🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Wrangler

Year:

2003

Generation:

TJ

Platform:

Jeep TJ

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) represented the peak of the TJ generation's evolution, known for its iconic off-road capability, classic styling, and robust build. It continued to be a benchmark for American off-road vehicles, appealing to enthusiasts seeking adventure and a direct connection to the driving experience.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed primarily against other off-road focused SUVs and rugged convertibles, though its unique open-air design and solid axle configuration set it apart. Key competitors included the Toyota Tacoma (4x4 variants) and various aftermarket-modified vehicles.

Key Features:

Iconic 7-slot grille, round headlights, removable doors and top, solid front and rear axles (standard on all 2003 models), transfer case with low-range gearing, strong off-road chassis, and robust powertrain options.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete vehicle repair and servicing

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Purpose:

Designed for authorized service technicians but equally valuable for serious DIY mechanics. Provides the exact information used in authorized Jeep service centers.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Fuel System, SFI System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Starting System, Charging System, Ignition System, Emission Control Systems, Exhaust System, Air Conditioning System, Heater & Air Conditioner, Brake System, Parking Brake, Steering System, Power Steering, Front Suspension System, Rear Suspension System, Front Drive Shaft, Rear Axle Beam, Front Differential Oil Seal, Rear Axle Hub, Wheel And Tire System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Torque Converter Clutch, Differential Case Assy, Body Repair, Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, Fender Panel Mudguard, Hood, Back Door, Front Door, Rear Door, Sun Roof, Wiper And Washer System, Lighting System, Combination Meter, Instrument Panel, Seat Belt, Supplemental Restraint System (Air Bag), Audio & Visual System, Power Window Control System, Power Mirror Control System, Power Door Lock Control System, Heated Rear Window Defogger System, Roof Antenna Pole Sub-Assy, License Plate Lamp Assy, Horn, Center Stop Lamp Assy, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assy, Rear Combination Lamp Assy, Headlamp Assy, Washer Nozzle, Wiper Rubber, Wiper & Washer, Outer Rear View Mirror Assy, Inner Rear View Mirror Assy, Seat, Rear Seat Belt, Front Seat Belt, Front Seat Airbag Assy, Side Air Bag Sensor Assy, Curtain Shield Air Bag Assy, Passenger Air Bag Assy, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Center Air Bag Sensor Assy, Air Bag Sensor Rear, Air Bag Sensor Front, Transmission Control Cable, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Floor Shift Parking Lock Cable, Shift & Select Lever Shaft, Shift Lock System, Yaw Rate Sensor, Skid Control Sensor, Speed Sensor Front, Knock Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor, Steering Sensor, Parkneutral Position Switch, Clutch Start Switch Assy, Headlamp Dimmer Switch Assy, Center Cluster Module Switch, Ignition System, Drive Belt, Radiator Assy, Fuel Pump, Oil Filter, Water Pump Assy, Oil Pump, Camshaft, Throttle Body Assy, Fuel Injector, Cylinder Block Assy, Cylinder Head, Valve Clearance, Clutch Unit, Clutch Master Cylinder Assy, Clutch Release Cylinder Assy, Clutch Pedal Sub-Assy, Manual Transaxle Assy, Manual Transaxle Oil, Automatic Transaxle Assy, Automatic Transaxle Fluid, Drive Shaft, Output Shaft Assy, Rear Coil Spring, Front Shock Absorber, Rear Shock Absorber Assy, Front Stabilizer Bar, Rear Axle Hub, Receiver Condenser Assy, Pulley Compressor Assy, Heater Radiator Assy, Exhaust Pipe, Steering Column, Spiral Cable Sub-Assy, Preparation, Wiring Diagrams, Radio Receiver Assy, Cigarette Lighter Assy, Fuel Tank, Brake Master Cylinder, Brake Pedal, Brake Actuator, Brake Fluid, Brake Booster, Charcoal Canister, Power Source, Name Plate, Tire & Wheel, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Roof Headlining, Front Door Glass Weatherstrip, Rear Door Glass Weatherstrip, Front suspension Arm, Transmission Valve Body, Windshield Wiper Switch Assy, Front Speaker Assy, Rear Speaker Assy, Amplifier Antenna Assy, Antenna Cord Sub-Assy, Floor Shift Assy, Quarter Window Assy, Chain Sub-Assy, Headlamp Protector Retainer, Heater Or Boost Ventilator Control, Windshield Wiper Motor Assy, Cooling Fan System, Input Shaft Assy, Air Conditioning Amplifier Assy, Side Mudguard, Emission Control Systems, Roof Antenna Pole Sub-Assy, Sun Roof, License Plate Lamp Assy, Heater Radiator Assy, Output Shaft Assy, Side Mudguard, Back Door Garnish, Steering Column, Rear Combination Lamp Assy, Emission Control Systems, Hood, Antenna Cord Sub-Assy, Front Stabilizer Bar, Outer Rear View Mirror Assy, Front Marker Lamp Assy, Side Air Bag Sensor Assy, Skid Control Sensor, Wiper Rubber, Transmission Control Cable, Transmission Revolution Sensor, Radio Receiver Assy, Seat Belt, Thermostat, Clutch Pedal Sub-Assy, Radiator Assy, Cigarette Lighter Assy, Rear Seat Belt, Fuel Tank, Spiral Cable Sub-Assy, Valve Clearance, Preparation, Instrument Panel, Brake Master Cylinder, Wiring Diagrams, Yaw Rate Sensor, Brake System, Window Defogger System, Cylinder Block Assy, Body Repair, Rear Wiper Motor Assy, Floor Shift Parking Lock Cable, Center Stop Lamp Assy, Clutch System, Front Door, Cylinder Head, Power Steering, Shift Lock System, Washer Nozzle, Speed Sensor Front, Seat Belt Warning System, Center Cluster Module Switch, Front Seat Belt, Power Mirror Control System, Air Conditioning Amplifier Assy, Front Suspension System, Exhaust Pipe, Brake Pedal, Front Brake, Rear Suspension System, Front Drive Shaft, Front Suspension, Front Seat Airbag Assy, Rear Wheel Alignment, Shift & Select Lever Shaft, Horn Button Assy, Exhaust, Rear Door Glass Weatherstrip, Air Conditioning System, Torque Converter Clutch, Fuel Pump, Wheel And Tire System, Starter Assy, Rear Wiper Rubber, Wiper & Washer, Front Bumper, Audio & Visual System, Rear Door Window Frame Moulding, Knock Sensor, Amplifier Antenna Assy, Inner Rear View Mirror Assy, Rear Door, Seat, Rear Speaker Assy, Differential Case Assy, Oil Filter, Windshield Glass, Brake Actuator, Introduction, Engine Control System, Rear Brake, Front Differential Oil Seal, Transmission Valve Body, Windshield Wiper Switch Assy, Rear Axle Hub, Engine Coolant, Pulley Compressor Assy, Heater & Air Conditioner, Clutch Master Cylinder Assy, Front Speaker Assy, Cylinder Head Assy, Back Door Glass, Manual Transaxle Oil, Engine Mechanical, Name Plate, ower Steering Link Assy, Maintenance, Manual Transaxle Assy, Headlamp Dimmer Switch Assy, Transmission Wire, Rear Suspension, Partial Engine, Air Bag Sensor Rear, Clutch Start Switch Assy, Passenger Air Bag Assy, Supplemental Restraint System, Cooling System, Rear Coil Spring, Parking Brake Lever, Brake Fluid, Curtain Shield Air Bag Assy, Combination Meter, Front Shock Absorber, Power Window Control System, Parkneutral Position Switch, Generator Assy, Charcoal Canister, Power Source, Throttle Body Assy, Front Axle Hub, Clutch Unit, Tire & Wheel, Roof Drip Side Finish Moulding, Drive Shaft, Front Wheel Alignment, Roof Headlining, Front Door Glass Weatherstrip, Air Conditioner Refrigerant, Camshaft, Air Conditioning Blower Assy, Floor Shift Assy, Quarter Window Assy, Automatic Transaxle Assy, Manual Transaxle System, Chain Sub-Assy, Headlamp Protector Retainer, Automatic Transaxle Fluid, Heater Or Boost Ventilator Control, Starting System, Parking Brake, Windshield Wiper Motor Assy, Camshaft Position Sensor, Water Pump Assy, Oil Pump, Seat Position Air Bag Sensor, Wire Harness Repair, Headlamp Assy, Steering Sensor, Center Air Bag Sensor Assy, Sun Roof System, Rear Shock Absorber Assy, Side Turn Signal Lamp Assy, Cooling Fan System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Input Shaft Assy, Air Bag Sensor Front, Fuel Injector, Power Door Lock Control System, Clutch Release Cylinder Assy, Lubrication System, Brake Booster, Back Door, Starter Switch, Front Suspension Arm

