Vehicle Market Niche:
The 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ is positioned as a highly capable, iconic off-road vehicle with a strong emphasis on utility, adventure, and a classic open-air driving experience. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle.
Competitors 2005:
Primary competitors in its specific niche included models like the Toyota FJ Cruiser (though launched later), and to a lesser extent, more lifestyle-oriented SUVs with some off-road pretensions, but few offered the pure, unadulterated off-road capability and iconic styling of the Wrangler TJ.
Vehicle Key Features:
Solid front and rear axles, robust 4.0L inline-6 engine, short wheelbase, excellent ground clearance, iconic open-air design (convertible top), and legendary off-road prowess.
Manual Value Proposition:
This comprehensive workshop manual is an indispensable tool for any 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ owner or mechanic, providing the detailed information required for accurate diagnostics, reliable repairs, and effective maintenance, thereby preserving the vehicle's performance and longevity.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications for the 4.0L inline-6 engine (PowerTech I-6).
Transmission:
Coverage for NV3550 5-speed manual and optional 42RLE 4-speed automatic transmissions, including removal, installation, and internal repairs.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axle assemblies (Dana 30 front, Dana 35 or optional Dana 44 rear), NV241ORC transfer case, driveshafts, universal joints, and wheel hub assemblies.
Suspension:
Front and rear coil spring suspension, control arms, track bars, sway bars, shock absorbers, and steering linkage.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including disc brakes (vented front rotors), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, power booster, ABS (if equipped).
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear (sector box), and linkage components.
Electrical:
Comprehensive coverage including battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, and body control modules.
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, windshield frame, fenders, bumpers, interior trim, seats, and convertible top mechanisms.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, and service.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, and evaporative emissions control system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, and belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission, and axle overhaul procedures.
Wiring Diagram Interpretation:
Guidance on reading and understanding complex electrical schematics.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, and critical measurements for all components.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component overhaul and rebuilding.
Engine Type:
4.0L Inline 6-Cylinder OHV
Displacement:
242 cubic inches (3952 cc)
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 4600 rpm
Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular 87 Octane Recommended
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/100,000 Mile Formula (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-On-Plug (COP) technology.
Standard Transmission:
NV3550 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
42RLE 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transfer Case:
NV241OR 'Rock-Trac' 4WD Transfer Case (standard on Rubicon models), Command-Trac NV231 transfer case (standard on SE, Sport, Sahara models).
Fluid Specifications Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90).
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid Type 9602) or equivalent.
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches (2372 mm)
Length:
157.0 inches (3988 mm)
Width Body:
66.4 inches (1687 mm)
Height:
71.0 inches (1803 mm) (with soft top)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.3 - 10.2 inches (depending on tire size and model).
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg), varies by configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,400 lbs (1996 kg).
Towing Capacity:
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star rating (typically for vehicles of this type and era).
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on Rubicon).
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped with electronic traction control; relies on mechanical systems.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with shoulder restraint; rear passengers have lap belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes (consult manual for specifics).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type installed).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Typically inspected at regular intervals, fluid change recommended every 60,000 miles or as needed.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, change ATF+4 approximately every 60,000 miles under normal conditions.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-30 (API certified).
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4.
Transfer Case Fluid Spec:
NV231: Mopar NV231 Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-3/GL-4). NV241OR: Mopar NV241OR Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4).
Axle Fluid Spec Front:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (API GL-5). For Rubicon Dana 44 with locking differential, consult manual for specific lubrication requirements.
Axle Fluid Spec Rear:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (API GL-5). For Dana 44 rear axle, or if equipped with Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, use appropriate friction modifier (consult manual).
Common Tj Issues:
Leaf spring perches cracking on older models, death wobble (suspension/steering component wear), AC compressor failure, radiator leaks, NP231 transfer case chain stretch, interior water leaks (soft top seals, windshield frame), exhaust manifold cracks, rear main seal leaks.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep's heritage dates back to World War II with the iconic Willys MB, establishing a legacy of ruggedness, off-road capability, and utilitarian design that continues with the Wrangler.
Tj Generation Introduction:
The TJ generation of the Jeep Wrangler was introduced for the 1997 model year, marking a significant departure from its predecessor (YJ) with the return to the coil-spring suspension system.
Tj Changes 2005:
For 2005, key updates included revised suspension tuning, optional front and rear solid axles (Dana 44 rear becoming more common on higher trims), and minor interior/exterior styling tweaks. The 4.0L engine remained the dominant powertrain.
Production Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Production Years Tj:
1997-2006.