Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road capable crossover
Positioning:
Positioned as a more rugged, off-road oriented alternative to traditional car-based crossovers, with Jeep's iconic styling cues.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester
Off Road Capability:
Jeep's Command-Trac NV242 (part-time) and optional Selec-Trac NV244 (full-time) 4WD systems offered superior off-road capability compared to many competitors.
Powertrain Options:
Availability of the robust 3.7L PowerTech V6 engine and the efficient 2.8L VM Motori CRD turbodiesel (in select markets) provided distinct powertrain advantages.
Body On Frame:
Unique in its segment for its time, the KJ Liberty featured a body-on-frame construction, enhancing its durability and towing capacity.
Design Language:
Distinctive Jeep styling with the seven-slot grille, round headlights, and upright stance.
Engine:
Complete diagnostics, repair, overhaul for all KJ Liberty engines (e.g., 3.7L V6 PowerTech, 2.4L DOHC, 2.8L CRD Diesel)
Transmission:
Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for automatic (e.g., 42RLE, 45RFE) and manual transmissions, including transfer case and differentials
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, rear drum/disc, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, lines, and bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, power accessories, starting and charging systems, body control modules (BCM)
Suspension:
Front (independent short/long arm) and rear (solid axle) suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, linkages, wheel alignment specifications
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, interior trim, bumpers, glass, and associated hardware
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor, blower motor, actuators, cabin filter replacement
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, O2 sensors
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, coolant specifications
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics, SRS module, seat belt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tire rotation, scheduled service intervals
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Installation:
Component replacement and installation guidance
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, vehicle-specific wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all fasteners
Depth:
In-depth, dealership-level technical information for all repair and maintenance tasks
Precision:
Vehicle/model specific, not generic information
Engine Name:
3.7L PowerTech V6
Engine Code:
EWG / EVE (depending on market/model year)
Configuration:
90-degree V6
Displacement:
3701 cc (225.9 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 90.8 mm (3.66 in x 3.57 in)
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Net:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx. for 2003-2004 models)
Torque Net:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx. for 2003-2004 models)
Engine Name:
2.4L DOHC I4
Displacement:
2429 cc (148.2 cubic inches)
Horsepower Net:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Net:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Name Diesel:
2.8L CRD I4 Turbodiesel
Displacement Diesel:
2776 cc (169.4 cubic inches)
Horsepower Net Diesel:
140 hp @ 3800 rpm
Torque Net Diesel:
250 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended for 3.7L), Diesel fuel for CRD
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Refer to manual for specific pressure ranges
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE / 45RFE)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV1500 or NV3500)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
4Wd System Command Trac:
Part-time, 2-speed transfer case (NV242)
4Wd System Selec Trac:
Full-time, 2-speed transfer case with automatic mode (NV244, optional)
Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 L) for 42RLE, Refer to manual for 45RFE
Fluid:
Manual Transmission Lubricant (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent API GL-3/GL-4)
Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific capacities
Length:
Approx. 175.4 inches (4455 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm) without mirrors
Height:
Approx. 72.1 inches (1831 mm) with roof rack
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.2 inches (2647 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 40.5 inches (1029 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 39.9 inches (1013 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 41.7 inches (1059 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 33.1 inches (841 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 23.0 cu ft (0.65 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 60.8 cu ft (1.72 m³)
Curb Weight Rwd:
Approx. 3700-4000 lbs (1678-1814 kg)
Curb Weight 4Wd:
Approx. 3900-4200 lbs (1769-1905 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) when properly equipped
Gvw:
Refer to vehicle compliance plate (Gross Vehicle Weight)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-Star (for 2003 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-Star (for 2003 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-Star (for 2003 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5-Star (for 2003 model)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2002-2007 models, though structural changes occurred)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became available on later models, check specific vehicle
Airbags Front:
Standard multi-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front-seat side airbags, Optional Sirius satellite radio
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Optional premium audio systems, CD player, AM/FM radio, Sirius satellite radio capability
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some trims
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Optional keyless entry system
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard or optional depending on trim
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack on some later models or through aftermarket installation
Oil Change Frequency:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Tire Rotation:
Every 6,000-7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace annually or every 15,000 miles
Spark Plugs 3.7L V6:
Typically every 100,000 miles (using platinum or iridium plugs)
Engine Oil 3.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30, API SP/SN/SM/SL rated, MS-6395 specification
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L V6:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter change
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Oldest Available Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue or Pink color, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5931) or equivalent
Interior Rattles:
Commonly reported, often related to dashboard and trim components
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Some 3.7L V6 engines experienced rear main seal leaks
Transfer Case Issues:
Potential for transfer case actuator or sensor failures, especially with higher mileage
Cv Axle Wear:
Front CV axles can wear, particularly in vehicles used for off-roading
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS warning lights due to faulty wheel speed sensors are not uncommon
Transmission Hard Shifting:
Can occur with worn internal components or low fluid levels/quality