Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Unique Selling Proposition:
Unparalleled off-road capability, iconic design, and robust construction.
Key Competitors:
Toyota FJ Cruiser (discontinued), Land Rover Defender (older models), Ford Bronco (newer models), Nissan Xterra (discontinued)
Off Road Systems:
Command-Trac (NV241 GII) or Rock-Trac (NV241 OHD) 4x4 systems, Dana 30 front axle, Dana 44 rear axle (standard on Rubicon), electronic locking differentials (Rubicon), electronic sway bar disconnect (Rubicon), skid plates.
Body Styles:
2-door (JK) and 4-door Unlimited (JKU)
Powertrain Philosophy:
Emphasis on durability and low-end torque for off-road performance.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.6L Pentastar V6), Transmission (manual & automatic), Transfer Case, Drivetrain (4x4 systems)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear solid axles, coil springs), Steering (power steering), Brakes (ABS, vented discs), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), HVAC Controls, Audio System, Safety Systems (Airbags, ABS)
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable), Bumpers
Maintenance:
Fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), Filter replacements, Lubrication, Inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, Symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine assembly/disassembly, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repairs, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment, Air conditioning system service, Fuel system diagnostics, Emission control system repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to full engine rebuilds and complex diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Code:
3.6L Pentastar V6 (24-valve, SOHC)
Engine Displacement:
3604 cc (220 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque:
260 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with ignition coil-on-plug
Emission Controls:
Catalytic Converters, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Manual Transmission:
NSG370 (6-speed manual)
Automatic Transmission:
W5A580 (5-speed automatic)
Transfer Case:
NV241 GII (Command-Trac) or NV241 OHD (Rock-Trac, Rubicon only)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (MS-9224) or equivalent (e.g., Pennzoil Synchromesh)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Wheelbase 2 Door:
95.4 inches (2423 mm)
Wheelbase 4 Door:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Variable based on tire size and trim, typically 10+ inches
Cargo Volume 2 Door:
17.5 cu ft (behind rear seat), 55.0 cu ft (max)
Cargo Volume 4 Door:
31.5 cu ft (behind rear seat), 70.6 cu ft (max)
Curb Weight 2 Door:
4,100 - 4,300 lbs (approx.)
Curb Weight 4 Door:
4,300 - 4,600 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (typical for JK generation)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Start Assist and Electronic Roll Mitigation
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front advanced multi-stage airbags, available side curtain airbags (later models)
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Head Unit Options:
Uconnect systems with touchscreens, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, available navigation.
Audio System Options:
Standard 8-speaker system, optional premium Alpine system.
Assistance Features:
Hill Start Assist (standard), Trailer Sway Control (standard).
Connectivity Features:
USB ports, Aux input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 10 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN certified, synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent (OAT, Orange)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, clutch wear (manual transmission), rear main seal leaks (Pentastar V6).
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be susceptible to water intrusion affecting modules if not properly sealed, especially after modifications.
Pentastar V6 Issues:
Some early Pentastar models experienced oil cooler leaks and exhaust manifold cracks, though many were addressed under warranty.
Heritage:
Jeep's lineage traces back to military vehicles of WWII, establishing a legacy of ruggedness and off-road capability.
Jk Generation Launch:
The JK generation was introduced for the 2007 model year, marking a significant redesign from its predecessor (TJ).
Jk Generation Updates:
Key updates during the JK's lifecycle included the introduction of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine for 2012 and revised interior and exterior styling for subsequent years.
Assembly Plant:
Toledo Complex, Toledo, Ohio, USA
Off Road Awards:
Consistently recognized as a top-tier off-road vehicle by automotive publications and enthusiast groups.
Segment Awards:
Frequently lauded for its capability in the SUV and off-road segments.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Variable, often high among dedicated owners who value its core strengths, but can be lower in areas like fuel economy and on-road refinement compared to car-based SUVs.
