Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road focused utility vehicle.
Competitors 2002:
Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra.
Jeep Heritage:
Carries the Jeep brand's legacy of off-road capability and ruggedness, even in a compact SUV format.
Body On Frame:
One of the few compact SUVs in its era to utilize body-on-frame construction, enhancing durability and off-road suitability.
Powertrain Options:
Offered with a choice of capable engines and Jeep's renowned 4x4 systems.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, repair, rebuilding (including specific procedures for available engine variants).
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, starting and charging system, sensors, ECU diagnostics.
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid services, clutch system (if applicable).
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, transfer case, propeller shafts, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS system, parking brake, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all systems, lighting, accessories, power distribution, fuses, relays.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis structural repair.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, blower motor, climate control diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulation.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, identification of common faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation of all major and minor systems.
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilding, including specifications and tolerances.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Extensive electrical diagnostic strategies, use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and scan tools.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, color-coded and clearly labeled.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic DIY maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers.
Engine 1 Variant:
2.4L Power-Tech I4 (G418)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2429 cc
Engine 1 Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
3.7L Power-Tech V6 (EWG/EKG)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3701 cc
Engine 2 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 Liters) with V6, 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with I4
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, EGR (on some variants).
Transmission Type I4:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV1500)
Transmission Type V6:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)
Transmission Type I4 Auto:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (40TES/41TES)
Transfer Case Type:
NV136 (Command-Trac - Part-time, 2-speed) or NV244 (Selec-Trac - Full-time, 2-speed, with neutral).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MS-9224 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
4X4 Systems:
Command-Trac (Part-Time 4WD), Selec-Trac (Full-Time 4WD with 2WD option).
Wheelbase:
104.1 inches (2644 mm)
Length:
173.4 inches (4404 mm)
Width:
71.6 inches (1819 mm)
Height:
67.4 inches (1712 mm) (without roof rails)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3748 lbs (1700 kg) (I4 2WD)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 4340 lbs (1968 kg) (V6 4WD)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) (V6 models with tow package)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 38.3 cubic feet (1084 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 71.8 cubic feet (2033 liters)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for models with side airbags).
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Acceptable (for models tested by IIHS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Electronic Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) not widely available or standard on 2002 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional front-seat side airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Body-on-frame construction contributes to structural integrity. Roll-over sensor for airbag deployment.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
I4: Approx. 100,000 miles (using original equipment type). V6: Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as per severe service schedule. Refer to manual for exact procedures and fluid capacity.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or SAE 10W-30 for I4; SAE 5W-30 for V6. Check manual for ambient temperature suitability.
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula), or equivalent HOAT.
Common Issues Kj:
Radiator cracking (plastic tanks), differential leaks, power steering pump leaks, intermittent electronic issues, door lock actuator failures, minor interior trim rattles.
Transfer Case Issues:
Chain stretch or wear in the NV231/NV244 transfer cases can lead to noise and engagement problems.
Jeep Legacy:
The Jeep brand, founded in 1941, is synonymous with off-road capability and ruggedness.
Kj Generation:
The KJ Liberty, introduced for the 2002 model year, replaced the Cherokee (XJ) in North America. It was designed as a more modern, refined, and compact offering while retaining Jeep's core attributes.
Design Platform:
Based on DaimlerChrysler's KJ platform, which was a unibody structure initially, but later models utilized a 'short-and-wide' body-on-frame approach for the Liberty, distinguishing it from many unibody competitors.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years:
2002 - 2007