🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Generation Code:

KJ

Model Years Covered:

2002-2007

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV/Crossover

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops.

Competitors:

Ford Escape, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra (segment overlap)

Unique Selling Points:

Jeep's off-road capability legacy, distinctive styling, availability of diesel engine option (CRD), robust unibody construction.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners with the technical knowledge to maintain and repair their Jeep Liberty KJ, saving potentially significant costs associated with dealership service. Provides access to manufacturer-level repair procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Digital format, likely thousands of pages equivalent)

Type:

Digital Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.4L I4, 3.7L V6, 2.8L CRD Diesel), Transmission (42RLE Automatic, NV150/NV241 Transfer Cases), Drivetrain (4WD/AWD Systems)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front: Independent Short/Long Arm; Rear: Solid Axle), Steering, Brakes (Front: Disc; Rear: Disc/Drum), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio Systems, HVAC Controls, Safety Systems (Airbags, ABS)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System Components, Fuel System, Exhaust System

Maintenance:

Fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, transfer case, axle), Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement, Brake pad/rotor service, Tire rotation

Diagnostics:

OBD-II trouble code interpretation, Symptom-based troubleshooting, Component testing procedures, Diagnostic flowcharts

Repair:

Engine repair (head gasket, timing components, seals), Transmission overhaul, Drivetrain component replacement, Suspension and steering component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement

Rebuilds Refurbishment:

Engine rebuilds, Transmission rebuilds, Differential rebuilds, Suspension system overhaul

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth component repair and system diagnostics, including detailed specifications and torque values.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, allowing for quick keyword-based information retrieval.

Print Quality:

Printable pages, designed for clarity and readability when printed.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.4L 'PowerTech' Inline-4 (GME T4)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2429 cc (148.2 cu in)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

90.0 mm x 95.0 mm (3.54 in x 3.74 in)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2:

3.7L 'PowerTech' V6 (EGG)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3701 cc (225.8 cu in)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 90.9 mm (3.66 in x 3.58 in)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

210 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3:

2.8L 'CRD' Turbo Diesel (VM Motori)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2776 cc (169.4 cu in)

Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:

94.0 mm x 100.0 mm (3.70 in x 3.94 in)

Engine 3 Compression Ratio:

17.1:1

Engine 3 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 3800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 3 Torque:

260 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for 2.8L CRD

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended); Diesel Fuel (ULSD recommended for CRD)

0 60 Mph Gas V6:

Approx. 8.5-9.5 seconds (depending on configuration)

0 60 Mph Diesel Cr D:

Approx. 10.5-11.5 seconds (depending on configuration)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission 2:

6-Speed Manual (NV150 - typically with 2.4L engine)

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (Part-time Command-Trac NV231 or Full-time Selec-Trac NV242)

Transfer Case Codes:

NV231, NV242 (variations exist based on model year and trim)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-3/GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Length:

172.7 - 173.8 inches (4387 - 4415 mm)

Width:

71.3 inches (1811 mm)

Height:

67.4 - 68.2 inches (1712 - 1732 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.3 - 8.2 inches (185 - 208 mm) depending on configuration

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 95.0 - 97.0 cu ft (2690 - 2747 L)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.0 - 31.0 cu ft (850 - 878 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 67.0 - 68.0 cu ft (1897 - 1926 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700 - 4200 lbs (1678 - 1905 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5000 - 5300 lbs (2268 - 2404 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1000 - 1300 lbs (454 - 590 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:

Good (for models with earlier front end designs)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable/Good (depending on side airbag availability and specific test criteria)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Available (especially on 4WD models)

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Optional on some later models

Airbags:

Standard front airbags; Optional side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional premium Boston Acoustics sound system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio integration.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity was not standard on early models but became available on later trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Optional

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors (standard on most trims).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (synthetic recommended for longer intervals).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect/replace annually or every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).

Spark Plugs 2 4L:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum/iridium plugs.

Spark Plugs 3 7L:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum/iridium plugs.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) for automatic transmission, depending on usage. Diesel may require earlier service.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km) or 5 years, depending on coolant type (Mopar OAT recommended).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer recommended for gasoline engines), SAE 15W-40 or 5W-40 (API CJ-4 or newer recommended for CRD diesel).

Engine Oil Capacity 2 4L:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 3 7L:

Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 2 8L Cr D:

Approx. 6.8 quarts (6.4 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent HOAT coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issue 1:

Transmission solenoid issues (especially on 42RLE) leading to rough shifting or failure to engage.

Common Issue 2:

Head gasket leaks (especially on the 3.7L V6).

Common Issue 3:

Cracked exhaust manifolds (particularly on the 3.7L V6).

Common Issue 4:

Power steering pump leaks or failure.

Common Issue 5:

HVAC blend door actuator failures causing incorrect air temperature or distribution.

Common Issue 6:

Front wheel bearing wear.

Common Issue 7:

Water pump leaks.

Common Issue 8:

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues on the 2.8L CRD if not properly maintained or driven extensively in short-trip scenarios.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep is renowned for its off-road prowess and rugged utility vehicles, dating back to WWII.

Liberty Introduction:

The Liberty (KJ) replaced the Cherokee (XJ) in North America. It was designed as a more compact and modern SUV than its predecessors, while retaining some traditional Jeep characteristics.

Kj Generation Timeline:

Introduced for the 2002 model year. Key updates occurred for 2005 (facelift, improved interior, revised powertrains including the 3.7L V6 becoming more prominent and the introduction of the 2.8L CRD diesel).

Second Generation Transition:

The KJ generation was succeeded by the KK Liberty for the 2008 model year.

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo North Complex, Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

While not specifically award-laden, the Liberty KJ inherited Jeep's reputation for off-road capability, particularly with the Selec-Trac or Command-Trac 4WD systems.

Diesel Engine Recognition:

The 2.8L CRD diesel engine was recognized for its fuel efficiency and torque within its class at the time of its release.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Ratings varied significantly by model year and specific component. Early models sometimes faced criticism for reliability in certain areas.

Emission Standards:

Certified to meet relevant EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards for its respective model years.