Market Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Land Rover Freelander (at the time of its release)
Jeep Heritage:
The KJ Cherokee represents Jeep's foray into the smaller, more urban-friendly SUV segment while retaining some of its off-road DNA.
Vehicle Platform:
Based on the DaimlerChrysler KJ platform, sharing components with other Chrysler Group vehicles.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, automotive technicians, fleet maintenance personnel, and Jeep enthusiasts looking for in-depth repair and maintenance information.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Emissions, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of the 2.4L I4 and 3.7L V6 engines, including diagnosis, repair, and overhaul. Also covers NV244 transfer case and Dana 30/44 axles.
Chassis:
Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension (independent front suspension with coil springs), steering system (power rack and pinion), and braking system (front disc/rear drum or disc).
Electrical:
Extensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, diagnosis of charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, and onboard electronic modules.
Comfort And Convenience:
Includes sections on HVAC system operation and repair, interior trim removal and installation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), and seat mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, and belt inspection/replacement.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, including symptom identification, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and component testing.
Technical Specifications:
Provides torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities, wiring color codes, and diagnostic data for various components and systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnosis, and bodywork repair.
File Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans, allowing for clear reproduction of diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Searchable Text:
Typically Yes (for digitally created PDFs), allowing for quick keyword searches of specific topics.
Engine Code 2 4L:
ED3 (2.4L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 'PowerTech')
Engine Code 3 7L:
EP2 (3.7L SOHC 12-valve V6 'PowerTech')
Displacement 2 4L:
2429 cc
Bore X Stroke 2 4L:
87.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2 4L:
9.1:1
Horsepower 2 4L:
150 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2 4L:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement 3 7L:
3701 cc
Bore X Stroke 3 7L:
87.5 mm x 103.0 mm
Compression Ratio 3 7L:
9.6:1
Horsepower 3 7L:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 3 7L:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECM Type:
Manufacturer-specific Engine Control Module (ECM) - covered in electrical section
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 238), typically paired with the 2.4L engine.
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (Chrysler 42RLE), standard with the 3.7L V6 and optional with the 2.4L I4.
Transfer Case Type:
NV244 Command-Trac (full-time 4WD with selectable 2WD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear lubricant
Transfer Case Fluid:
NV244 specific lubricant (often Mercon V or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2690 mm (106.1 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4450 mm (175.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1820 mm (71.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1640 mm (64.6 inches) without roof rails
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 200 mm (7.9 inches) depending on tire size and suspension setup
Curb Weight 2 4L:
Approx. 1600-1700 kg
Curb Weight 3 7L:
Approx. 1700-1850 kg
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2000 kg (4400 lbs) with factory tow package
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size:
P215/75R16, P235/65R17
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional front side-impact airbags.
Rollover Protection:
Enhanced body structure for rollover resistance.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific oil type and capacity).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement 2 4L:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium type)
Spark Plug Replacement 3 7L:
Every 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil 2 4L:
API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30, Capacity: 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters)
Engine Oil 3 7L:
API SN or newer, SAE 5W-30, Capacity: 5 Quarts (4.7 Liters)
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant, blue or pink color. Capacity: 7.1 Quarts (6.7 Liters) for 2.4L, 8.7 Quarts (8.2 Liters) for 3.7L.
Common Problem Headgasket:
The 2.4L engine (ED3) is known for potential head gasket failures, particularly around the intake manifold crossover pipe.
Common Problem Transfer Case Motors:
Actuator motors for the 4WD system can fail, leading to loss of 4WD engagement.
Common Problem Interior Rattles:
Interior panels and components can develop rattles and squeaks over time.
Common Problem Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and clunks.
Jeep Legacy:
The Jeep brand has a storied history in off-road vehicles, tracing its roots back to World War II.
Kj Introduction:
The KJ Cherokee was introduced for the 2002 model year as a successor to the XJ Cherokee in most markets, though it was positioned differently, focusing more on comfort and on-road manners.
Kj Facelift:
The 2003 model year represents the early production phase of the KJ Cherokee before its first significant facelift in 2005.
Production Period:
2002-2007
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA