🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

TJ Wrangler

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

TJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle

Target Audience:

Off-road enthusiasts, Jeep owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.

Competitors 2003:

Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner (4x4 variants), Ford Bronco (discontinued but similar legacy), Suzuki Vitara, Land Rover Defender (limited availability).

Vehicle Highlights:

Iconic Jeep styling, legendary off-road capability, solid front and rear axles, coil spring suspension, highly customizable platform.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level accuracy for repairs, empowering owners to maintain their TJ's legendary performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2003 Jeep TJ Wrangler

Secondary Coverage:

Applicable to most TJ Wrangler models from 1997-2006 with similar configurations.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely comb-bound or perfect-bound for durability)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust), Transmission (manual & automatic), Transfer Case, Drivetrain (axles, driveshafts, differentials).

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear solid axles, springs, shocks, control arms), Steering (power steering system, steering gear, linkage), Brakes (hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake).

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, powertrain control modules, comfort & convenience systems (HVAC, power windows/locks).

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, convertible top mechanism, frame structure.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes), lubrication points, tune-up procedures.

Repair Rebuild:

Major engine and transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, axle overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering gear repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, component testing.

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures, sometimes including accessory installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting).

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

N/A (provided as a print manual)

Quality:

High-quality factory printing, intended for workshop use.

Binding:

Likely comb-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability.

Paper:

Durable, often coated paper to withstand grease and workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (PowerTech)

Engine Code 1:

2.4L (G32)

Displacement 1:

2429 cc (148.2 cu in)

Horsepower 1:

147 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 1:

165 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Bore X Stroke 1:

87.5 mm x 100 mm (3.44 in x 3.94 in)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.5:1

Engine Type 2:

4.0L OHV Inline-6 (High Output)

Engine Code 2:

4.0L (242)

Displacement 2:

3956 cc (241.4 cu in)

Horsepower 2:

190 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Bore X Stroke 2:

98.4 mm x 86.6 mm (3.87 in x 3.41 in)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.8:1

Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pressure:

Refer to specific charts in manual (typically 31-37 PSI for 4.0L).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

NV3550 5-Speed Manual (with 2.4L and 4.0L engines)

Transmission Type 2:

42RLE 4-Speed Automatic (with 4.0L engine)

Transfer Case:

NV241OR 'Rock-Trac' (standard on Rubicon models, optional command-trac on others) with 4:1 low range ratio. NV135 (4-cylinder models).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic actuation for manual transmission.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

93.4 inches (2372 mm)

Length:

155.4 inches (3947 mm)

Width:

66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Height:

71.0 inches (1803 mm) (with hardtop)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 10.5 inches (267 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3150 lbs (1429 kg) (2.4L 2WD)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg) (4.0L 4WD Rubicon)

Towing Capacity:

2000 lbs (907 kg)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 800-1000 lbs (363-454 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not explicitly rated for this model year by NHTSA in easily accessible public records; likely considered good for its class and era, but rollover risk is inherent to SUVs.

IIHS Ratings:

Varied; often 'Acceptable' or 'Good' for frontal offset, but rollovers can be a concern for tall vehicles.

ABS:

Available (standard on some trims, optional on others)

Traction Control:

Limited or unavailable for this model year; primarily relies on driver skill and drivetrain.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear.

Rollover Protection:

Integral sport bar (roll cage) as standard feature.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity speaker system.

Navigation:

Not factory-offered for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Bluetooth:

Not factory-offered for this model year.

HVAC Type:

Manual climate control, optional air conditioning.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Check fluid level periodically. Automatic: Approx. every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as per severe service schedule. Consult manual for specific type and interval.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 for 4.0L; SAE 5W-30 for 2.4L (refer to manual for exact specs and API service classification).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-3 or GL-4, 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (for NV3550).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) (for 42RLE).

Transfer Case Fluid:

NV241OR: ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent; NV135: ATF+4.

Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3.

Common Problems:

Oil filter housing leaks (4.0L), rear main seal leaks, clutch wear, transfer case chain stretch, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), eventual aging of suspension/bushings, HVAC blend door issues.

Troubleshooting Resource:

This manual provides the definitive factory guidance for diagnosing and rectifying these and other potential issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a storied history dating back to World War II, synonymous with ruggedness and off-road capability.

Tj Generation:

The TJ Wrangler (1997-2006) marked a significant return to Jeep's roots with the reintroduction of solid front and rear axles, unlike its predecessor, the YJ. It offered a coil-spring suspension for improved ride and articulation.

Major Updates Tj:

2003 saw minor updates, with the significant change being the introduction of the 42RLE automatic transmission for the 4.0L engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Years Tj:

1997-2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Magazine Awards:

The TJ Wrangler platform frequently received accolades from off-road publications for its capability.

4Wheeloffroad Honors:

Often cited as a benchmark for factory off-road prowess.

Consumer Reports Historicals:

Consumer Reports often noted the TJ's capabilities but might have flagged reliability concerns in certain areas typical for the brand and era.