Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road oriented SUV
Key Selling Points:
Jeep's legendary off-road capability in a more compact and affordable package
Key Competitors 2003-2004:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester
Jeep Brand Heritage:
Carries the Jeep DNA for off-road prowess, though less extreme than Wrangler or Grand Cherokee
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with professional-level diagnostic and repair information, saving time and money on repairs
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, emission controls
Engine Management System:
Fuel injection, ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, OBD-II troubleshooting
Transmission Manual:
Service, repair, and overhaul of manual transmissions (if applicable to models covered)
Transmission Automatic:
Service, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive systems (NV131, NV231 transfer case for KJ), differentials, axles, CV joints
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering System:
Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, linkages, troubleshooting
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic components, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, underbody, corrosion protection
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
Component testing, refrigerant handling, system diagnostics, climate control
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS diagnostics
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel mounting, tire pressure, specifications, balancing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals for all major components and fluids
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues, DTC code explanations
Repair And Replacement:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and installation
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for overhauling major components like engines and transmissions
Wiring Diagrams:
Full color, component-specific wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
Depth Of Coverage:
Expert level, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Extensive diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and flowcharts for pinpointing issues
Component Level Detail:
Detailed diagrams and instructions for every major and minor component
Engine Code 2003:
2.4L PowerTech Inline-4 (EDG)
Engine Code 2004:
2.4L PowerTech Inline-4 (EDG)
Engine Displacement Inline4:
2351 cc (143.5 cu in)
Engine Configuration Inline4:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine Valvetrain Inline4:
SOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower Inline4:
150 hp @ 5200 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year)
Torque Inline4:
170 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year)
Engine Code Optional:
2.8L VM Motori CRD Turbo Diesel (EER)
Engine Displacement Diesel:
2776 cc (169.4 cu in)
Engine Configuration Diesel:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Valvetrain Diesel:
SOHC, 16 valves (Common Rail Direct Injection)
Horsepower Diesel:
150 hp @ 3800 rpm
Torque Diesel:
260 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Fuel Type Inline4:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
Fuel Injection Inline4:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Injection Diesel:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRD)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (5-star rating was common for SUVs of this era, but specific KJ data may vary and requires manual confirmation)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (5-star rating was common for SUVs of this era, but specific KJ data may vary and requires manual confirmation)
NHTSA Side Driver:
Acceptable/Good (Specific KJ ratings may vary)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
Acceptable/Good (Specific KJ ratings may vary)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (Commonly rated well by IIHS for its class)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using appropriate diesel engine oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years for initial change, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years
Engine Oil Spec Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or equivalent, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification)
Engine Oil Spec Diesel:
SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or ACEA E7/E9 specification, meeting Chrysler MS-10850 specification for diesel)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent meeting specifications, typically GL-4 or GL-5 rated)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant (Orange)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid)
Common Issue Death Wobble:
Front-end shimmy or 'death wobble' often attributed to worn steering components (tie rod ends, ball joints) or loose track bar.
Common Issue Evap Canister:
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system issues, particularly charcoal canister leaks or vent valve failures, leading to P0440-P0457 codes.
Common Issue Oil Cooler Lines:
Leaking oil cooler lines on the 2.8L CRD diesel engine.
Common Issue Radiator:
Cracking plastic end tanks on the radiator, leading to coolant leaks.
Common Issue Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators.
Off Road Capability Recognition:
Praised for its off-road capability, especially with the Freedom Drive II 4WD system, often outperforming its more car-like competitors in rough terrain.
Diesel Engine Recognition:
The 2.8L CRD diesel engine offered competitive fuel economy for an SUV of its size and a strong torque band, praised for its utility.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated average to below average for reliability in its early years by publications like Consumer Reports, with specific issues noted.