Procedures Included:

Diagnostics, troubleshooting, routine maintenance, component removal and installation, system adjustments, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, repair procedures for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts for engine, transmission, braking, and electrical systems. Covers OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Body And Chassis:

Includes procedures for body panel removal and installation (fenders, doors, hood, bumpers), frame inspection and repair, weatherstripping, and interior trim.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of all electrical systems, including detailed wiring diagrams for engine control, lighting, audio, power accessories, and safety systems.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed rebuild procedures for major components like the engine, manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case, differentials, and steering gear.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Digital Download (N/A for physical binding)

Paper Type:

Digital (N/A for physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

4.0L Inline 6-cylinder (e.v.e.)

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 4600 rpm

Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Economy:

Approximately 13-15 MPG city / 17-19 MPG highway (4.0L I6).

Fuel System:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Engine Codes:

AMC 242 (4.0L OHV I6)

Displacement:

3952 cc (242 cu. in.)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 3.575 in (98.4 mm x 90.8 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Oil Capacity:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter (for 4.0L)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (NV3550)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac NV241 GII (2-speed, part-time 4WD)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-3/GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

93.4 inches (2372 mm)

Length:

160.1 inches (4067 mm)

Width:

66.5 inches (1689 mm)

Height:

70.5 inches (1791 mm) (with hardtop)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.8 inches (224 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3300 - 3500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4500 lbs (2041 kg)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 72.3 cu ft (2.05 m³)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 13.5 cu ft (0.38 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 35.0 cu ft (0.99 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4/5 Star (for 2-door)

Active Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims

Passive Features:

Seat belts, optional front airbags, optional side-impact airbags

Seat Belt Type:

Three-point inertia reel seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. Lap belts for rear occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette and premium sound systems. Limited digital integration typical of the era.

Driver Assistance Features:

Minimal driver assistance features by modern standards. ABS was an option on some trims. Focus was on mechanical capability.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity. Optional auxiliary input jack on some premium sound systems.

Power Features:

Optional power windows, power locks, and power mirrors were available on higher trim levels.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (4,800 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), change as needed or recommended (typically longer intervals than automatic).

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions and fluid type used.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) or 2-4 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6A, SAE 10W-30 (preferred for 4.0L)

Coolant Specification:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3

Known Issues:

Oil filter housing leaks (common on 4.0L), radiator failures, water pump leaks, rear main seal leaks, NP241 transfer case chain stretch/wear, clutch issues (manual transmission), common TJ front axle U-joint wear, death wobble (if suspension/steering components are worn or improperly adjusted).

Specific Issue Detail:

The 4.0L engine's oil filter housing can develop cracks or loose seals, leading to oil leaks. This is a common maintenance item addressed within the manual's diagnostic sections.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Mopar: MO-090 or equivalent WIX: 57712, Fram: PH8A

Air Filter Part Number:

Mopar: 53000171 or equivalent WIX: 42320, Fram: CA2975

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jeep has a legendary heritage in off-road vehicle development, dating back to World War II. The brand is synonymous with ruggedness, capability, and freedom.

Model Evolution:

The TJ Wrangler (1997-2006) marked a significant departure from its YJ predecessor with the reintroduction of coil springs and the elimination of leaf springs, significantly improving ride comfort and off-road articulation. The 2003 model year saw minor updates and continued refinement of the TJ platform.

Production Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Jeep Wrangler consistently received praise from off-road publications and enthusiasts for its unparalleled off-road prowess. While specific awards for the 2003 model may vary, the TJ generation as a whole was highly regarded.

Ratings:

Consistently rated highly by consumers and automotive journalists for its capability and durability in off-road conditions.