Jeep Liberty

lisab95

Hi Im in the process of buying a 2005 Jeep Liberty, I drive about 20k per year so the factory warranty will only last me about 2 years should I purchase an extended warranty?

okie6

I have a 2004 Liberty Limited. The heater and A/C work fine, but the high speed of the fan doesn't work. All other fan speeds work fine. Any clues? Thanks!

stever

Check out Extended Warranties while waiting for responses in here.

Steve, Host

jimhemi

Make sure the HVAC controls say manual and not automatic

david28

I've read about the differences between the part-time only Command Trac and the Full Time option that Selec Trac adds. If you only have Command Trac, do you put it in 4HI in heavy rain? Or is Selec Trac's full-time option so much better in those conditions to justify getting it?

[Deleted User]

I drive a Wrangler, not a Liberty...I haven't had to put it into 4hi for heavy rain, yet. I just bought a Liberty Renegade for my wife and the reason I got the Select-Trac on her Liberty was so my wife could "set it and forget it" when road conditions appeared to be getting slick. I worried she might not understand to change out of part-time 4 wheel drive when conditions improved. In SE Michigan, we get lots of days when the roads are partially snow/ice-covered and partly dry. I figured she'd be tired of shifting the Command-Trac-only system so I'm hoping the Select-Trac will allow her to just put it into full-time 4 wheel drive on days like that and not worry about it. Then, if things got really nasty she could always put it into Command-Trac mode but from what I've seen, that may not even be necessary if the Select-Trac senses enough slippage it'll stay engaged for her anyway.

So, you may want to ask yourself if you don't mind shifting in and out of part-time 4 wheel drive according to conditions, then it may not be worth paying for the Select-Trac system. That's the decision I made for myself but I'm rather weird in the fact that I like having a reason to have to shift into part-time 4 wheel drive rather than letting a computer sense slippage for me.

Are you going with the Trac-Loc limited slip differential? I do think that's worth having no matter what you decide on the Command-Trac vs. Select-Trac. With either system, the Trac-Loc should offer better rear-end traction in slippery conditions.

Good luck!

david28

Thanks for the perspectives. I am definitely getting the Trac-Lock LSD. I was surprised that nearly all of the Liberties I see on the net and on the lots have had Command-Trac. The few with Selec-Trac either lacked Trac-Lock or had other features I did not want. I am planning on using the 4wd capability mostly on gravel (where Command-Trac should be fine) and occasionally driving to the mountains. If Selec-Trac were equally available I would get it, but since I cannot find a Renegade with it and the other features, I may get the Command Trac.

army2

Does any one have a good idea when I can order a 06 and when it will be available for delivery? I want to pull a horse trailer less than once a month for no more than 2 hours each way, no hills. Total weight about 4,500 lbs. Everyone tells me I should NOT pull the trailer although the Liberty is rated at 3,000 lbs. Any advise?

Thanks

okie6

It is a manual system, not automatic. Thanks!

rbush8319

To be clear, the only difference between command-trac and selec-trac is the transfer case. Command-trac uses the nv231 and selec-trac uses the nv242. There is no "computer" that senses slippage when in full-time 4WD in the selec-trac. It simply gives power to all 4 wheels at all times, but what percentage I couldn't find real quick. The center differential is open in selec-trac, which allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds, so you don't get driveline binding when turning on dry non-slip surfaces. In my opinion anyone who isn't spending the majority of their time on the rubicon or on top of some rock pile should get the selec-trac. It is much more versatile than a part-time system.

jayrider

Well said rbush8319. And don't forget better resale potential.

david28

So if the transfer case is the only difference, how major would it be to convert a command-trac vehicle to a selec-trac? I expect more than the $350 option cost of selec-trac, but what would you guess?

[Deleted User]

Good description rbush8319. My "computer" comment was in reference to the Grand Cherokee AWD systems which do have electronic sensing for wheel slippage...seemed clear in my mind when I wrote it but not when I read it now!

