Hi all! I just purchased a 2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade last week. It has 55k miles, and is a black 4x4. It is fully loaded, leather seats, moonroof, etc. I have a few problems I'd love to get some advice on.

- A hard downshift when going into first just as it hits 30 mph. I heard this might just need a Clutch Volume Index reset at the dealer? Anyone have this issue and have it be anything more serious?

-Check Engine Light is on, when I have them plug it in they say it's a small gas fume leak. I did unscrew and rescrew the gas cap in hopes that that's what the problem was, it's been a few days and the light is still on, so I'm guessing it's something else. Any more easy fixes on this or should I just go have it looked at?

- Rust around the bottom of the front passenger door. I sanded it with 50 grit sandpaper washed it and dried it and sprayed some Rustoleum Undercoating on it. Is there anyway for me to just have the metal replaced or will I need a new door? I am CLUELESS when it comes to body work, but I want the rust gone. I don't want to go to the body shop totally clueless as to what needs to be done. It's bad enough being a 26 year old girl when you DO know what you're talking about. lol

I changed the blower motor resistor this week and am working on the back wiper, but those seem to be things I can take care of myself.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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* Brandi *

2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4X4
Fully Loaded

I have no idea on the hard downshift. Maybe someone else can chime in but I'd have it looked at before too long. I wouldn't want it causing damage to the transmission.

For the CEL - I'd buy a new gas cap before you do anything too crazy. I'd go get one from the dealer. It'll be more expensive than one you get at Walmart but if the CEL stays on you can be sure it's not the gas cap. When you put the new gas cap on make sure you unhook the negative terminal on the battery for a couple of minutes to reset the computer and error light.

I'm lucky to be down south where we don't have to worry about rust but rust is one of those things that never goes away once it's there. You just control it the best you can. What you do with it just depends on the severity. You've already sprayed Rustoleum on it but look into a product called POR-15. It's meant for more of an undercoating where it won't be seen but it may work for you if your rust is normally out of sight.