Seeing as how I'm pretty much locked into paying off this vehicle and not wanting to pay more money for a trade-in, I've decided to stay with it for as long as possible.
That being said, I've already mentioned the troubles with my transmission and the past griefs I've had with other vehicles.

After reading up on the countless issues that seem to pop up here, I was just wondering if there's anyone here that has finally reached a point to where the maladies on the CRD Liberty have been vanquished.

That is, we could get by with the routine preventatives and scheduled maintenance that owners of other, so-called "reliable" vehicles deal with?

I'll honestly say this vehicle's been a test on my sanity and social standing, but all-in-all, just another lesson learned.
For what it's worth, I was never much of "car person" and intended to be "car-free" as a permanent thing.
I figured if I had to have a vehicle, something in the vein of "different" had to suffice.

Bit off more than I could chew I suspect.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!

Mine had 107,xxx miles on it when purchased December 2012.
The ignition switch broke first week so I had it towed to service facility for repair.
During that service visit I had every fluid changed to establish a solid maintenance base line. Rear brakes were repaced at the same time due to sticking calipers. (I couldn't believe how inexpensive rear brake calipers were. I'm serious!)
The following week I ordered and installed a GDE Eco Tune.
Cooling system thermostat was malfunctioning the day I bought the CRD with temperature gauge reading 1/4 scale when fully warm so I made that repair in February 2013.
My CRD is approaching 117k miles, about 10,000 miles in 5 months, and was purchased as a work vehicle. The body integrity is absolutely solid without any rattles or squeaks. Everything works. Installed new shocks and tires to make it feel like a new vehicle. Replaced the factory radio with a Kenwood HD unit for Bluetooth hands free phone and audio connectivity. I even replaced the key with fob to complete the "feels like new"' experience. With the GDE tune fuel economy is 23 mpg around town and as high as 32 mpg on highway flowing with traffic 70+++ mph.
Many on the forum have more experience with the Liberty CRD; however I believe mine is a good one and plan to keep it for years.

_________________
2005 Silver KJ Sport CRD 138k miles
GDE ECO Tune
Rx Catch Can
Mishimoto Intercooler Hoses
Magnaflow 12226 Muffler
Bilstein HD Shocks
Firestone Destination LE2
3rd owner
2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS
6.2L V-8, 6 speed manual transmission
Engine and suspension mods by Vengeance Racing
Original owner

I might be speaking out of turn as I have a low mileage (under 50K) 05 but there a modest number of obvious issues, some CRD specific/some KJ specific/some modern vehicle specific, that one can get ahead of so to speak so in reverse order:

Modern vehicles
1. heavily computer dependent hence very sensitive to battery "health" - keep vehicle supplied with a good battery with adequate CCA.
2. also depend on solid electrical connections - if you off road in wet areas the diaelectric grease on electric fittings is your friend
3. drive line joints - pay attention to "U" joints and torn CV joint boots and such - same as on any vehicle

KJ
1. sorry window regulator plastic part - Steiger Performance fixes
2. suspension bushings front and rear - if you drive hard/off road probably need better.
3. shocks and springs - same as above
4. transmission - 545RFE is a long time standard DCJ tranny so problems on KJ should be no different than on other vehicles EXCEPT torque convertor and possibly front pump.

CRD
1. really same for any vehicle - pay attention to OEM specs on ALL fluids - don't mix things like HOAT antifreeze with "universal" antifreeze.
2. pay attention to fluid change intervals - particularly on oil, IMHO ca. 6K miles is far enough to go for an oil and filter change;
3. upgrade to 2n gen fuel filter head
4. upgrade to Samco or equivalent turbo/intercooler hoses
5. keep eye on air box to turbo hose (ck at oil changes) for bottom tear in front of turbo
6. take steps to reduce soot in oil - ideally something like GDE ecotune
7. pay attention to tranny torque convertor - if not pressed hard it should last but if replaced go with a stronger unit like the Euro or SunCoast and when in there deal with front pump and/or put in Transgo kit
8. keep eye on alternator clutch

And while you are at it remember it's not a hot rod and it's not a Renegade/Wrangler so don't treat it like one.

