🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Liberty Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: KJ 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact SUV / Crossover Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra Key Features Brand Identity: Jeep's reputation for off-road capability and ruggedness, adapted to a more urban-friendly package. Model Niche: Offered a balance of on-road comfort and genuine off-road prowess, a distinguishing factor in its class. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Service: Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and torquespecifications for all major components. Transmission Service: Detailed procedures for both automatic (42RLE) and manual (NV3550) transmissions, including diagnostics, repair, and fluid specifications. Drivetrain Service: Front and rear axle assemblies, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and transfer case (NV231HD) maintenance and repair. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, alignment procedures, and related diagnostics. Brake System: Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system, and component replacement. Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, and accessory circuits. HVAC System: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics, component testing, and refrigerant handling. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, and chassis component repair. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and common problem identification for all major vehicle systems. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and spark plug replacement. Major Repairs: Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, water pump, alternator), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement. Electrical Diagnostics: Component testing using multimeters, oscilloscope usage for signal tracing, and repair of wiring harness issues. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive, covering from basic owner maintenance to full drivetrain and electrical system overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchable Text: Yes, typically includes searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding Method: N/A (Digital format, not applicable for physical binding). Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital format, not applicable for physical paper type). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type 1: 2.4L DOHC I4 (PowerTech) Engine Code 1: ED3 Displacement 1: 2429 cc (148.2 cu in) Horsepower 1: 150 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque 1: 165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System 1: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Bore Stroke 1: 87.5 mm x 100.0 mm Compression Ratio 1: 9.1:1 Secondary Engine Engine Type 2: 3.7L SOHC V6 (PowerTech) Engine Code 2: EWG Displacement 2: 3701 cc (225.8 cu in) Horsepower 2: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque 2: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System 2: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Bore Stroke 2: 83.0 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio 2: 9.7:1 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type AWD: 4-Speed Automatic (42RLE) Transmission Type Rwd: 5-Speed Manual (NV3550) Optional Transfer Case: Command-Trac NV231HD (Part-time, 2-speed) Features Automatic Features: Electronically controlled with overdrive. Manual Features: Robust design for off-road use, synchronized gears. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF+4 (MS-9602) Manual Transmission Fluid: Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90) Transfer Case Fluid: Mopar NV231 Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent ATF DEXRON-III/MERCON) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 176.1 in (4473 mm) Width: 71.5 in (1816 mm) Height: 72.4 in (1839 mm) with roof rails Wheelbase: 104.1 in (2644 mm) Ground Clearance: 8.5 in (216 mm) Interior Passenger Volume: 97.5 cu ft (2761 L) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: 38.0 cu ft (1076 L) Cargo Volume Max: 66.9 cu ft (1895 L) Weights Curb Weight Min: 3740 lbs (1700 kg) Curb Weight Max: 4180 lbs (1896 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: 4950 lbs (2245 kg) to 5350 lbs (2427 kg) depending on configuration Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches) Tire Size Standard: P235/70R16 Tire Size Optional: P235/65R17 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Impact: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars) NHTSA Front Passenger Impact: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars) IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset: Acceptable Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum) Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard driver and front passenger airbags Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium sound system. User Interface: Basic dashboard layout with physical controls for climate and audio. Driver Assistance Traction Control: Optional Traction Control system. Connectivity Auxiliary Inputs: No standard auxiliary audio input or Bluetooth connectivity. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on...
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics, component testing, and refrigerant handling.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, doors, and chassis component repair.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and common problem identification for all major vehicle systems.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and spark plug replacement.
Major Repairs:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, water pump, alternator), transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing using multimeters, oscilloscope usage for signal tracing, and repair of wiring harness issues.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering from basic owner maintenance to full drivetrain and electrical system overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable Text:
Yes, typically includes searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding Method:
N/A (Digital format, not applicable for physical binding).
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital format, not applicable for physical paper type).
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type 1:
2.4L DOHC I4 (PowerTech)
Engine Code 1:
ED3
Displacement 1:
2429 cc (148.2 cu in)
Horsepower 1:
150 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 1:
165 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 1:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore Stroke 1:
87.5 mm x 100.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.1:1
Secondary Engine
Engine Type 2:
3.7L SOHC V6 (PowerTech)
Engine Code 2:
EWG
Displacement 2:
3701 cc (225.8 cu in)
Horsepower 2:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2:
235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 2:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Bore Stroke 2:
83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
9.7:1
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type AWD:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission Type Rwd:
5-Speed Manual (NV3550)
Optional
Transfer Case:
Command-Trac NV231HD (Part-time, 2-speed)
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled with overdrive.
Manual Features:
Robust design for off-road use, synchronized gears.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mopar NV231 Transfer Case Lubricant (or equivalent ATF DEXRON-III/MERCON)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
176.1 in (4473 mm)
Width:
71.5 in (1816 mm)
Height:
72.4 in (1839 mm) with roof rails
Wheelbase:
104.1 in (2644 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.5 in (216 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
97.5 cu ft (2761 L)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
38.0 cu ft (1076 L)
Cargo Volume Max:
66.9 cu ft (1895 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
3740 lbs (1700 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
4180 lbs (1896 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4950 lbs (2245 kg) to 5350 lbs (2427 kg) depending on configuration
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Tire Size Standard:
P235/70R16
Tire Size Optional:
P235/65R17
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel disc or front disc/rear drum)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium sound system.
User Interface:
Basic dashboard layout with physical controls for climate and audio.
Driver Assistance
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control system.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Inputs:
No standard auxiliary audio input or Bluetooth connectivity.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Consult manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on visual inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement I4:
Approximately 100,000 miles (using recommended iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approximately 100,000 miles (using recommended iridium plugs).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type I4:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API certified)
Engine Oil Capacity I4:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue (MS-9769)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Problem 1:
Front suspension wear (ball joints, control arm bushings) due to vehicle weight and design.
Common Problem 2:
Rear main engine seal leaks.
Common Problem 3:
Power steering pump noise or leaks.
Common Problem 4:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on V6 models).
Common Problem 5:
Automatic transmission (42RLE) occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep has a long-standing reputation for producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles dating back to WWII.
Model Evolution
Kj Generation:
The KJ Liberty was the second generation of Jeep Liberty, introduced for the 2002 model year, succeeding the XJ Cherokee in certain markets and positionings.
Key Updates 2003:
While the major redesign occurred in 2002, the 2003 model year saw minor refinements and potential package adjustments.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo South Assembly Plant, Toledo, Ohio, USA
Production Years Kj:
2002-2007
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Auto:
The 3.7L PowerTech V6 engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the best engines.
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