Positioning:
The Jeep Liberty KJ (2002-2007) was positioned as a compact SUV with Jeep's signature off-road capability, offering a more utilitarian and rugged alternative to some competitors in its class.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan Xterra. Its key differentiator was its traditional body-on-frame construction and more robust 4x4 systems.
Vehicle Attributes:
Compact SUV, available 4WD, rugged styling, good towing capacity for its class, available diesel engine in some markets.
Value:
This manual is presented as the 'Best Manual Available on Tradebit!', emphasizing completeness and customer satisfaction, targeting owners and independent repair shops seeking accurate and thorough repair information.
Covered Regions:
North America, Europe, Asia, Australia (vehicle variations may exist; manual aims for broad applicability)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF likely, given typical online sales)
Engine:
2.4L PowerTech I4 (ED1), 3.7L PowerTech V6 (EKG), 2.5L CRD Diesel (4x4 only, specific markets)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42LE/45RFE), 5-speed manual (NV1500, NV3550)
Drivetrain:
2WD, 4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, optional Trac-Lok differentials)
Suspension:
Front: Independent short- and long-arm (SLA) with coil springs; Rear: Solid axle with multi-leaf springs
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Discs; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
12V system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (A/C) system, components, diagnosis, and repair
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats, body hardware
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags (if equipped)
Seatbelts:
Restraint systems, pretensioners
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, brake pad/shoe inspection
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system service, electrical component repair
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for accurate troubleshooting and repair
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, pressures, and other critical measurements
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance and routine service to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical diagnostics.
2.4L Powertech I4:
Engine Code: ED1; Displacement: 2429 cc (148 cu in); Bore x Stroke: 87.5 mm x 100.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.1:1; Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5200 rpm; Torque: 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
3.7L Powertech V6:
Engine Code: EKG; Displacement: 3701 cc (226 cu in); Bore x Stroke: 87.5 mm x 101.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.1:1; Horsepower: 210 hp @ 5200 rpm; Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
2.5L Crd Diesel:
Engine Code: Varies by market (e.g., VM Motori); Displacement: 2499 cc; Horsepower: Approx. 140-150 hp; Torque: Approx. 295 lb-ft; Notes: Primarily for export markets, not widely available in North America.
0-60 Mph Estimate:
Varies by engine and drivetrain, generally 8-10 seconds for V6 models.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel for CRD models
Oil Capacity 3.7L V6:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity 3.7L V6:
8.7 US quarts (8.2 liters)
42Le 45Rfe Automatic:
4-speed automatic transmission, widely used with 3.7L V6. Features electronic controls for shift quality and performance.
Nv1500 Manual:
5-speed manual transmission, typically paired with the 2.4L I4 and 2WD models.
Nv3550 Manual:
5-speed manual transmission, often found with 4.0L or 4.7L engines in earlier Jeeps, potentially available in specific Liberty configurations (verify for KJ).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil (e.g., GL-3/GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Wheelbase:
104.2 inches (2647 mm)
Length:
170.5 inches (4331 mm)
Width:
72.0 inches (1829 mm)
Height:
67.4 inches (1712 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 96.5 cubic feet (2732 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 31.0 cubic feet (878 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 65.0 cubic feet (1841 liters)
Curb Weight V6 4Wd:
Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped (check specific vehicle configuration)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars (2003 model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags; optional side curtain airbags on some trims.
Audio System:
Base models featured AM/FM radio with CD player. Optional upgrades included premium sound systems with more speakers, and a subwoofer. SiriusXM satellite radio became available on later models.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system was available on higher trim levels, typically a DVD-based system.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) became available on later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack became more common on later models and aftermarket head units.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for severe vs. normal use).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Automatic:
Every 50,000 to 100,000 miles (80,000 to 160,000 km), depending on driving conditions and ATF+4 specifications (manual verification crucial).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles (48,000 to 160,000 km) or 2 to 5 years, depending on coolant type (long-life coolant recommended).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (for both 2.4L I4 and 3.7L V6 under most conditions). Verify with manual for temperature variations.
Engine Coolant Specification:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Orange) or HOAT (Yellow) Antifreeze/Coolant, meeting MS-9769 or MS-12070 specifications.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
ATF+4 (Mopar) or equivalent
Common Problems:
Common issues reported include potential for rear main seal leaks, front differential issues (especially on 4WD models), minor electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators, door locks), and occasional transmission shift quality complaints. Some owners report issues with the blend door actuator in the HVAC system.
Oil Filter 3.7L V6:
Mopar MO-090 / PH2 / WIX 57712 / Fram PH16
Air Filter:
Mopar P52080458 / Fram CA8005 / Wix 49224
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for off-road prowess and durability, dating back to its military origins in WWII. The Liberty aimed to blend this heritage with a more modern, compact SUV package.
Kj Generation:
The KJ Liberty was the first generation of the Liberty nameplate, replacing the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) in North America as Jeep's compact SUV offering. It was characterized by its distinctive styling and body-on-frame construction, a departure from the unibody construction of its predecessor.
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo South Assembly Plant, Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
2002-2007
Initial Reception:
The Liberty KJ received mixed reviews at launch. While praised for its off-road capabilities and distinctive styling, it faced criticism for its on-road ride quality and some interior material choices compared to key competitors.
Jdp Power Initial Quality:
J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study ratings for the Liberty KJ during its production run were generally average to slightly below average, particularly in early model years.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet U.S. Federal EPA and CARB emissions standards for its respective model years.
