Engine, new High Output V8 (standard on Overland, optional on Limited. N/A on Laredo, Sport or Special Edition) Three "new" exterior colors (these were actually introduced in the 2nd half of the 2002 model year) – Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Light Pewter Metallic Clear Coat. New RB1 Navigation Radio, factory installed option (except Laredo 2WD). Includes Infinity Gold stereo system with remote 10-Disc CD changer. Also available as a Mopar accessory.
Occupant protection (ribbed mouldings covering body pillars and foam cushions applied to roof rails) Color-keyed instrument panel top pad & upper door trim panels on Laredo Head restraint shaft bezels, new color-keyed Rain Sense Wipers (standard on Overland, optional on Limited. N/A on Laredo, Sport or Special Edition) Bumper fascias and cladding on Laredo models go from current molded-in-color metallic to molded-in-color non metallic. Medium Driftwood Metallic will be replaced with Taupe while Gray Metallic will be replaced with Dark Gray. Uconnect offered as a factory option (late availability)
Overhead console, new with up to 13 programmable features Color-keyed outboard instrument panel vents Interior (Laredo): new brushed aluminum finish
instrument panel bezels above glove box and left of steering column (replaces simulated wood finish trim) and brushed aluminum finish upper center stacks		 Rock Rails, custom (standard on Overland, N/A other models. Can be ordered via parts and installed onto 1999-2004 Limiteds and 2002-2004 Special Editions) Three exterior colors discontinued:

  • Black
  • Silverstone Metallic
  • Woodland Brown
 Park Distance Sensors:

  • Help with maneuvering in and around parked cars and tight spaces.
  • Four ultrasonic, color-keyed sensors are discreetly integrated into the rear bumper, activating an interior light/sound indicator when you put your vehicle in reverse.
  • Dealer installed option, available April 2003.
Quad-Halogen head lamps:

  • greater range and wider beam pattern
  • 28% reduction in glare to oncoming drivers
  • high beam output improved by over 92%
 Cargo trim panel loops upgraded for improved durability Interior (Limited): new color-keyed door switches and bezels, memory switch bezels, pull-cups, and bright cluster dials Seats, new Suede/Leather (standard on Overland, N/A other models) New Satin Silver 17" Wheels Standard for the Overland; new chrome-clad wheels are optional on Limited and Overland; real chrome wheels from 2002 available only as a Mopar dealer accessory. Laredo, 4 wheel drive versions only

  • One trim level only
  • basic "E" Package 4.0L I-6 engine standard
  • V8 not available until late in model year
  • New front bumper fascia and grille design
  • Selec-Trac 4WD transfer case standard
  • Optional Quadra-Trac I transfer case (high-range only, no "low" or "neutral")
  • Optional Quadra-Trac II transfer case (on-demand 4WD system)
  • Optional fog lamps, new round style
  • Optional "Tan Your Hide Group"
    (Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof)
Quadra-Drive 4-wheel drive system Door handles (interior) upgraded from black to chrome (Laredo) Laredo Special Appearance Group (new):

  • includes 17×7.5 inch 7-spoke wheels
  • color-keyed cladding and fascias
  • body color license brow and liftgate handle, bodyside stripe, fog lamps and leather seats
 Seats, new fabric/appearance for Laredo High back cloth bucket seats for Laredo Special Edition:

  • Step-up Laredo model
    New front bumper fascia and grille design
    Two trim packages:

    • 2WD (standard, "X" package)
    • 4WD ("T" package)
  • Fog lamps, new round style
  • Body-color front and rear fascias and cladding (like the Limited)
  • Optional 4.7L V8 engine (4WD only)
  • Special Edition badge
  • Available power sunroof, adjustable pedals, Tire Pressure Monitor System,
    skid plate group

The Special Edition "T" Package includes the following:

  • Quadra-Trac II NV-247 on-demand 4WD system
  • Infinity Sound System with 10-disc changer
  • Seats, dual front power 6-way
  • HomeLink universal transceiver
  • Vehicle security system
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Cargo shade cover
  • Carpeted front & rear floor mats
  • Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
  • Optional Up Country Suspension
Quadra-Coil suspension (refined front track bar, reduced bump impact harshness, stiffer control arms, new 3-link rear suspension, "lubed for life" componentry) Fog Lamps now included in Laredo F package Radio, new Alpine AM-FM-Cassette and CD player with CD changer controls (RBP) replaces AM/FM cassette with CD equalizer (RAZ) and AM/FM cassette with CD changer controls (RBN) radios Seats: new optional Laredo leather seat appearance Laredo center instrument panel bezels change from silver metallic to black Freedom Edition, available in 2WD and 4WD versions:

