Any thoughts on the little diesel..? Its going to be my commuter and I really like the idea of the better fuel mileage but ABOVE ALL I need it to be reliable with low maintenance costs. I can't afford major ( or even minor) mechanical problems. I intend on looking into an extended warranty but thought I would start here to get experienced opinions before I pull out the check book.

thanks in advance..

So.... greetings from a new member. Hope to learn some things and add to my knowledge base here.

Last week a 240lb buck deer took out my beloved 2004 Liberty Sport that was bone stock and had just turned over 70k miles. It was pretty much a mint truck and I really liked it (my first Jeep).

I've been scouring the countryside for another low miles Liberty and came across a 2006 Sport CRD. also low miles (65k), appears to be a one-owner and is in REALLY nice shape.

Any thoughts on the little diesel..? Its going to be my commuter and I really like the idea of the better fuel mileage but ABOVE ALL I need it to be reliable with low maintenance costs. I can't afford major ( or even minor) mechanical problems. I intend on looking into an extended warranty but thought I would start here to get experienced opinions before I pull out the check book.

thanks in advance..

Well the first thing you are going to need is a timing belt, unless they can prove the old one was changed, or that could cost you $1000s in engine damage. At 65K it should still be pretty reliable, but you may want to upgrade the head bolts during your timing belt change. I would refor Geordi if you are not a DIY type. You may also want to consider a GDE tune to take care of the EGR problems?

Thanks for the reply..... can you describe GDE tune for me...?

Any thoughts on the little diesel..? Its going to be my commuter and I really like the idea of the better fuel mileage but ABOVE ALL I need it to be reliable with low maintenance costs. I can't afford major ( or even minor) mechanical problems. I intend on looking into an extended warranty but thought I would start here to get experienced opinions before I pull out the check book.

Ok read the NOOB guide - thank you.

I see the ORM listed for the '02-'04 Liberty..... was there a change in the later years to help so that they didn't really need this mod...?
Various methods of upgrading are entailed in this forum - you'll quickly be apprised of them
I've also read some info that almost implies an inevitable transmission failure.... is this true...?
Not any moreso than any other modern fully-electronic controlled automatic transmission - the 545RFE is prolly the best of them, being an all-clutch, no-bands gearbox
- was an early problem with a plastic component in the Torque Convertor - it was designed for the gasoline-fueled versions, used here with no thought for the increased low-rpm power in a turbocharged Diesel engine - later KJ's should be well past that
Also some statements about the rocker arms needing an upgrade...
Later '05's and '06's should be well past that
Some of these discussions make me a bit wary... I am mechanically capable but I don't have a lot of time to play with stuff and certainly cannot afford to have my commuter sitting as a lawn ornament...
- these are now 9-10yrs old in 2015, so normal wear-and tear may require some addressing in all drive-train systems - ultimate enemy is time, so even any serendipitous lo-mileage finds will require some up-grading




Still worth it in the long run, tho

I don't think it that much worse than most other 8-9 year old vehicles.

The key is that you have to be willing to do the work.

from day one the biggest problem has been the lack of trained techs.

the folks at dealerships got typically a 45 minute video that covered all model year changes including the diesel - and that was it - and they only saw one or two.

so no one is familiar with working on them - and if you have to train someone else -it gets expensive fast.

so you have to be willing to work on fuel systems, engine parts and an occasional computer issue.

Still thinking I'm going to go for it along with the extended warranty and get the belt and mods done as soon as I can.......

We've had our since we bought it new in 2005. It's an '06 Limited. We've got over 110k on it now. Runs beautifully. Timing belt was done by myself and fellow LOST member about a month ago. Not rocket science, but technical.

I took this truck over from my wife about three years or so ago - and every mod I've done to it - has made it 1,000% more fun to drive. Basically speaking, get the GDE Eco Tune asap. (Green Diesel Engineering). It's about $500, and worth way more than that. Changes how the truck behaves considerably. Second, was the Frankenlift II lift kit (2.5 inch +). That was an elective choice mostly, but the sagging CRD suspension needed to be changed anyway. That was a HUGE improvement in the overall handling of the vehicle. Huge.

There's quite a few other bits, mods, and pieces that you can feel free to tinker as you move along of course. I'd also check to make sure you have the updated fuel filter housing. It's not a expensive unit - but will save you frustration later on.

I've done nearly all the work myself, or with friendly help (I'm no expert) - and I haven't needed any special tools etc except for during the timing belt change (cam lock pins, etc, borrowed). This CRD will reward those who keep up with maintenance. And, it'll destroy those that don't... simply put. Keep proper fluid changes up to date. Clean the MAP. Learn the CRD.

Enjoy the fact that you have a rare Jeep, and prepare yourself for odd looks from non diesel people...



And, get that GDE Tune asap.

WE have to plug our CCRD in every night or it will not shift correctly til it warms up.

I do not know what everybody elses experience is. Pretty much anytime it gets below 40 degrees. I am going to start a new thread on this issue.