Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, adventure seekers, practical SUV buyers.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail (previous generation).
Differentiation:
Stronger off-road capability compared to most rivals, Jeep's established brand heritage.
Off Road Capability:
Command-Trac NV242 part-time 2-speed transfer case, available Selec-Trac NV242 full-time 4WD system, solid rear axle (on some configurations), good ground clearance.
Body On Frame Construction:
Offers robustness for off-road use (though KJ is unibody, this is often a Jeep expectation).
Practicality:
Sufficient passenger and cargo space for its class.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, assembly, and repair of all engine components.
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, and sensors.
Powertrain Control Module:
PCM diagnostics and repair.
Automatic Transmission:
Service and repair of the transmission assembly, torque converter, valve body, and solenoids.
Manual Transmission:
Service and repair of the transmission assembly, clutch, and related components.
Transfer Case:
Operation, diagnosis, and repair of 4WD systems.
Front Axle:
Front differential, CV joints, and axle shafts service.
Rear Axle:
Rear differential service and repair.
Suspension Front:
Struts, control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings, and alignment specifications.
Suspension Rear:
Shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and alignment specifications.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, and steering column service.
Brake System Front:
Disc brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic lines.
Brake System Rear:
Disc brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic lines (or drum brake service where applicable).
Anti Lock Braking System:
ABS sensor diagnosis, module repair, and hydraulic control unit service.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure monitoring system, wheel torque specifications, and tire rotation.
Body Exterior:
Panel replacement, door mechanisms, bumpers, and exterior trim.
Body Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, interior trim panels, and headliner service.
HVAC System:
Compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant recharge, and climate control module.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, and bulb replacement procedures.
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, and cluster repair.
Audio System:
Radio, speakers, and amplifier service.
Power Windows Locks:
Motor and switch replacement for power windows and door locks.
Wiper Washer System:
Wiper motors, linkage, and washer pump service.
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement procedures (crucial safety information).
Cruise Control:
System diagnosis and repair.
Remote Keyless Entry:
System operation and potential troubleshooting.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks.
Engine Overhaul:
Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilding.
Transmission Rebuild:
Complete overhaul procedures for both automatic and manual transmissions.
Brake Replacement:
Front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service.
Suspension Repair:
Replacement of struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, and tie rods.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic approaches for electrical faults using wiring diagrams.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
List of DTCs and their probable causes and corrective actions.
Fluid Flush And Fill:
Procedures for flushing and refilling all vehicle fluids.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components.
Alignment Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications and adjustments.
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant handling, component replacement, and leak detection.
Body Panel Repair:
Instructions for removing and installing body panels and associated hardware.
Interior Component Removal:
Step-by-step guides for removing seats, dashboard, and trim pieces.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics).
Diagnostic Tools Required:
Mentions of necessary diagnostic tools and equipment (e.g., scan tools, multimeters).
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for critical component clearances and tolerances during assembly.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000-12,000 km (6,000-7,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Engine Air Filter:
Every 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 20,000-25,000 km (12,000-15,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
I4: 160,000 km (100,000 miles) (if using long-life plugs like iridium). V6: 100,000 km (60,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 km (60,000 miles).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000-80,000 km (35,000-50,000 miles).
Manual Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles).
Transfer Case Fluid Change:
Every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (25,000 miles).
Drive Belt Replacement:
Inspect every 40,000 km (25,000 miles), replace as needed (typically 100,000-160,000 km service interval).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 synthetic (preferred for cooler climates and optimal protection) or SAE 10W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity I4:
4.4 L (4.7 US qt)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.2 L (5.5 US qt)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) coolant - typically orange or pink.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Gear oil SAE 75W-90 GL-3 or GL-4.
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (for NV242 models).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III ATF.
Climate Control Actuators:
HVAC blend door actuators can fail, leading to improper air temperature or airflow direction.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are known to leak over time.
Suspension Components:
Front suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear out prematurely, especially with off-road use.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on radiators can crack and leak coolant.
Rear Main Seal:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks can occur, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Fuel Pump Module:
The fuel pump module or sender unit can fail, causing erratic fuel gauge readings or no-start conditions.
Death Wobble:
While more associated with solid axle Jeeps, steering and suspension component wear can still lead to steering instability.