🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Model Codename:

KJ

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

KJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), often positioned as a more rugged and capable option within its class.

Key Competitors 2003:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Chevrolet Tracker.

Vehicle Attributes:

Four-wheel drive capability (often standard or optional), robust build, practical interior space, off-road potential for its class.

Target Audience:

Jeep owners, independent repair shops, parts suppliers, restoration specialists.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Exterior Trim, Accessories, Emissions Control

Estimated Page Count:

800-1200 (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era)

Manual Type:

Parts Manual / Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar, with potential for interactive elements)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Engine block, cylinder head, pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, fuel injectors, spark plugs, engine mounts

Transmission Drivetrain Components:

Transmission case, gears, clutches, torque converter (for automatic), transfer case, propeller shafts, CV joints, differentials, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension Steering Components:

Front suspension (control arms, ball joints, springs, shocks), rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks, control arms for some configurations), steering gear, steering column, tie rods, drag links, power steering pump, steering rack

Brake Components:

Brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake drums, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake lines, brake hoses, ABS components

Fuel Emissions Components:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system

Electrical Components:

Wiring harnesses, fuse box, relays, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), sensors (engine, ABS, body), ECUs, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn

HVAC Components:

Air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, climate controls, ducting

Body Exterior Components:

Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, tailgate), bumpers, grille, mirrors, glass (windshield, side glass, rear glass), seals, weatherstripping, roof rack, running boards, exterior lighting housings

Interior Components:

Seats, seat belts, dashboard, instrument cluster, center console, door panels, headliner, floor mats, interior trim pieces, airbags

Part Identification:

Accurate identification of every factory part with corresponding OEM part numbers.

Assembly Disassembly Guides:

Exploded diagrams illustrating the assembly and disassembly sequence for various components and systems.

Interchangeability Information:

Potential for indicating part interchangeability within different configurations or model years (though primarily focused on 2003).

Diagram Clarity:

High-resolution, detailed exploded diagrams allowing for magnification of even small components.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering all factory-specified parts and their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically, ensuring searchability and scalability)

Diagram Resolution:

High resolution, enabling clear visualization of fine details and part numbers.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L Inline-4 'PowerTech' (GEMA)

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

2429 cc

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

150 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Option 2:

3.7L V6 'PowerTech'

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

3701 cc

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Compression Ratio 2.4L:

9.1:1

Compression Ratio 3.7L:

8.9:1

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission 2.4L:

5-speed Manual

Standard Transmission 3.7L:

4-speed Automatic (45RFE/48RE)

Optional Transmission 2.4L:

4-speed Automatic (42RLE)

Optional Transmission 3.7L:

6-speed Manual (NSG 370)

Drivetrain Options:

Command-Trac NV235 Part-time 2-speed transfer case (4WD), Selec-Trac NV242 Full-time 2-speed transfer case (optional on some models/engines)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.1 inches (2644 mm)

Length:

175.9 inches (4468 mm)

Width:

70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

66.4 inches (1687 mm)

Curb Weight 2.4L:

approx. 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg)

Curb Weight 3.7L:

approx. 3700-4000 lbs (1678-1814 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

approx. 29.7 cu ft (0.84 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

approx. 65.8 cu ft (1.86 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

4/5 stars (for 2003 model year)

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

5/5 stars (for 2003 model year)

IIHS Offset Frontal Crash Rating:

Acceptable

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum depending on configuration)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard), optional side curtain airbags (availability varies)

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium sound system.

Traction Control:

Optional traction control system on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely standard; aftermarket solutions usually required for auxiliary audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as per severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Type 2.4L:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:

4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Type 3.7L:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:

5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Chrysler/Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant - Pink (MS-9769)

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Refer to specific manual transmission type (e.g., Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent GL-4)

Transfer Case Fluid Type:

Mopar NV235/NV242 Transfer Case Lubricant or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon compatible)

Differential Fluid Type Front Rear:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (for standard open differentials)

Common Issues Powertrain:

Some reports of head gasket failures on the 2.4L engine, potential for water pump leaks, automatic transmission clutch wear.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Wear in front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump leaks, potential for steering wander.

Common Issues Electrical:

Issues with power window motors, HVAC blower motor failures, and intermittent electrical gremlins can occur.

Common Issues Body:

Rust development on rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and tailgate hinges, particularly in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep's long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, influencing the Liberty's design and intent.

Kj Generation Introduction:

The KJ Liberty was introduced for the 2002 model year, replacing the aging Cherokee (XJ) in North America, although the XJ continued production elsewhere.

Kj Platform:

Built on Chrysler's KJ platform, featuring a unibody construction unlike the body-on-frame XJ.

Production Plant:

Manufactured at the Toledo North Plant in Toledo, Ohio, USA.

Production Years Kj:

2002-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Offroad Capability Recognition:

Generally recognized for respectable off-road capability within its segment, especially with the optional Selec-Trac system.

Consumer Reports Reliability Trend:

Mixed to below average reliability ratings in some consumer reports during its production run.