Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road capable vehicle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester.
Vehicle Strengths:
Jeep's legendary off-road capability, comfortable ride for its class, available powerful engines, and distinctive styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Jeep Cherokee KJ efficiently and effectively.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of all engine types offered for the KJ Cherokee during these model years, including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and component specifics.
Transmission:
Includes repair and maintenance procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions, including torque converters, clutch systems, and gearboxes.
Drivetrain:
Comprehensive information on 4WD/AWD systems (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), transfer cases, differentials, driveshafts, and axles.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), ABS operation and diagnosis, brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, and parking brake.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, and wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, hinges, bumpers, and interior trim removal/installation.
Chassis:
Frame and chassis component inspection and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic techniques using specialized tools and scan data.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing individual components.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignments, and other critical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on essential diagnostic tools and procedures for modern vehicles.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, crucial for troubleshooting.
Engine Family:
Chrysler/Jeep EER (PowerTech) and PSA (VM Motori) Diesel
Gasoline Engine 1:
2.4L (2429cc) DOHC I4 (GEMA/World I4)
Gasoline Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 147-154 hp @ 5200-5800 rpm
Gasoline Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 165-171 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Gasoline Engine 2:
3.7L (3701cc) SOHC V6 (EER/PowerTech)
Gasoline Engine 2 Power:
Approx. 205-215 hp @ 5500-5800 rpm
Gasoline Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 235-240 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Diesel Engine 1:
2.8L (2777cc) CRD DOHC I4 Turbo Diesel (VM Motori)
Diesel Engine 1 Power:
Approx. 150-163 hp @ 3800 rpm
Diesel Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 260-295 lb-ft @ 1800-2000 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRD)
Recommended Fuel Gasoline:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (check owner's manual for specific octane requirements)
Recommended Fuel Diesel:
ULSD (Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel)
Transmission Type Gasoline:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type Diesel:
4-speed automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type Gasoline Manual:
5-speed manual (NV3500/NV1500)
Transmission Type Diesel Manual:
6-speed manual (NSG370)
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac NV231-J (Part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac NV242 (Full-time 4WD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
104.1 inches (2644 mm)
Length:
175.3 inches (4453 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm) (Varies by model and tires)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3900 lbs (1588-1769 kg) (Varies by engine and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4800-5000 lbs (2177-2268 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 30.0 cubic feet (0.85 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 69.0 cubic feet (1.95 cubic meters)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Crash Test:
Good (refer to NHTSA for specific year and test)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Crash Test:
Good (refer to NHTSA for specific year and test)
NHTSA Side Driver Crash Test:
Good (refer to NHTSA for specific year and test)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Test:
Good (refer to NHTSA for specific year and test)
IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test:
Good (refer to IIHS for specific year and test)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Audio System:
Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity speaker system, satellite radio preparation.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system was available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack on later models or through aftermarket solutions.
Power Outlets:
Standard 12V power outlets.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically every 3,000-6,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on oil type).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months for diesel engines (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Varies by plug type; typically 30,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific engine and plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years (refer to manual for specific coolant type and interval).
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 is common for both engines. Refer to manual and oil cap for exact specification and API service classification.
Engine Oil Diesel:
Specific diesel engine oil meeting API CJ-4 or equivalent, viscosity typically 5W-40 or 15W-40. Crucial to check manual.
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) OAT coolant or equivalent (typically pink or orange).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to reservoir cap).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON ATF.
Common Concern 1:
Worn front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), leading to steering looseness and tire wear.
Common Concern 2:
Failure of the Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIM) causing no-start conditions.
Common Concern 3:
Issues with the automatic transmission (42RLE), particularly solenoid pack failures or torque converter issues.
Common Concern 4:
Diesel engine specific issues can include turbocharger problems, injector issues, and EGR valve clogging.
Common Concern 5:
Water pump leaks and radiator issues.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep is a brand with a long and storied history, dating back to World War II, renowned for its off-road prowess and ruggedness.
Kj Introduction:
The KJ Cherokee was introduced for the 2002 model year, replacing the XJ Cherokee. It adopted a more modern, unibody construction with a distinct, rounded styling compared to its predecessor.
Kj Facelift:
A minor facelift occurred for the 2005 model year, featuring updated styling, interior enhancements, and powertrain revisions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Production End Date:
Production of the KJ Cherokee ended in 2007, succeeded by the KK Cherokee.