Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, powertrain control modules (PCM), CAN bus communication, infotainment system, power windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC controls, trailer towing wiring
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seating, hardtop/soft top service, frame repair, bumpers, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, seals
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, belt replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension component repair, brake system repair, electrical component diagnostics and replacement, bodywork repairs
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid (MS-9224) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 synthetic
Fluid Type Automatic
42Rle Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent
Clutch Type
Nsg370 Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase 2 Door:
95.4 inches (2423 mm)
Wheelbase 4 Door Unlimited:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Length 2 Door:
169.0 inches (4293 mm)
Length 4 Door Unlimited:
184.0 inches (4674 mm)
Width Without Mirrors:
73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height With Hardtop:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Ground Clearance:
10.2 inches (259 mm) (Rubicon models)
Weights
Curb Weight 2 Door 2.8L:
Approx. 4,180 lbs (1896 kg)
Curb Weight 4 Door 3.8L:
Approx. 4,390 lbs (1991 kg)
Towing Capacity:
3,500 lbs (1588 kg) for all models
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (for 2009 models)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
3 Stars (for 2009 models)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Start Assist:
Available on some models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, available side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll cage structure
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Base AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers. Optional Infinity speaker system available. Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth and voice command optional on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Available Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or as per specific diesel manual recommendations
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, depending on environment
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Check every oil change, change every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (severe duty use may require more frequent changes)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect for leaks, change if performance degrades or at high mileage (e.g., 100,000 miles)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Check for leaks, change if performance degrades or at high mileage (e.g., 100,000 miles)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (depending on coolant type)
Brake Fluid:
Flush and replace every 24,000 - 48,000 miles or 2-3 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Gasoline:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 compliant (e.g., Mopar SAE 5W-20)
Engine Oil Diesel:
SAE 5W-30, API CJ-4 or CK-4 compliant (e.g., Mopar SAE 5W-30 Synthetic)
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula, or equivalent HOAT/OAT coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF+4
Known Issues
3 8L V6 Issues:
Known for relatively low power and torque for its size; oil consumption can be an issue on higher mileage engines; some reports of head gasket leaks on older engines (though less common on JK)
2 8L Crd Issues:
DPF regeneration issues if not driven regularly; potential for turbocharger issues; Glow plug system diagnostics; injector seal leaks
42Rle Automatic Transmission:
Can be sluggish; some owners report heat-related issues; solenoid pack failures
Transfer Case Nv241Ghd:
Potential for chain stretch over time; seal leaks
Suspension Steering:
Death wobble (a violent oscillation of the front end, often due to worn components like track bar, ball joints, or steering stabilizer); leaks from axle seals
Electrical Issues:
Water intrusion into wiring harnesses; issues with Body Control Module (BCM) and Tipm (Totally Integrated Power Module)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Origins:
Founded in 1941 with the Willys MB military jeep, synonymous with off-road capability and ruggedness
Model Evolution
Cj Series:
Direct lineage from the original civilian Jeeps (CJ-2A through CJ-7)
Yj Series:
Introduction of leaf-spring front suspension and square headlights (1987-1995)
Tj Series:
Introduction of coil-spring front suspension, a significant upgrade in on-road comfort and off-road articulation (1997-2006)
Jk Series Introduction:
All-new design for 2007, wider track, longer wheelbase, increased interior space, available 4-door Unlimited model, introduction of the 3.8L V6 engine
Production
Jk Production Years:
2007-2018
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Awards:
Consistently recognized for off-road capability by various automotive publications and off-road enthusiasts' groups.
Utility Awards:
Often cited for its utility and versatility as an adventure vehicle.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable reliability ratings over the JK generation's lifespan; specific year and engine variations can impact ratings.
Certifications
Emissions Compliance:
Meets all applicable EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 2009 model year.