Jeep Cherokee KJ

The KJ Cherokee Jeep was already in a losing position in 2001. He had a difficult task to replace the legendary XJ. The creators of the new model under the code name KJ (in the American market, the SUV was called Liberty) tried to interest a wide range of motorists.

Techniques

Jeep has many years of experience in the production of SUVs with a self-supporting body. The basis is a frame integrated into the body. The same decision was made by Cherokee. Unfortunately, the car can not boast too good aerodynamics - the drag coefficient is 0.42.

The creators of Jeep Cherokee decided to make a bias towards handling. The car has an independent front suspension and a rack-type steering mechanism. There is a bridge in the back. It was a good compromise between off-road capabilities and everyday practicality.

Salon and equipment

The body was offered only one – 5-door. The SUV was a small one. Together with the spare wheel on the trunk door, its length did not exceed 4.5 meters. You should not count on too spacious a salon. However, four people can survive a long journey without much stress. The salon is quite wide and high. The seats are comfortable, but do not provide reliable support in corners. After restyling in 2004, the design of the seats was changed, so they became even more comfortable. The back seat is too short. The typical American design was not an obstacle to ergonomics. Much more worrying is the lack of additional compartments and tanks. The Jeep Cherokee KJ is quite well equipped. The base version of the Sport has two airbags, air conditioning, good quality velour upholstery, electric package and radio. The Limited is equipped with a Premium class acoustic system, cast discs and a leather-sheathed steering wheel. Optional safety curtains are included in the list of mandatory equipment of richly equipped cars. The leather upholstery remained on the list of options. It is worth mentioning the version of Renegade, which was serially equipped with a protective kit, roof headlights, external aluminum inserts, wheel arch expanders, protection of units and chassis elements. Expecting great transportation opportunities will be disappointing. The declared capacity of the trunk is 800-900 liters measured by American standards, that is, the entire space behind the sofa to the ceiling.

Engines

Several engines have been developed for the Jeep Cherokee, but there is no perfect engine. The base gasoline volume of 2.4 liters is not the worst in terms of fuel consumption (minimum 8 liters, maximum 17 l / 100 km). But the acceleration from 80 to 120 km / h lasts forever. Acceleration to 100 km / h is also not fast - 13.7 seconds. The complete opposite is a gasoline 3.7 liters, which is distinguished by excellent dynamics and excellent traction. However, the average fuel consumption is high - about 15 liters, and in the city often exceeds 20 liters per 100 km. Technically, the engine is similar to the 4.7-liter V8. It has a cast-iron unit, an aluminum head and balancing shafts. the 3.7-liter unit is quite reliable. With age, fluid leaks appear and the attachment equipment fails. Jeep Cherokee diesel engines have been retained by Italian label Fiat. But the engines with a working volume of 2.5 and 2.8 liters have nothing to do with the diesel engines used in the XJ. First, under the hood of Liberty appeared 2.5-liter unit with a capacity of 143 liters. with. It is not capable of providing a good dynamic. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 14 seconds. Unfortunately, fuel consumption is also difficult to call attractive – from 8 to 15 l / 100 km. Soon in the lineup appeared 150-horsepower version with a working volume of 2.8 liters. It was combined only with an automatic transmission. Dynamics of such modification is at the level of the version of 2.5 liters, and fuel consumption is higher by 2 liters. After restyling, the diesel unit received a VGT (variable performance) turbocharger, which allowed to increase power to 163 hp.

Transmission

Among the Jeep Cherokee are 2WD versions (mostly on copies from the United States). The basic for all types of engines was the Command-Trac transmission. It is nothing more than an all-wheel drive system with a hard front axle connection. Much more interesting system Selec-Trac with center differential, allowing you to use all-wheel drive on the highway without restrictions. It was used on SUVs with an engine of 3.7 liters and a diesel engine of 2.8 liters with an automatic transmission.

Typical problems and malfunctions

The car has no serious corrosion problems, but small pockets can be found in some places. The suspension of the SUV provides an acceptable level of comfort and behaves well off-road. The fastest wear the tips of the steering rods, ball front levers and front hubs (about 6,500 rubles). Original springs and shock absorbers go for a long time.

The rear suspension is attacked by corrosion, which affects the longitudinal and transverse arms. Jeep has conducted a service promotion for free exchange of levers, even in cars imported from the United States. In the upper levers, the Silentblocks and the ball are broken.

With age, fluid leaks from the transmission elements appear through leaky seals. The 42RLE machine requires an additional oil cooler. Repairing the box is expensive.

Owners are sometimes upset by minor malfunctions: shock absorbers of the hood and rear window, a switch for opening the rear window on the door handle (Jeep conducted a service action to eliminate the malfunction).

Decoding VIN

The VIN number is behind the windshield. Cars in the US and Europe have a slight difference.

3 – type of car (4 – MPV without airbags, 8 – MPV with 4 airbags);

4 - permissible total weight (G - 2268-2721 kg);

5 – model (L – Liberty 4x4 LHD). In European versions: B – Cherokee 2WD RHD, F – Cherokee 4WD LHD;

6 - transmission (N - 5-speed manual transmission, B - 4-speed, automatic transmission, in the USA - equipment);

8 – engine (K – 3.7, 1 – 2.4, 7 – 2.5 CRD);

10 – model year (3 – 2003, 4 – 2004, etc.);

11 – Enterprise (B – Toledo, Ohio);

Engines

• With age, fluid leaks appear and the attachment equipment fails.
• Diesel engines suffer from EGR malfunctions, thermostat, suffocation of the fuel system.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• The car has no serious corrosion problems, but small pockets can be found in some places.
• The rear suspension is attacked by corrosion, which affects the longitudinal and transverse arms.
• The 42RLE machine requires an additional oil cooler. Repairing the box is expensive.
• Owners are sometimes upset by minor malfunctions: shock absorbers of the hood and rear window, a switch for opening the rear window on the door handle (Jeep conducted a service action to eliminate the malfunction).

According to most owners, the Jeep Cherokee KJ is an underrated car. The SUV offers a good compromise between comfort, handling and practicality. It has good off-road capabilities. Of course not the same as the brother Wrangler, but enough to overcome difficult areas without fear of damaging the chassis. Don’t forget to have too much space inside. The interior has medium functionality.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the high fuel consumption. Even the manufacturer admitted that the diesel Jeep Cherokee in the city consumes 12-14 l / 100 km, and the gasoline V6 – even more. It is a pity because in terms of reliability, the car looks quite decent.

• Technique: Jeep has many years of experience in the production of SUVs with a self-supporting body.
• Salon and equipment: The body was offered only one - 5-door. The SUV was a small one.
• Engines: With age, fluid leaks appear and the attachment equipment fails.
• The Jeep Cherokee includes 2WD versions (mostly on US models).
• Typical problems and malfunctions: The car does not have serious corrosion problems, but small pockets can be found in some places.
• VIN: The VIN number is behind the windshield.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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