Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Focused Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for their Jeep Liberty KJ.
Competitors:
Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra
Vehicle Strengths:
Off-road capability (especially with 4WD), distinctive styling, capable powertrains.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the essential, factory-level information required for proper diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, crucial for preserving the vehicle's capabilities and longevity.
Engine:
2.4L PowerTech I4, 3.7L PowerTech V6
Transmission:
42RLE (4-speed Automatic), NV150 (5-speed Manual)
Drivetrain:
4WD (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), RWD
Suspension:
Front: Independent Short-Long Arm (SLA) with Coil Springs, Rear: Solid Axle with Multi-link, Coil Springs
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Disc (ABS equipped)
Steering:
Power-assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, HVAC Controls, Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Seats
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation, Climate Control
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Diagnostics, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Replacement
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Scan Tool Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Component Location
Specifications:
Torque Values, Fluid Capacities, Clearances, Electrical Values
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1 Name:
2.4L DOHC PowerTech I4
Engine 1 Displacement:
2429 cc (148.2 cu in)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 100.0 mm (3.44 in x 3.94 in)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.1:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
3.7L SOHC PowerTech V6
Engine 2 Displacement:
3701 cc (225.9 cu in)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
87.4 mm x 102.8 mm (3.44 in x 4.05 in)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission 1 Type:
42RLE 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission 2 Type:
NV150 5-Speed Manual
Transfer Case Options:
Command-Trac (Part-Time 4WD), Selec-Trac (Full-Time 4WD)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Approx. 7.2 qts (6.8 L)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:
Approx. 2.5 qts (2.4 L)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
171.5 inches (4356 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
68.4 inches (1737 mm) (without roof rails)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.3 inches (211 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3,700 lbs (1678 kg) (4-cyl, RWD)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 4,150 lbs (1882 kg) (V6, 4WD)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) (with proper equipment)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
Good
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3-star (4WD models)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes)
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM/CD, optional Infinity speaker system, optional Sirius Satellite Radio.
Display:
Basic radio display, no touchscreens or advanced navigation on most models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Assist:
Not available for this model year.
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may be available.
Bluetooth:
Not standard for this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Engine Oil Filter Part Number 2.4L:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent
Engine Oil Filter Part Number 3.7L:
Mopar MO-899 or equivalent (Note: Some sources may list different part numbers based on specific filters).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 5.0 qts (4.7 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.7L:
Approx. 6.0 qts (5.7 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Type All:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic
Coolant Type:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.0 qts (10.4 L)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or ATF+4
Common Problems 1:
Water pump leaks, especially on the 3.7L V6. Rear differential seal leaks. Transfer case chain stretch or wear.
Common Problems 2:
Power steering pump whine or failure. EVAP system issues leading to check engine lights. Minor electrical gremlins related to body control module.
Common Problems 3:
Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) wear. Catalytic converter failure.
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for ruggedness, off-road capability, and utilitarian design dating back to its WWII origins.
Kj Introduction:
The Jeep Liberty (KJ) was introduced for the 2002 model year, replacing the Cherokee (XJ) in the North American market. It adopted a more modern unibody construction while retaining Jeep's signature styling and off-road prowess.
Kj 2004 Updates:
For 2004, minor updates included revised interior trim options and potential feature shuffling across trim levels. The powertrain options remained consistent with previous years.
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years Kj:
2002-2007