  • 4.7L HO V8 engine option
  • New front bumper fascia and grille design
  • Fog lamps, new round style
  • Chrome tow hooks
  • New custom Tubular side rails
  • Silver fascia accent
  • Heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks
  • Silver roof rails
  • Molded cargo tray
  • Outlined white letter P235/65R17
  • Goodyear Wrangler SR-A all-terrain tires
  • 17-inch Rogue graphite-painted cast aluminum wheels
  • MicroTech instrument panel accents
  • Selec-Trac¨ full-time four-wheel drive system is standard on 4WD models
  • Limited production edition, March 10th production start
  • Available exterior colors: Red, silver, blue, black and Graphite Metallic
Sentry Key¨ theft-deterrent System Headlamps on indicator added to instrument cluster Seats: new Euro-style seats with gathered leather on Limited Side curtain air bags (standard on Overland, optional on all other models. May be deleted for credit on Overland) Rear headrests change from the flip/fold-in-place style to a fixed style design that requires them to be removed when the seats are folded down Columbia Edition:

  • Production started October 6, 2003
    and ends in December
  • Limited production run of 6,000 vehicles (Grand Cherokee)
    Special "Columbia" badging
  • Available in 2WD and 4WD versions
  • 4.0L I6 engine standard (42RE
    transmission)
  • 4.7L HO engine optional (545RFE transmission)
  • Selec-Trac transfer case standard
  • Dana 35C/194MM Rear Axle standard, Dana 44 optional
  • Remote audio steering wheel controls – not available
  • Unique 2-tone seats with
    Columbia logo
  • Unique aluminum finish dash trim
  • Foglamps
  • Rear Auxiliary 12-Volt Power Outlet
  • Auto headlamps
  • Overhead console with Homelink
  • Unique 17" wheels with platinum finish
  • Optional 17" Chrome Clad
    Aluminum Wheels
  • Graphite side cladding
  • Graphite finish front and rear fascias
  • Infinity sound system with 10-disc changer
  • Roof rack crossrails standard
  • 6-way power seats standard
  • Available exterior colors:
    Brilliant
    Black Crystal Pearl Coat
    Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
    Stone White Clear Coat
    Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat
    Midnight Blue Pearl Coat

Options:

  • 4.7L HO engine optional (545RFE transmission)
  • Rear Vari-Lok
  • 3.73 Progressive Axle Dana 44
  • Power heated mirror
  • Skid plate group
  • Side curtain air bags
  • RB1 Navigation radio
  • Adjustable pedals
  • Tire pressure monitor system
  • Trailer tow groups
  • Engine block heater
  • Buyers will receive a complimentary Columbia jacket and fleece vest
Smoother quieter more comfortable ride on and off road Interior trim accents: Spartan Burl woodgrain replaces Zebrano Tires, new P235/65R17 – Goodyear Wrangler SR-A Outline White Letter All-Terrian and Michelin LTX BSW All-Season performance Tire Pressure Monitor System (optional on all models except Laredo Sport, can also be retrofitted to 1999-2001 models) Overland models in 2002 featured the Up Country Suspension Group as Standard. For 2003, this feature could be knowingly (and in many cases unknowingly) deleted by applying a no-cost, no-credit order code called "SDA Quadra Coil Suspension". Quadra-Coil suspension is the standard "softer" suspension that is used on all Grand Cherokee models, so by selecting this "option", as many dealers and owners did, the Up Country springs and shocks were deleted (downgraded to standard springs and shocks). Limited:

  • New front bumper fascia and grille design
  • Fog lamps, new round style
Spare tire, relocated under rear load floor Redesigned instrument panel air outlets for improved air flow Trailer brake connector, new aftermarket electric, under instrument panel, packaged with pigtail in trailer tow groups Tow hooks (chrome versions standard on Overland.