Select-Trac full-time 4wd splits drive-line power putting 48% to the front axle and 52% to the rear. Select-Trac part-time 4wd is the same as Command-Trac with 50% front and 50% rear.

rbush8319

How major? There are mechanically inclined jeep enthusiasts who have done that sort of thing themselves. Here's a link that shows the process of going from a nv249 (no 2wd option) in a grand cherokee to a nv242 http://jeephorizons.com/tech/tcase.html . I've looked into it more with cherokees, but it's still the same basic parts. It's just a matter of finding a used nv242 used or in a junkyard, and having a mechanic do the swap. It changes the shift pattern and stuff at the transfer case lever but that is minor.

libertydriver

I've got a 2002 Liberty - 56K miles and about to put on my 3rd set of tires! Not very happy. I replaced the factory originals at about 35K with another set of the same as my dealer said there were no other options for the Liberty because it was so new. I don't think I want to give my dealer another chance at this, as the tires I have now have a little better than 20K and they tell me they are "out-of-round". They also say there is no abnormal wear, but there is not much tread life left. Soooooooo, any recommendations for a good tire that won't break the bank?
Thanks loads!

libbmann

I don't know what breaking the bank in your case is but it does pay to buy decent tires. I just got a 2005 Libby and had the original ( Wrangler HP) replace with Goodyear Forenza tires. So far I think they are sweet tires. I feel more secure with them. I'm sure you have been advised to look at Tirerack.com. They have pretty good reviews and prices on tires. I personally like to buy from local dealers because its nice to have a brick and mortar to bring them to in case of trouble.

lee22

If any of you guys can help it would be appreciated. I have a 2004 Jeep Liberty with Select Trac. I was under the impression that it allowed for driving on dry roads as well as wet and snow covered roads. The salesman told me it is " A set it and forget about it system..good for dry and wet roads." After bringing it to the dealer for an oil change the Mechanic parked my car, came into the waiting room and said " You shoud not run that thing in FULL TIME 4WD..you'll blow the axles out." Can someone please tell me if this is true..the jeep has 10,000 miles on it with no problems at all. I have heard of many people who drive their Liberties and GCs with Full Time on all the time.

tannersoc

The Liberty with the trailer towing package, 3.7V6, and 4-speed automatic is rated at 5,000lbs.

You SHOULD be okay if you are towing 4,500lbs.....just make sure your tongue weight is in line....

P.S.....I just ordered an '06 for my company car. Liberty Sport 4X4, 3.7L V6, 6-speed MANUAL trans, and pretty much loaded w/sunroof, infinity speakers, trailer two pkg, etc.

Good luck!

tannersoc

With Selec-Trac, you CAN run it full-time when in the "4H Part-Time" position on the 4X4 shifter. This effectively makes it AWD and sends power to the front wheels as needed when the rears slip.

On the other hand, the "4H Full-Time" position on the shifter means you are locking it full time into 4X4 Hi mode....this one you can NOT drive on dry pavement.

Finally, "4L" is for serious off-roading.

In THIS case, "full-time" does not mean "AWD."

tannersoc

Well, power is not overwhelming, but it's peppy enough. The engine seems to be willing to take close to redline without sounding like its going to blow up (when I'm towing seadoos up the Cajon Pass in southern California.)

As far as MPG, as much as I LOVE my Liberty, it IS a gas-hog of MAJOR proportions....I average 11-12mpg around town....and on the freeway, 14-15 is the absolute best I could ever ask for.....AND this is without a lead-foot.

libbmann

Tannersoc is wrong. Full-time is the mode you use for driving full time. Select-trac has a built in differential. Full-time allows your front and rear axles to travel at different speeds so you don't get driveline binding. Part-time you can only drive part-time. It effectively locks up your transfer case differential giving you 50-50 power to the front and rear axles. Test it out. In a parking lot put it in part-time 4 hi and make a turn, it should feel like your in a boat. Back to unbind your driveline and put it in full-time 4 hi. You should be able make turns like it is in 2 wheel drive. 4 lo will bind like 4 hi. Don't do this too often, it is hard on your driveline.

bobb72

I'm looking to buy a jeep Liberty. I've test driven just about every engine/tranny combo for the Liberty (and Wrangler for that matter). I test drove a 2005 V6 3.7 6-speed manual and I noticed a weird noise that sometimes occurred during shifting. Specifically, a loud "clunk" occurred after shifting as I let off the clutch, particularly when I shifted around 2500 RPM and many times when I downshifted. I could feel it too. It was not the kind of noise made when you are about to stall (I've heard that noise plenty). My automatic GMC Sonoma made the same noise just before the tranny went (both times). But, I know it’s a completely different ballgame with a manual and its not the same thing.

