🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

KJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jeep Liberty (KJ) was positioned as a compact/mid-size SUV, offering a blend of off-road capability with a more urban-friendly size compared to the Grand Cherokee. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Blazer.

Strengths:

Renowned Jeep off-road capability (especially with 4WD), distinct styling, a comfortable ride for its class.

Features:

Available with a 3.7L V6 engine, Command-Trac NV242 or Selec-Trac NV244 transfer cases for 4WD, independent front suspension, solid rear axle, and a unibody construction with a rugged exterior.

Powertrain Options:

The 3.7L V6 engine provided a good balance of power for towing and daily driving, while the 2.4L I4 offered better fuel economy but less performance. 4WD systems were a significant draw.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2003 Jeep Liberty (KJ) Model

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (estimated, as typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Starting System, Charging System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Torque Converter Clutch, Differential (Front & Rear), Drive Shafts, Axles

Chassis:

Steering System, Brake System, Parking Brake, Suspension (Front & Rear), Wheel & Tire System

Electrical:

Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrument Panel, Wiper & Washer System, Horn, Audio & Visual System, Power Mirror Control System, Power Window Control System, Power Door Lock Control System, Air Conditioning System, Heater & Air Conditioner, Supplemental Restraint System (Airbag), Seat Belt Systems, Radio Receiver, Combination Meter

Body:

Body Repair, Hood, Doors (Front & Rear), Back Door, Bumpers (Front & Rear), Fenders, Mirrors, Glass, Interior Trim, Sun Roof

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication, Belt Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement, Tire Rotation

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides for all major systems, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Circuit testing, Component testing

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul (cylinder head, block), Transmission repair, Brake system overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Steering component replacement, Electrical component replacement, Body panel repair, Climate control system repair

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures for most major assemblies and parts

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive wiring diagrams are a core component of this manual, covering all electrical systems for diagnostics and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from routine maintenance to complete vehicle disassembly and reassembly, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

Diagnostic Charts:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause troubleshooting tables are included for various systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF, typically optimized for digital viewing and printing. May include searchable text for efficient navigation.

Searchability:

Likely includes searchable text, allowing for quick access to specific topics and procedures.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.7L V6 (PowerTech)

Displacement Hp Torque 1:

3701 cc, ~210 hp @ 5200 rpm, ~235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 1:

EJV (for 3.7L V6)

Engine 2:

2.4L I4 (World Gas Engine)

Displacement Hp Torque 2:

2429 cc, ~150 hp @ 5800 rpm, ~165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

2.4L ED3 (for 2.4L I4)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)

Cooling:

Pressurized liquid cooling system with thermostat-controlled fan and radiator.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

42RLE 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (common)

Optional Transmission:

NV3500 5-Speed Manual Transmission (less common)

Transmission Features:

Automatic transmission includes overdrive and torque converter lock-up. Manual transmission features a clutch system.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width:

Approx. 72.6 inches (1844 mm)

Height:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.2 inches (2647 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800 - 4300 lbs (1724 - 1950 kg), depending on configuration.

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 31.0 cu ft (behind rear seat), 67.5 cu ft (with rear seat folded).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

4-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, available front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control (TC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) depending on trim level and options.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, optional premium audio systems with amplifier and subwoofer. Cassette player also available on some models.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited driver assistance features by modern standards. Primarily ABS, optional traction control, and optional stability control.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory in this model year. Auxiliary input jack may be present on some audio systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Tune Up:

Spark plug replacement typically around 100,000 miles for iridium plugs. Air filter and cabin air filter replacement based on inspection and mileage (e.g., 15,000-30,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter change recommended around 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe duty schedule. Manual transmission fluid inspection and potential change at higher mileages.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature). Refer to manual for exact specifications. API Certified.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid (often specified).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-90).

Differential Fluid Front:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 for Trac-Lok equipped axles).

Differential Fluid Rear:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 for Trac-Lok equipped axles).

Common Issues Powertrain:

CV joint wear, occasional transmission shifting issues, potential for fuel pump failure.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, control arms), power steering pump leaks, and steering linkage issues can occur with mileage.

Common Issues Electrical:

Power window regulators, instrument cluster issues, and HVAC blower motor failure are reported.

Common Issues Body Chassis:

Rear main seal leaks on V6 engines, exhaust system corrosion, and door lock actuator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Heritage:

Jeep has a long-standing heritage in producing capable off-road vehicles, dating back to its military origins during World War II. The brand is synonymous with ruggedness and adventure.

Liberty Kj Generation:

The KJ Liberty was the first generation of the Jeep Liberty, introduced for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Cherokee (XJ) in North America. It featured a more modern unibody construction compared to its body-on-frame predecessor.

Production Years:

2002-2007 (KJ generation).

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

While not typically winning major awards, the Jeep Liberty has always been recognized for its inherent off-road capability within its segment, often praised by off-road enthusiasts.