Jeep Cherokee KJ (2001-2007) Questions & Answers

Would like to know too as my kj is doing the same

I have ended up changing quite a bit on the vehicle to overcome the issue. The first was the high-pressure pump fuel pump which had corrosion inside due to some water at some point. The main issue stopping the car starting was the crank sensor so that has been replaced also, there were a couple of injectors that were leaking so I have replaced all four.

When we were checking, we were receiving no rpm at crank and that is the key to knowing that it’s the crank sensor. As soon as he squirted a little bit of brake fluid or start your bastard in it, it would start.

Hopefully doing the above should fix any issues I would start with the Kranks sensor or at least checking to see if you’ve got any rpm at crank

A way you can put out more output out of your turbo is to put an upgraded intake rotor and upgrade the guts of the turbo. Or buy a complete turbo with these upgrades already in. Only thing is the big price difference. The complete turbo is easier but expensive. And the upgraded rebuild is cheaper but you have to know how to rebuild it. Otherwise if you do it incorrectly it can destroy the motor.

Hi. A 2001 will have drum brakes on rear axle. Being 20 years old could have in vicinity of 200000kms on odometer. Does service book exist and validate this, or is it ridiculously low with suspect entries, same dealer as seller, same coloured ink and signature? Walk away! Limited can be expected to be more expensive than Sport with leather electric seats and a more expensive sound system. Petrol engine only comes with auto transmission, while diesel is manual gearbox only. Petrol variants can be used full time in 4 wheel drive but diesels cannot due to different transfer cases used. Does it appear as standard or has it been tricked up for extreme off road use with bull bars, winches, non standard wheels and tires, suspension lifts? Walk away! Is it fitted with a tow bar and electric brake controller? Could have done a lot of heavy trailer towing but they are good at that. Don't expect good fuel economy with suburban use. Much better in high speed highway use. Before final purchase make sure everything works, right down to every speed on the ventilator fan, as this is one of their weaknesses. Other potential problems are failure of front propeller shaft, and retraction of electric door mirrors, both very expensive and time consuming to repair. A well cared for KJ is a great, comfortable, reliable highway cruiser.

That’s a lot. I’ve got a 2005 kj liberty with 2 owners in silver with only 60k automatic which I’m selling with 10 months M.O.T on it. Just sitting here as I prefer my renegade manual 2005.

May I quote a mechanic, "" .. change motor oils, oil and air filters every 10,000 ks Dusty conditions every 5000ks the same, don't over heat you can get 320,000ks. When finding out about change Gearbox oil for manual ' manual states "life of vehicle" hence Life of vehicle if maintained is as above 320,000ks(200,000 miles). Another point regards Timing Belt in Australia Manual indicates 100,000ks in the US 100,000miles(161,000ks). Reason was I could not find any records regards this service even via the JEEP Service at Hillarys WA, even the book had all other services bar that service . When I got it had 164,000ks, so I was a little concerned and got it done around $1100. Suggest buying any over 160,000 ks seek proof regards the Timing belt if proof can't be produced take $1100 off the price and wheel to your closest Jeep agent or mechanic buddy. IF not all 16 valves will fall into the motor making the value of the vehicle close to $500

Hi Damien. The biggest problem with any KJ Cherokee auto transmission is that It proved to be not as reliable as the Jeep before or after the KJ. It was a 5 speed unit that had 2 second gears( one for standing start and one for changing down). It was dropped and returned to the bullet proof 4 speed unit for the KK. The front propeller shafts are notorious for premature failure due to the use of CV joints. The rear propeller shafts use conventional old fashioned open universal joints and last forever. I speak from experience, as I am on my second auto trans, and third front prop shaft. ( that's if I ever decide to refit it)

Hello Joshua P. I get as low as, 4.5km to litre in suburban use and up to 9.46km to the litre in highway use. With a 70 litre tank that is 315km worst range and 662km best. Consistently better economy using BP fuels than all the other brands. 91 RON, not E10. Check that your brakes are not dragging, you have a clean air filter, and no malfunction light showing.

I looooove mine . I’d the MOT has all the parts done - get an engine service and off too go. It’s best vehicle I’ve ever had

thanks for the tip

Hi Annette, Don't listen to the horror stories about Jeep sure some are real but in my mind they are very reliable as long as they are serviced like any other Vehicle sorry for the spelling just make sure that you have service logs for the Jeep mine is a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Longitude and after as small problem that was resolved by a different dealership who actually cared about service I will buy another Jeep no problems . As for the long stretches they are better than stop start city driving . That's my take any can feel free to disagree

Much obliged - thank you!

Hi Wendy V, My Jeep is a 2006 KJ diesel manual version. I have a hybrid camper trailer that weighs 1800 kgs, it tows that perfectly. If you bought an auto I would make sure it had a transmission cooler fitted. (I would recommend that on any car not just the Jeep). They have a weight limit of 2.8 tonnes for the diesel version so obviously take that into account when you are looking into a caravan. Me personally, I wouldn't tow anymore than 2200 kgs just to be on the safe side. Hope this helps you out :-)

It depends on what engine is in it, if it is a 2.5 diesel they are pretty sluggish, if it is a 2.8 diesel they are a lot more powerful. If you buy a Jeep, stay clear of the Jeep Stealerships and buy your spares from overseas. They are one of the most popular vehicles in the States and you can get anything sent over for next to nothing in comparison to what you would pay in Australia. For example (alternator) $1200 Jeep Australia dealer. $400 US delivered from Garden City Jeep in New Jersey US. It took 4 days to get it!!! Example 2 Same Jeep dealer wanted $800 for a drivers side window mechanism, same dealer in the US I paid $125 US delivered! Bought a starter motor from a UK Jeep dealer for the equivalent of $250 Australian dollars and got it in under a week. My Jeep is a 2.8 Diesel Sport 2006 model and I still havent found anything worth trading it in on. Owened for over 6 years and has 200k on the clock. Only stuff other than what is previously mentioned is I did the major service (timing belt etc) at 150k

Yes it is a reliable vechice, but you would have to consider the miles it has done

I’ve had my kj jeep renegade 05 plate for 15yrs and not a problem with it. Make sure you change the timing belt. Water pump. And the pulleys inc. serpentine belt but I’m pretty sure mine was mapped before I got it as goes like break off a shovel. 2.8crd manual. Don’t know why but be prepared to renew the brake callipers as they tend to stick on now and then.