🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

KJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Jeep Positioning:

Offered a more urban-friendly, unibody alternative to traditional body-on-frame Jeeps while retaining some off-road capability.

Key Competitors 2002:

Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra.

Jeep Legacy:

Carried the Jeep brand name, suggesting capability and ruggedness, though this generation was more road-biased.

Styling:

Distinctive Jeep styling with round headlights and seven-slot grille, but with a more rounded, less boxy profile than Wranglers.

Powertrain Options:

Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, diagnostics for all variants.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair of manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair of automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, transfer case (4WD models).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Disc brakes, drum brakes (if applicable), ABS, parking brake, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, horn, wipers.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, body repair, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Body Control Modules:

Central locking, power windows, mirrors, immobilizer system.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive guides for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, and other critical measurement data.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approaches to diagnose and resolve common and complex issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Printability:

Printable for on-demand hard copies.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

2.4L DOHC I4 (EDG)

Displacement I4:

2429 cc

Bore X Stroke I4:

87.5 mm x 100.0 mm

Compression Ratio I4:

9.5:1

Horsepower I4:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque I4:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System I4:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code And Type:

3.7L SOHC V6 (2002 Model - often referred to as the 'PowerTech' V6 for this generation's early years, though later branded as 3.7L or even referred to as the '213ci' V6 in some literature. It's the predecessor to the later 3.7L which became standard. For MY2002, it's often described as a 'new' engine option.)

Displacement V6:

3701 cc (226 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke V6:

93.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio V6:

9.7:1

Horsepower V6:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque V6:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System V6:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Management System:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent for the era.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 octane (minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type I4:

5-speed manual

Transmission Type V6:

4-speed automatic (42RLE)

Transmission Type I4 Auto:

4-speed automatic (42LE/42RLE)

Transfer Case 4Wd:

NV136 or NV235 (part-time, 2-speed transfer case with 4WD, Neutral, and 4WD Low)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

173.4 inches (4404 mm)

Width:

72.5 inches (1841 mm)

Height:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.1 inches (2644 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Curb Weight I4 2Wd:

Approx. 3560 lbs (1615 kg)

Curb Weight V6 4Wd:

Approx. 3980 lbs (1805 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Good

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver:

Acceptable

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

Acceptable

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)

Traction Control:

Available (Traction control system - TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags; optional side curtain airbags (availability may vary by trim).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Infinity premium sound system.

Navigation:

Not commonly available for this model year, aftermarket solutions would be required.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), under normal driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles, or sooner if operating in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement I4:

Every 100,000 miles (using recommended platinum or iridium plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Every 100,000 miles (using recommended platinum or iridium plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles for automatic, or as needed for manual. Check manual for severe service interval.

Engine Oil Type I4:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, meeting MS-6395 specification)

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, meeting MS-6395 specification)

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT, or equivalent. Typically bright orange.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602) or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, Type 9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (viscosity may vary by temperature).

Common Problems:

Radiator leaks, HVAC blower motor failure, power steering pump issues, differential leaks (especially rear on 4WD models), interior trim rattles, potential for rust on body panels in certain climates.

Common Problems Engine:

Intake manifold gaskets (V6), oil filter housing leaks (V6), potential for head gasket issues on early 2.4L engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Offroad Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, capable off-road vehicles dating back to WWII.

Kj Generation Introduction:

The KJ Liberty replaced the Cherokee (XJ) in the Jeep lineup for the 2002 model year. It marked Jeep's move to a unibody platform for a compact SUV.

Kj Platform:

Built on Chrysler's KJ platform, shared with the Dodge Nitro (later generation).

Production Years:

2002-2007

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports often gave the KJ Liberty average to below-average reliability ratings in its initial years, particularly regarding the powertrain and electrical systems.

Industry Awards:

While not receiving major standalone awards, it competed in a segment that saw significant growth and innovation during this period.