🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Chassis Code:

KJ

Model Years Covered:

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Platform Code:

KJ

Powertrain Codes:

2.4L DOHC (ED1), 3.7L SOHC (EWG), 2.8L CRD (ENR)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV

Positioning:

A capable and rugged compact SUV, often positioned as a more affordable and off-road-oriented alternative to competitors.

Key Competitors:

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

Off Road Capability:

Renowned for its off-road prowess in its class, especially with the available 4x4 systems and robust suspension.

Engine Options:

Offered with a choice of a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.7L V6, with a diesel option in some markets.

Utility:

Practical cargo space and towing capacity for its size.

Durability:

Generally considered a durable vehicle, particularly the powertrain components, when properly maintained.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline and diesel variants offered in KJ Liberty models

Transmission Coverage:

42RLE (4-speed automatic), NV1500 (5-speed manual), NV3500 (5-speed manual)

Drivetrain Coverage:

4x2 (RWD), 4x4 (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac)

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Purpose:

Comprehensive Repair and Diagnostics

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Printable:

Yes

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (42RLE), manual transmissions (NV1500, NV3500), transfer cases, axles, drive shafts, CV joints

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (independent short-long arm), rear suspension (solid axle with coil springs), steering system (rack and pinion), wheel bearings, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), anti-theft system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation, refrigerant type and charge

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags, security system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, rebuilding instructions for major systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, alignment data

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Compatibility:

Compatible with all PDF readers

Quality:

Designed for clarity and readability when printed

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4 Liters (2429 cc)

Engine 1 Type:

DOHC Inline-4 (ED1)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

147 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.7 Liters (3701 cc)

Engine 2 Type:

SOHC V6 (EWG)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2776 cc) CRD (Diesel)

Engine 3 Type:

DOHC Inline-4 Turbocharged Diesel (ENR)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

147 hp @ 3800 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

267 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

0 60 Mph Acceleration:

Approx. 9.5-11.5 seconds (Varies by engine/drivetrain)

Fuel Delivery Gasoline:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI)

Recommended Fuel Gasoline:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Fuel Diesel:

ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

Transmission Type 1:

5-Speed Manual (NV1500 or NV3500)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, Overdrive

Manual Transmission Features:

5 forward gears, 1 reverse gear

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Length:

173.5 inches (4407 mm)

Width:

72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Height:

67.4 inches (1712 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.5 inches (216 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 95-100 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 26.1 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 65.7 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3800 - 4300 lbs (1724 - 1950 kg)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

16-inch

Optional Wheel Size:

17-inch

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x4.5 (5x114.3mm)

Standard Tire Size:

P215/75R16, P235/70R16

Optional Tire Size:

P235/65R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for models with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Airbags Front:

Standard Driver and Passenger Front Airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags

Rollover Protection:

Designed with a higher center of gravity, driver awareness is key.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

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

Navigation:

No factory navigation offered on most KJ models.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were an option on later models.

Aux Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some later models.

Bluetooth:

No factory Bluetooth connectivity offered on this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult owner's manual for specifics).

Oil Change Interval Diesel:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult owner's manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline 4Cyl:

Every 100,000 miles (if using Iridium plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline V6:

Every 100,000 miles (if using Iridium plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as specified by coolant type.

Engine Oil Gasoline:

5W-30, API SN or Dexos1 (GM spec, but often recommended for Chrysler engines of this era)

Engine Oil Diesel:

5W-40 Low Ash Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil, ACEA C3 or API CJ-4

Coolant:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 50/50 mix

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Specification)

Common Problem 1:

Rear differential pinion seal leaks.

Common Problem 2:

Front suspension ball joint wear and premature failure (especially lower ball joints).

Common Problem 3:

Cooling system issues: radiator leaks, heater core leaks, thermostat housing leaks.

Common Problem 4:

PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure or issues, particularly in earlier models.

Common Problem 5:

CV axle boot tears leading to joint damage.

Common Problem 6:

Power window regulator failures.

Common Problem 7:

Diesel (CRD) specific issues can include glow plug failures, injector problems, and turbocharger issues if not maintained properly.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

Jeep, a division of Chrysler (later FCA, now Stellantis), has a long history associated with rugged, off-road capable vehicles.

Generation Codes:

KJ (2002-2007), KK (2008-2012)

Introduction Year:

2002

Major Refresh:

Minor facelift and powertrain updates for the 2005 model year (e.g., revised grille, updated interior, introduction of 2.8L CRD diesel).

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production End Year:

2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

Often recognized in automotive publications for its off-road capability relative to its segment.

User Satisfaction:

Mixed to positive, often praised for capability and durability but criticized for interior refinement and some common mechanical issues.

Emission Standards:

Meets applicable US EPA emission standards for its model years.