_________________
Sold to LOST member my 05 Ltd, GDE Stg II turbo + TCM tune, SunCoast TC w. Transgo kit, Steiger window regulators, Samcos, Fumoto valve, 2nd gen filter head with Lub. Spec. bleeder, Hayden clutch & 11 blade fan, inverted spare, P-1 battery, BF Goodrich Long Trail TAs, Etecno1 glow plugs, timing belt at 50K miles/8 yrs

The steps for the transmission are definitely helpful.
It almost sounds like with this list, the entire vehicle has to be revamped from the wires on up.
Only problem with computers and electrical is the fact that the problem could be anywhere.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!

THE PROBLEM WITH SCOTLAND, IS THAT IT'S FULL OF SCOTS!

_________________
Silver 2006 KJ 2.8L CRD Limited:
GDE ECO Tune / Fumoto Valve / E-Tecno GX3123 7v Glow Plugs / 2nd Gen Fuel Head / Mishimoto RED Hoses / Rockers/Lifters @ 114k / Hayden FC + 11 Blade Nylon / Sears P1 Battery / Transgo 45RFE-HD2 Reprogramming Kit / Timken Front Bearings

Some of the bugs I have fixed:
1. Disabled EGR valve using the SEGR kit.
2. Installed a lift pump to fix air in fuel problem.
3. Installed transgo shift kit.
4. Installed Moog heavy duty ball joints.
5. Two months ago at 117K miles, my fuel heater finally burned up
creating a leak. I removed the fuel heater plug and filled it with RTV.
No more leaks.

Next on my list of bugs to fix is the transmission pump and torque converter.
Right now they ain't broke so I am in no hurry.

Everything else is just normal maintenance or just wait until it breaks.

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

Uhmmmmmm

_________________
06 KJ LTD 4x4 - 245/65/17 Discoverer AT3's, OME 927/948, HyperTech, Thrush Welded, 5% tint, DIY Fence post crossbars, fog/high beam mod, C3 Hitch, cut bumper, pinch welds..

Future: cargo roof basket, recovery points, skids..
"...to disarm the people - that was the best and most effectual way to enslave them." - George Mason

I've bought mine about 3 years ago. As a long time auto forum rover, I came directly to this board.

I did the noob mods immediately. I got a GDE tune within couple weeks of purchase.

Currently, my review mirror motor isn't functioning. I had a blown 15 amp mini fuse to the ASD (auto shutdown relay) the first year. Otherwise, with a tune and the suggested mods, I've had zero problems. I'm at 105k miles.

I don't tow. But I do go out on the terrain as in 50 to 100 miles to the nearest paved road. Had two trips to Death Valley this spring. I go to the four corners area alone often. I've never worried about being stranded. . . and I never have been.

It's interesting about these vehicles. Some seem to hold together, and some are a POS with constant minor and occasional dire problems.

good luck

_________________
'05 Sport CRD 107k miles. NOBODY knows everything.

I always believed that people who do not like cars drive Toyotas and Hondas because they are not cars they are appliances.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD -- Spare tire replaced with Veg tank, semi filter for veg, FPHE, Electric common rail line heater, fill vegetable oil tank every 3 days. ORM, EHM comes out in front of the passenger rear tire. Wife has new job and 20 mile round trip to work. I borrow her Jeep a lot and live in South Florida.

After my aforementioned woes with the Lib, I've been told that I should've gotten one of those if I didn't want a monster truck.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!

uuummmhh

Well I drove mine off the dealers lot with 2 miles on it - and I'm now over 120K

can't say it's been troublefree - but neither were my Toyota's

and it's a long way from having 'bugs' and 'gremlins'

if you maintain them - and fix the EGR - most of the rest works.

the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions.
Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues.

_________________
2005 CRD
stuff
Skeptic quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

X2. Still my daily driver and working well.