Has anyone experienced this type of thing or know if it’s normal/common? I know the 6-speed is new for 2005 but I haven’t heard of any problems with it. Any opinions would be really welcome.

kdiplacido

I have an 05 Liberty Limited. It has the tire pressure monitor on it. Does anyone know if I life it with a 3" kit, if that will mess with the tire pressure monitor?

stever

"The absence of a Jeep-style rear-mounted spare tire gives Dodge the opportunity to maximize the 2007 Nitro's cargo space, and the concept featured a rear storage area with a capacity of 32 cubic feet"

Spy Shots: 2007 Dodge Nitro (Inside Line)

Steve, Host

wgorilla

Well, I've had my 2004 Liberty for 2 years and 1 month now. Overall, I still love this vehicle. It still seems new to me. I haven't had any major problems, unless you count hail damage and my backing out of the garage carelessly and breaking the passenger-side rear-view mirror off! Had those fixed and it still looks great. I wish it had a little more give in it when hitting bumps and potholes, but then it wouldn't be a Jeep, would it? My gas mileage has gone down, but it is due to my current driving routine. Before I moved, I had more highway trips in my daily commutes and routinely got 17.5 to 19 mpg. Now, I hardly get out on the highway (live 4 miles from work), so the short, stop and go trips have gotten me down to 16 - 17 mpg.

joepa

If you are getting 11-12 MPG & 14-15 MPG Highway you have some major problems. I am getting 19.0 in town and 22.0 on the highway. I know several people who own Jeep Liberties and they are getting the same. I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport and I love it. See your mechanic immediately because your vehicle has issues....Good-Luck!!!

joepa

Can someone recommend a site for me to purchase an air deflector for my Jeep Liberty Sport 2005. I do not want the stick on kind and it must be a thick gauge plastic nothing flimsy. I have been to my dealer and they say Jeep doesn't make them. I have seen them on Liberties so I know they are out there. Thanks!!!

gerbs

Joepa, If you go to a search engine on the web and type in air deflector, many sites will come up and you can chose one by price. E bay has them and you can bid on them.

moparbad

How many keys are included with an 05 Jeep Liberty? I recieved 2.

najeep

Hey anyone know what the biggest size tires and wheels can be put on a Liberty WITHOUT needing a lift kit? How does putting on larger tires effect the Liberty?(i.e. gas mileage, steering, engine)? or are you better off just getting a lift kit?

Any help would be appreciated?

Thanks!!

[Deleted User]

I got two keys (wireless remote attached) with my 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade Rocky Mountain Edition.

[Deleted User]

I'm not sure but I remember seeing the 2005 Jeep Liberty Limited brochure stating it comes with (or available option) of 17" wheels.

2byornot2by

That's exactly why I want a Liberty!
but i've never purchased a Chrylser/Jeep and am hesitant, I hear so many BAD things?
Did you get yours yet?

libertygal68

hello all,

Glad I found your forum, there is lots of good info here!

I have an 02' Liberty Sport with the 3.7 and the auto trans, it has 76K. I bought it used in 2003 with 34K. I have done all the routine maint., oil is changed every 3,000 miles. I drive 80% highway, 20% in-town tops. I never average more than 16 to 17 MPG, or about 260 miles a tank full.

I have heard that changing the air filter might help; does anyone know of anything I can do to up my MPG? Any suggestions are helpful, thank you.

