🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

KJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Off-Road Oriented Crossover

Key Competitors 2005:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Chevrolet Blazer

Jeep Heritage:

Built on Jeep's legacy of off-road capability and ruggedness.

Body On Frame Vs Unibody:

Unique for its class at the time, featuring a body-on-frame construction (derived from the Jeep Cherokee XJ) for enhanced durability and off-road articulation, unlike most competitors which used unibody construction.

Selectable 4Wd:

Offered robust 4WD systems providing superior traction in various conditions.

Design:

Distinctive Jeep styling, boxy profile, prominent grille, round headlights.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual (WSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All Powertrain Components (2.4L DOHC I4, 3.7L SOHC V6)

Transmission:

Automatic (42RLE), Manual (NV3500)

Drivetrain:

4WD Systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), Front/Rear Axles, Differentials

Suspension:

Front Independent (Short-Long Arm), Rear Solid Axle, Shocks, Springs

Brakes:

Front Disc (Vented), Rear Disc, ABS, Parking Brake

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Ignition, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System

Body:

Exterior/Interior Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Trim

Restraints:

Airbags, Seatbelts

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Changes, Spark Plugs, Belts, Hoses

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Servicing, Electrical Component Diagnostics and Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Component testing procedures

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of required special tools for specific procedures

Specifications:

Torque specifications, Alignment procedures, Electrical schematics

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine/transmission overhauls and advanced diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (PowerTech)

Engine Option 2:

3.7L SOHC V6 (PowerTech)

2.4L Hp:

154 hp @ 5,800 rpm

2.4L Torque:

169 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

3.7L Hp:

210 hp @ 5,200 rpm

3.7L Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 octane recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 2.4L:

5-Speed Manual (NV3500)

Standard Transmission 3.7L:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Optional Transmission 2.4L:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

4Wd System:

Command-Trac (Part-time, 2-speed transfer case) or Selec-Trac (Full-time, 2-speed transfer case with automatic 4WD mode)

Atf Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (Check specific manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.2 inches (2647 mm)

Length:

172.4 inches (4379 mm)

Width:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

67.4 inches (1712 mm) (with roof rails)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Curb Weight Approx 2.4L:

3,770 lbs (1710 kg)

Curb Weight Approx 3.7L:

4,050 lbs (1837 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) (with optional towing package)

Payload Capacity Approx:

1,100 lbs (500 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver 2005:

Good

NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2005:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver 2005:

Good

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger 2005:

Good

IIHS Side Impact 2005:

Acceptable

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front advanced driver and passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium sound systems, and SiriusXM satellite radio availability.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became more widely available as an option or standard on higher trims in later years of the KJ generation, but less common on early 2005 models compared to later iterations.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe duty, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal duty (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for regular service, more frequently for towing or off-road use.

Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years for MOPAR OAT coolant.

Engine Oil Type 2.4L:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Type 3.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

MOPAR OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problem 1:

Cooling system leaks, particularly from the radiator and hoses, due to plastic components.

Common Problem 2:

Front differential seal leaks, especially on 4WD models.

Common Problem 3:

Power steering pump leaks or noise.

Common Problem 4:

Transfer case actuator issues (on models with automatic 4WD engagement).

Common Problem 5:

Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks leading to Check Engine Lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles dating back to WWII.

Kj Generation:

First generation Liberty (KJ) introduced for the 2002 model year, replacing the Cherokee (XJ) in North America. The 2005 model is part of the pre-facelift (2002-2004) design, with the facelift occurring for the 2005 model year in some markets, and more significantly for 2007.

Engine Updates 2005:

While major powertrain changes occurred in later years, the 2005 model retained the core engine options from its debut.

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Kj Production Years:

2002-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability:

Consistently recognized for its segment-leading off-road prowess, a signature trait of the Jeep brand.

Value Proposition:

Often cited for offering significant off-road capability and Jeep ruggedness at a competitive price point compared to more premium off-road focused SUVs.