🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Cherokee / Liberty

Model Code:

KJ

Year:

2006

Vin Character:

6

👋 Introduction

Description:

The 2006 Jeep Cherokee/Liberty KJ positioned itself as a compact SUV with genuine off-road capability, bridging the gap between more car-like crossovers and traditional body-on-frame SUVs. It appealed to buyers seeking utility, versatility, and Jeep's iconic brand image.

Competitors:

Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra, Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Features:

Available with the capable 3.7L V6 or the efficient 2.8L CRD diesel, optional Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD) and Command-Trac (part-time 4WD) systems, distinct styling, good towing capacity for its class, and a comfortable ride for a compact SUV.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Engines:

3.7L V6, 2.8L CRD (Diesel)

Covered Transmissions:

42RLE (4-speed Automatic), NV3550 (5-speed Manual)

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Shop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.7L PowerTech V6, 2.8L CRD (VM Motori Diesel), including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, fuel, ignition, emissions control

Transmission:

42RLE Automatic (disassembly, assembly, torque converter, valve body, solenoids), NV3550 Manual (clutch, gear sets, shifting mechanisms)

Drivetrain:

Transfer case (NV244, NV247), front and rear axles, differentials, CV joints, driveshafts, hubs

Suspension:

Front independent short-long arm (SLA), rear solid axle, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, stabilizer bars, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front vented discs, rear discs (or drums depending on configuration), ABS, EBD, brake system bleeding, pad/rotor replacement, caliper service

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, wipers, power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), instrument cluster, body control module (BCM)

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant handling

Body:

Body and frame construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, bumpers, hood, tailgate

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seatbelt service

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code diagnosis, live data interpretation, circuit testing

Repair:

Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repair, rebuild procedures for major systems

Overhaul:

Engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures with detailed specifications

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance, diagnostic data ranges

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to complete vehicle teardown and rebuild, including advanced electrical diagnostics and powertrain overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically)

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution scans/digital creation, clear diagrams and text

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.7L (3701cc) PowerTech V6

Engine 1 Configuration:

SOHC, 90-degree V6

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 90.8 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2:

2.8L (2776cc) CRD (Common Rail Diesel) VM Motori

Engine 2 Configuration:

DOHC, 4-cylinder Inline Turbocharged Diesel

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

94.0 mm x 100.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

17.5:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

163 hp @ 3800 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (3.7L), Diesel fuel (2.8L CRD)

Injection System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for 3.7L; Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for 2.8L CRD

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1:

42RLE 4-Speed Automatic

Transmission 2:

NV3550 5-Speed Manual

42Rle Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.804, 2nd: 1.578, 3rd: 1.000, 4th: 0.693, Reverse: 2.120

Nv3550 Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.01, 2nd: 2.31, 3rd: 1.47, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.79, Reverse: 3.55

42Rle Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Mopar)

Nv3550 Fluid Type:

MS-90333 (Manual Transmission Lubricant)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

172.3 inches (4376 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

66.0 inches (1676 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.5 inches (2654 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm) (typical, varies with option)

Passenger Volume:

94.4 cubic feet (2673 L)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

37.1 cubic feet (1051 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

66.9 cubic feet (1895 L)

Curb Weight:

3,700 - 4,200 lbs (1678 - 1905 kg) (approx., varies by engine and drivetrain)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Good

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver:

Good

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

Good

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good

Traction Control:

Standard (on most models)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ESP)

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Electronic Brake Force Distribution:

Standard (EBD)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base AM/FM CD player with 4 speakers; optional upgraded Infinity system with subwoofer and additional speakers, optional satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Optional

Auxiliary Input:

Available on some models/upgraded audio systems.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Standard

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.7L: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum plugs. 2.8L CRD: Spark plugs not applicable, glow plugs checked as part of diagnostics.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years for severe service, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for normal service.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil 3.7L:

SAE 5W-30, API certified (e.g., MS-6395)

Engine Oil 2.8L Crd:

SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil, ACEA C3 or API CJ-4 compliant.

Coolant:

Mopar OAT (Orange) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Cracked cylinder heads (3.7L V6 - particularly earlier models), water pump leaks, front differential pinion seal leaks, noisy wheel bearings, exhaust manifold leaks (3.7L), potential turbocharger issues (2.8L CRD), EVAP system faults, ABS sensor failures, transmission solenoid issues (42RLE).

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long-standing heritage of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles dating back to WWII. This legacy influenced the design and marketing of the Liberty/Cherokee.

Kj Generation:

The KJ generation of the Jeep Liberty (Cherokee in many international markets) was introduced for the 2002 model year as a successor to the Cherokee XJ. It featured a new unibody design and styling cues distinct from its predecessor.

Production Years:

2002-2007

Manufacturing Locations:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Ability:

Consistently recognized for its off-road prowess within the compact SUV segment, often praised for its more traditional SUV platform compared to car-based crossovers.

Value Proposition:

Often cited for offering strong value and capability for its price point.

Emissions Compliance:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model year.