🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Liberty

Generation:

KJ

Model Years Covered:

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Chassis Code:

KJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a capable, trail-ready, and practical compact SUV with Jeep's off-road heritage.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Grand Vitara

Jeep Heritage:

Off-road capability, available four-wheel drive, distinctive Jeep styling

Body Style:

5-door SUV, unibody construction

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Thousands of pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication, cooling, intake and exhaust systems

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, electronic engine controls (ECM/PCM)

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair of manual transmissions

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair of automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, and electronic controls

Drivetrain:

Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (Command-Trac, Selec-Trac), transfer case, drive shafts, U-joints, axles, differentials

Brakes:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake fluid, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, pads

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, door locks

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, controls, blower motor

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, frame, unibody construction

Body Electrical:

Body control module (BCM), power seats, power mirrors, interior lighting, keyless entry, security system

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis and repair

Repair And Rebuild:

Component removal, installation, and complete overhaul procedures for all major vehicle systems

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for electrical and mechanical issues, including sensor testing and actuator operation

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including component locations and connector pinouts

Specifications And Tolerances:

All critical torque values, clearances, and measurements required for accurate repair and assembly

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (typically)

Printability:

Printable (typically)

Image Resolution:

High resolution (for diagrams and photos)

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

2.4L DOHC (ED1)

Engine Displacement:

2351 cc (143.5 cu in)

Horsepower:

154 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 98.4 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Notes:

Commonly referred to as the 'World Engine' variant.

Engine Code:

3.7L V6 (PowerTech)

Engine Displacement:

3701 cc (225.9 cu in)

Horsepower:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (NV1500)

Drive System:

Available 2WD (RWD) or 4WD

4Wd Systems:

Command-Trac (part-time 4WD), Selec-Trac (full-time 4WD) depending on trim

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.1 in (4448 mm)

Width:

71.7 in (1821 mm)

Height:

69.9 in (1775 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.2 in (2647 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.5 in (216 mm) (approx.)

Approach Angle:

37.4 degrees (approx.)

Departure Angle:

29.0 degrees (approx.)

Curb Weight:

3750 - 4100 lbs (1701 - 1860 kg) (depending on configuration)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

5200 - 5300 lbs (2359 - 2404 kg)

Payload Capacity:

850 - 1000 lbs (386 - 454 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)

Traction Control:

Available (ESP - Electronic Stability Program on later models)

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Available front side-impact airbags (optional)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM radio with CD player. Optional premium audio systems, SiriusXM satellite radio, and in-dash CD changer available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Rarely offered, typically aftermarket solutions were used.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Rear Parking Assist:

Available (optional)

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard on early models, may be present on later or optional systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.4L: 100,000 miles; 3.7L: 30,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) for automatic, consult manual for manual transmission

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher) for 2.4L; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 3.7L (check owner's manual)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) for 2.4L; 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) for 3.7L (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Chrysler OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) antifreeze/coolant, typically Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (MS-9769 or MS-7170)

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 42RLE transmission

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent DEXRON III/VI

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Issues Engine:

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), piston slap (early 3.7L models), potential catalytic converter issues.

Common Issues Transmission:

Slipping or harsh shifts in automatic transmissions, particularly with higher mileage. Manual transmission clutch wear.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn ball joints and control arm bushings, often leading to clunking noises and steering wander. CV joint boot failure.

Common Issues Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, intermittent electrical gremlins, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

Common Issues Body:

Rust on rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and tailgate, especially in areas with road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Rooted in rugged off-road vehicles, Jeep has a long history of durability and capability.

First Generation:

The KJ Liberty replaced the Cherokee (XJ) in Jeep's lineup in North America, offering a more modern and refined SUV experience while retaining off-road prowess. It shared its platform with the Dodge Nitro. The styling was boxy and utilitarian, characteristic of Jeep design.

Updates During Generation:

Minor updates included changes to grille design, interior materials, and feature availability across the model years. The introduction of the 3.7L V6 offered a more powerful option.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Production Years Global:

2001-2007 (KJ)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

While not a recipient of major vehicle-specific awards, the Jeep Liberty KJ was praised for its off-road capability within its segment, appealing to traditional Jeep buyers.