On Laredo and Limited, black hooks are included with Skid Group package and also with Up Country option; Limited models previously featured chrome hooks, now changed to black)

 Oil pressure gauge no longer reads actual pressure, gauge electronically changed to read pressure in two positions, "low" or "good". (Running change from 2002-2003) Overland:

  • New front bumper fascia and grille design
  • Fog lamps, new round style
  • Newly designed two-tone leather-trimmed seats with larger seatback bolsters, more supportive seat cushions, new seat fabrics. Dark Slate Gray with Light Slate Gray leather inserts on the seatback and seat bottom
  • Padded center console lid
  • Chrome insert added to bodyside cladding
  • Chrome wheels now standard (real chrome, same as offered in 2001-2003)
  • Up Country Suspension deleted as of September, 2003. Prior to that, Overland models were available with and without this option. When the no-cost order code SDA ("Quadra Coil Suspension") was selected, it actually deleted the Up Country suspension option, unbeknownst to many dealers and customers. No credit was given).
  • Now offered in a 2WD version
  • Midnight Blue Pearl Coat exterior color added (a total of six exterior color options are offered for the Overland in 2004)
Stereo (Infinity) changes:

  • New larger tweeters
  • Front door speakers changed from 6.75" round to 6×9" oval
  • Rear door speakers from 6.75" round to 6.5" round.
 Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer now standard on all models (running change from 1999 model year) Wheels, new 17×7.5 inch 5-spoke replace 16×7 inch on Limited model Vari-Lokª Rear Differential replaces Rear Trac-Lok¨ — Optional without Quadra-Drive¨ Mopar Audio/ Video/ Communications:

  • New RB1 AM/FM/CD stereo with built-in Navigation system – DVD based
    NAV system with display screen featuring just one disc for all of U.S.A.
    and parts of Canada.
  • Single slot CD player with CD changer controls (11-disc total capacity).
  • Sirius Satellite Radio¨ capable. Built by Alpine.
  • New hands-free cellular system – "Uconnect" exclusive voice-activated,
    hands-free in-vehicle communications system. Featuring state-of-the-art
    upgradable Blue Tooth wireless technology. Includes dash-mounted control
    pad, an external speaker and a Blue Tooth module (hidden). The system
    allows up to five cellular phones to work with an equipped vehicle and
    automatically mutes the vehicles radio during use. Requires a Blue-Tooth
    hands-free profile cellular phone. Also features an audio address book
    which enables customers to store 32 personal phone numbers; Call transfer,
    to transfer a call from the vehicle’s system to the mobile phone. Communicates
    in three languages – French, Spanish, English.
  • New AM/FM/CD Stereo w/cassette – Rear seat audio function – Dot matrix
    display, wireless headphone option, RDS capable
  • New Sirius Satellite Radio System
Exterior paint changes:

  • Midnight Blue Pearl Coat replaces Patriot Blue
  • Deep Lava Red Metallic Clear Coat replaces Dark Garnet Red
Steering improvements:

  • All-new recirculating-ball design with better low-speed returnability, crisper response, improved driver control and reduced tire wear)
 Soft-touch painted instrument panel center bezel, power outlet door, outboard panel outlet knobs & bezels, door trim pull cups & switch bezels New exterior colors:

  • Steel Blue replaces Everglade.
  • Woodland Brown replaces Taupe Frost
 Wheels, two new styles (for Overland and Limited) Deleted items:

  • Chrome exhaust tip removed from 4.7 HO models!
  • Roof rack cross rails available as a factory installed option
  • Memory feature on passenger side mirror removed
  • Instant mpg feature removed from EVIC
  • Auto-dimming mirror removed from Laredo "F" package & Luxury
    Group
  • Rear floor mats now an option on entry level Laredo "E"
  • Cargo shade is now a Mopar accessory option for the Laredo,
  • available in Dark Slate, Taupe and Sandstone ($85.00 MSRP)
  • Ashtray removed, replaced with cubby bin "for sunglasses or a
    cellular phone"
  • Rear seat headrests fixed instead of fold-away
  • Height-adjustable rear seatbelt anchors deleted
  • Both front and rear headrests now vinyl instead of leather
  • Rear outside corner vents now Black on Laredo models
  • No velcro anchor on rear seatbelts
  • Tire Pressure Monitor System (On low-end models; four tire monitoring
    instead of five, running change from 2nd half of model year 2002)
  • Tilt wheel lever rubber boot eliminated on the upper bezel, now all
    plastic with a formed indentation for the lever
 Other: Tire jack moved from spare tire well to under left rear seat
Transmission, new 45 RFE (Rear-wheel-drive Fully Electronic multispeed automatic transmission, provides a wide range of gear ratios for more precise shifts, alternate 2nd gear for smoother shifting and a reverse gear ratio that is equal to the 1st gear ration for easier trailer backing). Seat belt indicator in cluster remains on until belt is fastened New interior color:Sandstone replaces Camel Wheels, Silverblade standard on Laredo

