🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Model Alias:

Cherokee (KJ)

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

KJ

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Jeep Liberty (KJ) was positioned as a compact SUV that blended Jeep's off-road heritage with more urban-friendly styling and handling compared to the traditional Cherokee XJ. It competed against vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.

Competitive Analysis:

Offered a more rugged image and capability than many competitors, with available four-wheel drive systems and higher ground clearance. However, fuel economy and on-road refinement were often considered areas where competitors held an advantage.

Key Features:

Body-on-frame construction (unibody for this generation, distinguishing it from earlier Cherokees but still robust), available full-time 4WD (Selec-Trac), comfortable interior for its class, distinctive Jeep styling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, and chassis components.

Page Count:

Thousands (typical workshop manual)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.4L DOHC 4-Cylinder, 3.7L SOHC V6

Transmission:

42RLE 4-Speed Automatic, NV1500 5-Speed Manual, NV3550 5-Speed Manual

Drivetrain:

4x4 (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), 4x2, transfer case, axles (Dana 30 Front, Dana 44 Rear)

Suspension:

Front: Independent Short/Long Arm (SLA) with coil springs. Rear: Solid axle with multi-link and coil springs.

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Discs or Drums (depending on configuration), ABS

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion

Electrical:

Charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), ABS module, airbag system

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation

Fuel System:

Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch/electric fan

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

Body And Trim:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, roof rack

Chassis And Frame:

Frame, subframes, mounting points

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, wiring diagrams for electrical systems, scan tool procedures.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.

Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed instructions for the removal and installation of virtually every part and system on the vehicle.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, fluid capacities and types, engine timing, electrical specifications, diagnostic values.

Special Tools:

Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific repairs or diagnostics.

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for dealership technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and full component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and images suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital PDF)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content allows for quick retrieval of information.

Illustrations:

Includes diagrams, schematics, and exploded views.

Software Requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.4L DOHC 16V 4-Cylinder (4C)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2429 cc

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 95.7 mm

Engine 1 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2:

3.7L SOHC 12V V6 (PowerTech)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3701 cc

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 103.0 mm

Engine 2 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Compression Ratio 4Cyl:

9.6:1

Compression Ratio V6:

9.6:1

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded Regular (87 octane)

Engine Management System:

Chrysler NGC (Next Generation Controller) or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

NV1500 5-Speed Manual (typically with 2.4L engine)

Optional Transmission 1:

42RLE 4-Speed Automatic (typically with 3.7L V6, also available on 2.4L)

Optional Transmission 2:

NV3550 5-Speed Manual (typically with 3.7L V6)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up

Manual Transmission Features:

Synchronized gears, clutch operation

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid Nv1500:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Manual Transmission Fluid Nv3550:

API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.0 inches

Width:

Approx. 71.0 inches

Height:

Approx. 67.7 inches (without roof rack)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.7 - 8.5 inches (depending on configuration)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 38 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 33 degrees

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 96.5 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 38.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 67.5 cubic feet

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3,700 lbs

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 4,200 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5,100 - 5,300 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (with optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4 stars (2003 model)

IIHS Frontal Offset Impact:

Good (2003 model)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, optional side curtain airbags (availability varies), seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims offered premium audio systems, and some later models might have had optional satellite radio. Navigation systems were not common for the 2003 model year.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Standard safety features included ABS. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, or automatic emergency braking were available.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity was limited to auxiliary inputs on some premium audio systems. Bluetooth or USB connectivity were not factory options for the 2003 model year. Some models may have had a basic hands-free cell phone integration system (UConnect was introduced later).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific oil type and viscosity).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (inspect more frequently)

Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:

Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium type)

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (platinum/iridium type)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (severe service may require more frequent changes)

Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:

SAE 5W-30 (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended)

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-30 (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent green antifreeze

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 or specific Mopar power steering fluid

Common Issues 1:

Transfer case chain stretch/wear, leading to noise or 4WD system issues.

Common Issues 2:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, control arm bushings) due to off-road use or age.

Common Issues 3:

Power steering pump leaks or noise, especially in higher mileage vehicles.

Common Issues 4:

Radiator leaks or coolant hose degradation.

Common Issues 5:

Oxygen sensor failures, affecting fuel economy and emissions.

Common Issues 6:

Headliner sagging (a common trim issue across many vehicles of this era).

Common Issues 7:

Window regulator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jeep, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history dating back to World War II, renowned for its rugged, off-road capable vehicles. The Liberty continues this legacy with an emphasis on adventure.

Model Evolution:

The KJ Liberty, introduced for the 2002 model year, replaced the original Cherokee (XJ) in many markets as Jeep's compact SUV offering. It featured a unibody construction, a move away from the XJ's body-on-frame, and introduced a more modern design and interior.

Production Years:

2002-2007 (KJ platform)

Manufacturing Locations:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Competitions Award:

While the Liberty KJ as a whole did not garner major specific awards for the 2003 model year that were widely publicized, it was generally recognized for its off-road capability within the compact SUV segment.