JeepGrand Cherokee20024.7L V8/jeep/grand-cherokee/2002/4-7l-v8/
WJ platform

2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee — 4.7L V8

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8. Covers both the standard and High Output 4.7L V8.

Body SUVEngine 4.7L V8Transmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV built on the WJ platform and powered by a 4.7‑liter V8 that delivers robust torque for both on‑road cruising and off‑road adventures; it comes with a 5‑speed automatic transmission and requires a 6‑quart oil change with filter using 10W‑30 API oil. EPA estimates put its fuel economy at 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. In the broader reliability context, this model year sits within a long‑running series whose complaint count peaked in 2014 at 2,369 and has since fallen to near‑zero in 2026, underscoring a trend of improving durability despite the 16 recalls and 1,477 owner complaints, most of which centered on air‑bag issues.

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type10W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy13/18/15 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 65 · 625 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory engine air filter and cabin air filter are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 65 · 625 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter05281090AB
Engine air filter53007386AB discontinued · alt 05015610AC
Fuel filter68193495AA
Spark plug68303974AA alt 68303918AA
BatteryBB65F121AA
Front wiper blades05012611AD
Serpentine belt04854033AC alt 05135745AA
Thermostat52028186AC alt 68174083AA
Cabin air filter68535603AA discontinued

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.5 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height69.3 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3968 lb
Track (front / rear)59.4 / 59.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined13 / 18 / 15 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

6.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2002 Overland V8
265 hpHorsepower (as tested)
325 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2002Overland V8 4.7L V86.70 sec15.20 sec265 hp4x4
1999Limited V8 4.7L V87.20 sec15.60 sec235 hp4x4
1999Limited V8 4.7L V87.50 sec15.90 sec235 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 · SYNTHETIC in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5 · SYNTHETIC
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.3 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil10W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity6 qt w/ filter
Power Steering FluidATF +4
Power Steering FluidMS-5931

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33-35 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts130 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/StudsPump bolts: 14 ft-lbs, Cover bolts: 9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub175 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6000-9000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.040 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs
Ignition TimingTDC, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.69 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND 8 oil
Oil Capacity4.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number65
Standard BCI Cranking Performance625 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test15; Do not allow pressure to exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18-21 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)44-54 psi
Engine Compression100 minimum. 25 Maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure4 psi @ Idle, 35-105 psi @ 3000 rpm psi
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket21-30 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle66-85 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.030 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.030
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.394 in / 1.024 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.394 in / 1.024 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Lubricate bolt thread with clean engine oil · M8 bolts, coat bolt heads with lock and seal adhesive

1bolts 1-1015 ft. lbs
2bolts 1-1035 ft. lbs
2bolts 11-1418 ft. lbs
3bolts 1-1090 degrees
322
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 7 stages
1caps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 740 ft. lbs
2caps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 770 ft. lbs
3caps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 780 ft. lbs
4Push the crankshaft forward and backward. Load the crankshaft front or rear and tighten cap bolt No.3 to 40 ft. lbs.40 ft. lbs
5Tighten to 70 ft. lbs.70 ft. lbs
6Tighten to 80 ft. lbs.80 ft. lbs
7Rotate the crankshaft after tightening each main bearing cap to ensure the crankshaft rotates freely.

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 100,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 100,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 7,500 miBody Fasteners (torque) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (lubricate) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBattery (inspect electrolyte level) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect)
Every 22,500 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Disc Brake Caliper Guide Pin (lubricate)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 75,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miBands (adjust) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2002 model sits in the latter half of a 1999–2004 arc in which complaints peaked at 2,113 in 1999 and trended downward to a low of 761 in 2003. With 1,477 complaints, 16 recalls, 7 investigations, and 98 TSBs, 2002 represents a noticeable rebound from 2001’s 1,133 complaints and 12 recalls, and it carries more recalls and investigations than both the 2001 and 2003 model years. Its top complaint areas were Air Bags (445), Visibility (291), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (128), and Engine & Engine Cooling (116), accompanied by 75 crash-related and 20 fire-related complaints; the federal data does not specify root causes. The 16 recalls tie the highest count seen in this arc since 1996, while the 7 investigations mark a temporary rise above the 4–5 range of the surrounding years. Because 2002 is a mid-to-late-period spike rather than a continuation of the 2001 improvement, it is not the most favorable year in this generation to buy; a 2003 example shows a materially lower complaint, recall, and investigation profile, though any purchase should be verified against open recall status.

16
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
98
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
7
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
1,477
Owner complaints
75 involved a crash · 20 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 1,477 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags445
Visibility291
Service Brakes, Hydraulic128
Engine & Engine Cooling116
Seats78
Power Train38
Electrical System35
Fuel System, Gasoline30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 16 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15V046000Air Bags:FrontalReported 28/01/2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23… Remedy: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of…

12V527000Air BagsReported 08/11/2012

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 98 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
91006452025-08-15Unknown Or OtherVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders…
1012322024-10-29Power TrainPlate - Planetary
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
23-015-202020-04-30EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Grand Cherokee. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Fuse box & wiring diagrams

Interactive fuse-box and wiring references for this vehicle, searchable by circuit.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2002 Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 take?

6 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2002 Grand Cherokee have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 4.7L V8 get?

EPA figures are 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined mpg.