LibertyGal68

stever

Welcome LibertyGal,

Check out these articles and links while waiting for responses:

Edmunds.com Fuel Economy Guide

Steve, Host

farmergurl

Hi, I am looking at buying a Jeep- my Durango just isn't making it past many gas stations these days- but I just can't decide if it's the right decision, as I am mainly worried about gas milege- Any ideas? Thanks

[Deleted User]

Since MPG is your main concern, I'd go with a new Liberty CRD (common rail diesel). The gasoline-engine Liberty may not get much better fuel economy than your Durango, though, I'm not familiar with Durango mileage. The diesel Liberty will certainly keep you in the low 20s for city and high 20s for highway with gas tank ranges in the 400s to almost 500 miles per tank. Also, the diesel Liberty gives you the usual Jeep "go anywhere, do anything" off-roading capability. Good luck on your decision.

feltonc

My spouse ordered a '02 Limited 3.7V6 w/auto in Aug '01 and drove it 116,224 miles when she traded off for a '05 Limited CRD last week. The one bad experience we had was we changed trans. fluid at 60,000 miles and the service tech didn't install one of the filters correctly and the liberty stalled with a 2000# boat in tow 300 mi from the dealer. Luckily, we didn't continue to drive it, had it towed to another dealer, put in new filters and fluid, and drove it another 55,000 mi. The five star dealer picked up all the costs for correcting the mistake. My spouse is a public health nurse out in the prairie in rural MN. She likes the liberty for her drives, thus our recent purchase of the '05 CRD. No problems whatsoever with th '02 except for the recall. Changed oil every 6000 mi, replaced spark plugs at 90,000, still had 40% on brake pads then. Downside, blind spot when backing up, fuel mileage, and 18.5 gal. fuel tank which required filling every 3rd day. 1st looked at a CRD in August but there was no EP until 3 weeks ago. EP and rebates brought the '05 CRD down to $850 less than the MSRP of the '02 and got antilocks which we didn't have on the '02. Ist tank was 380 mi/16.4 gal. about 23.5. Not going to worry about it till we take in for the 1st service. My spouse didn't want to trade because she just loves the '02 liberty for its driveability and the color (steel blue). I wanted to trade for the CRD's fuel mileage and longevity, we have mandated B2 here in MN for some of the emission problems and we have a heated garage for hopefully limited winter fuel problems. So far she likes it except for the color(atlantic blue) even though it has more motor noise. Time will tell on the rest.

moparbad

What is not to like about Atlantic Blue? Not too dark, not too lite, not police attracting red, not boring white.

feltonc

She just likes the gray hue of steel blue but DC quit that color in '01. I have a difficult spouse to deal with

pitbouv

I have a 2004 Liberty Sport with V-6 and auto transmission. Periodically, when slowing down to a stop, the transmission will "thunk" into 1st gear with a jolt. It does this especially when the stop is not a very slow, gradual stop and seems to be more prominant when first running the car after sitting (like in the morning going to work). It has done this since I bought it and had it in recently to Jeep dealer for a melted headlight casing (bulb blew) and described the problem. The service writer said this was typical of the 4-spd. automatic in the Liberty and that it will sometimes skip a gear or two upon stopping, so it downshifts "abruptly" into 1st gear. He said it was normal for that vehicle, but if it happened say on a Lincoln, then it would indicate a problem. I know someone with a Dodge Durango with 4-spd. Chrysler automatic and said his never does that and that I should take it to another dealership. Has anyone else had such a problem or is this indeed "normal?"

wayno05

I have noticed the same problem on the exact same vehicle. I have had mine (used) for about 3 weeks now, and my only complaint (aside from the low gas mileage) is the thumping when coming to a stop. I can't say it's a "hard" thump, and I only feel it when the vehicle is almost at a complete stop. What other symptoms have you had with this problem ( or others ) and what kind of feedback have you gotten on these problems?!?! Thanks in advance...