 

 Deleted items:

  • Driver and passenger front door courtesy lights
  • Front windshield upper tint strip
  • No "dead pedal" pad, just plain carpet now
  • No remote audio steering wheel controls (Columbia Edition)
Wider interior cargo space Tip-to-tip instrument pointer lighting (running change from late 1999 production) Deleted items: Body-side pinstripe deleted on Limited
Radio (deleted 3-band equalizer)		 Woodgrain (real redwood) finish upper steering wheel and trim accents (standard on Overland, N/A other models)
Units built calendar year 1999: 343,536 New softer Royal leather seating material, optional Oil pressure gauge no longer reads actual "pressure", but rather is just a slide switch (On/Off). Running change from 2002-2003
New Mopar navigation system offered as a dealer installed option Six new exterior colors:

  • Dark Garnet Red Pearl Coat replaces Sienna Pearl Coat
  • Graphite Metallic replaces Champagne Pearl Metallic
  • Inferno Red Tinted Pearl Coat replaces Flame Red
  • Onyx Green Pearl Coat replaces Shale Green Metallic
  • Bright Silver Metallic (added February 2002)
  • Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat (added March 2002, first appeared on Special Edition models)
Exterior badges changed to bright (chrome) on all models New Interior color: Former interior color Agate replaced with Deep Slate Gray (darker)
New Vitro/Bright Limited door badges (black w/silver print) Deleted items:

  • Antenna, thick black coating on antenna removed
  • Assist handle, passenger ceiling mount (redesigned and moved to "A" pillar)
  • Brake control wiring harness for trailer tow package
  • Cargo net (formerly included on selected models)
  • Center lower dash woodgrain finish (formerly standard on Limited, now plain black finish on Limited and Overland)
  • Chrome tow hooks on Limited (changed to black)
  • Cigarette lighter (included with selected 99-01 models)
  • Emblems, Infinity Gold, speaker covers
  • 4×4 rear side badging deleted (formerly standard on all models, non-Quadradrive models feature one 4×4 badge on rear liftgate)
  • Hood lamp (formerly standard on Limited)
  • Operating Tips VHS videotape (formerly included with 99-01 models)
  • Roof crossrails and rubber protection strips (formerly standard on all models, now available only as an accessory)
  • Tire Pressure Monitor System (On low-end models; four tire monitoring instead of five, running change from 2nd half of model year 2002)
  • Tow hitch rubber cover (formerly standard on models with tow option)
  • Trailer brake wiring connector is now a Mopar option
Roof rack guide holes added for locking the crossrails evenly Other changes/differences:

  • Cargo shade moved rearward 1-1/4"
  • EVAP canister and Leak Detection Pump moved from engine bay to left rear inside quarter panel.
  • New model ORVR (onboard refueling vapory recovery) system (government requirement)
  • Radio harness connectors changed to new style and size
Spare tire wing nut cheapened
Sun roof full-open feature eliminated due to wind noise concerns (effective with vehicles built after April 15, 1999 the sun roof stops 4" ahead of the full open position)
New exterior colors (added during the second half of 99 model year): Patriot Blue Pearl Coat
Silverstone Metallic Clear Coat
Shale Green Metallic
Deleted colors:

  • Bright Platinum Metallic
  • Deep Slate Pearl Coat
Deleted items:

  • Wheels, 16×7" Silverblade aluminum with Camel accent

This entry was posted on November 28, 2009 at 12:55 am and is filed under Grand Cherokee (WJ), Jeep, Tech, Vehicles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

One Response to “ 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ) Notes ”

  1. Jonathan on June 5, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    I need to know if the color gray leather is the same in the 1999 and 2002 in this model jeep. (Also would one being a Limited and the other a different one matter?) I am trying to replace my front headrests and want to make sure that the ones I am about to buy are the same. His is from a 1999 Grand Cherokee, and mine is a 2002 Limited Grand Cherokee. I just need to know if it is the same color grey and if it will fit. I would really appreciate your answer if possible. It would help me save 75$ if it is different! Thanks for your time.
    Jonathan

Leave a Reply