pitbouv

YES!!! That is exactly what I am experiencing! My local Jeep service writer says this is normal in the Jeep's auto. tranny. I called another Jeep dealer and they said no, it's not normal and should be checked, but since the "check engine" light isn't on, it shouldn't be too serious. But that dealer is quite a ways from me with no transportation service to get me to work, so that's not do-able. The transmission shifts fine in every other respect... no problem except that occassional stop where it thunks. I'm hoping this is not a sign of problems to come! So... to compensate, I try to make very gentle, gradual stops, easing it into the full stop so as not to elicite that disconcerting THUNK!The only other complaint I have with my Jeep is the poor traction on wet roads (in 2WD) and I have read that is due mostly to the LOUSY stock tires (Goodyear Wrangler SA). I've had three flat tires in the last year and now two are cupped and bounces the Jeep around like a basketball on a court. I also saw one tire with a chunk of tread missing... like someone scooped it out with a spoon! I do drive on a dirt road sometimes that can be rather rough... but not as rough as off-roading! I'd hate to see what would happen to these tires in a true off-road trek. So today I'm going to change all 4 tires... probably Dayton Timberline AT's or MT's... had the AT's on my previous Tracker and Sportage and they were very good.

piombo1

Transmission thumps for me, too! Coming to a stop, the drivetrain sounds like it was all wound up and was surprised to be stopping!
Also, going down hill on the interstate on cruise control, once in a while, the transmission will downshift. How can the transmission downshift while going down hill?

wayno05

Not to change the subject, but another annoyance I have noticed in the Liberty is a rattling in the rear of the vehicle while driving at low speeds (usually city). It sounds like the back window is rattling or moving around, but may be something else entirely... If only I could find a way to drive AND sit in the cargo area and listen for the exact location. Of course, no one else who drives with me can hear it... so I am asking you guys... am I crazy, or do you hear it too??? :confuse:

[Deleted User]

You might search past posts here or in the Liberty Problems board because I remember seeing someone explain what their rattle ended up being. I think it was a bad weld or something inside the tailgate in regard to the spare tire holder. Check past posts in this board or the Liberty Problems board and you might find a solution to your issue.

I have an '05 Liberty Renegade Rockey Mountain Edition and hear a rattle once in awhile in the tailgate but only when slamming the rear doors closed and oddly, whenever I back out of my garage. I'm not overly concerned with my rattle since it only happens when I'm jostling the vehicle by closing doors. The slight rattle or buzz sound while backing up is just odd. I'm thinking it's some sort of relay used to pop the rear window via the fob. Maybe that relay energizes when the vehicle begins moving to ensure everything is closed. So far, it's no big deal and my wife doesn't even notice it. She thinks I'm overly sensitive to all noises in vehicles and that I worry too much. Maybe she's right...Hey, what was that sound?

zoeco

Hi! I am a new member and also an owner of a 2003 liberty sport. I bought my liberty about a year ago, and I love it--except for the chunky transmission. I read on other sites that the transmission problems with the 2003 was the chunky shifting, and that they corrected it on the 2004 models. I also had mine checked out, and they said that it was a normal occurrence in the 2003 models. Do you suggest taking the vehicle to another dealer in town? Also can anyone recommend a good source for jeep accessories other than the dealer?

zoeco

I have the same model, and I am looking into buying a K&N filter air filter to boost mileage and horse power. Check the K&N site for more info.

stever

K&N says you won't see much of a difference in mpg unless you change the stock air box. (link).

Check out the K&N Air Filters, bolt-on power? discussion too.

Steve, Host

movingalong

I think I have the answer, my wife and I are in our fifties and just wanted to have some good old car feel so we got the '05 Liberty with the six speed manual transmisson. Not only is that car lots of fun to drive (for the first time in years) but we keep track of MPG and are averaging 20.5 MPG. The advantage is being able to keep the RPM's around 1500 just cruising the many 40 to 50 mph streets in our part of the city. The overdrive is nice too on the highway but we only do highway about 25% of the time. This is very near my '97 Caravan mileage. I'm even considering a stick for our second vehicle. The manual trany lets you decide the ultimate total gear ratio and you can adjust for power (hills and pulling) or economy (coasting or down hill). Really makes me feel young again.