_________________
2006 CRD Limited
SEGR Mod
Saikou Michi Condenser -- Deleted
Samco Hose Kit
Fumoto 102
Etecno1 GX3123 Steel 7V Glow Plugs
GDE FT Eco and Hot Tunes
JBA 4.5 UCAs
OME Lift

Wish it was just strictly mechanical things that had to be maintained.
With the endless amount of computer tech integrated into most modern vehicles, "maintaining" becomes a rather difficult task with many questions.
It's not like checking fluids, filters, and solid parts for wear and tear.
Now one has to have an array of electrical and computer related testing equipment just to pinpoint which sensor isn't interacting with what.

Whomever decided integrating computers with mechanical was such a good idea ought to take a flying leap if they haven't already.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!

I don't know where you live, but head out west to New Mexico, Arizona, or
California. Still lots of rust free, running cars with V8 engines and
curburators out there.

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

Cost about as much as I got the Lib for too.
That and apartment living doesn't afford me the luxury of multiple vehicles.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!

X3 on the above - I have 3 of these vehicles. My first one was the "test bed" and I have modded and driven the crap out of it. When I got one for my wife and then one for my son I put in lift pumps, EHM, and ORM. They have each put over 40k miles on their vehicles with no more problems than any other car that I've owned (batteries, brakes, fluid changes, etc.). I have replaced 6 out of the 12 window regulators but that's a job that I can now do in under 30 minutes so I doesn't even phase me any more. I am in the process of putting in a new torque converter and shift kit in mine but I have a hard time keeping my foot off the go pedal and I take it off road whenever I can find the time so I kinda had that coming. GDE tunes will be coming in the next few months. Unfortunately all three a quickly approaching 100k so I'm in for some expense with timing belts, water pumps, etc.

So in summary; I think ATXKJ nailed it. I come on here to find solutions to problems typically or just to see what others are up to. Don't think that because some are having problems that it will eventually happen to you. It may or it may not. Take good care of it and it should take good care of you.

_________________
'06 Stone White, CRD Limited
CRD Frankenlift II, Rock Lizard Rear Bumper, Mann Provent, GDE FT-ECO Tune, "Euro Torque Converter, Transgo 545RFE-H2 Shift Kit, 245/75 MT/R's on Moabs, Full Mopar Skids, Front Tow Hooks, CAT 2 Fuel filter and bleeder valve mod, Fumoto valve, Wahlbro Lift Pump, Custom 2 1/2" Exhaust

I'm still feeling frustrated due to no one really having time to help me out and the vehicle not being here at the moment.
The AAMCO in CA made a big deal about the MAF sensor being unplugged and getting all condescending about it.
They tell me later it had nothing to do with the transmission and now it's some unspecified electrical bug.
Since I'm basically untrustworthy of anything in CA, I may just up and get the Liberty put on a car hauler back over here.
Tried to go about renting a pickup and tow-trailer, but apart from astronomical mileage fee UHaul, no dice(and I have a friggin CDL!! ).

Still making payments on it and I'm not giving up on it. Love/hate for this vehicle, about as close to a relationship/GF/Marriage as I'll ever get

To stem the tide until it's fixed though, I'll probably be checking out a cheap motorcycle as an intermediate distance vehicle.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!

Very true. Usually you hear more bads than goods. As a side note, I remember a friend got a crd with 195k+, all stock, and he had to remove the intake elbow, it was so much soot in there that the car wouldn't start... so I bet very many crds reach high miles (probably mostly highway) even as stock.

_________________
2005 kj CRD, samco, suncoast tc, provent, Kennedy lift pump, GDE ECO full torque, 2nd gen filter head, 245/70/16 a/t tires, mopar light bar, fumoto oil valve, OEM Skid Plates, ARB Front bumper and HD OME, tru cool LPD47391 40k GVW tranny cooler (stock cooler delete), FF Dynamics e-fan and shroud, rocker arms replaced, HDS2 190F thermostat.

I don't post much but I'm at 130k (purchased @ 30k) and relatively minor issues.crd specific issues where 1 thermostat, 1 cam sensor and 1 timing belt job. My mods are edge chip, orm, lift pump and homemade provent.

_________________
if it's got wheels or a skirt it will give you problems

I'm not completely giving up on it yet.
But at the same time, I don't see really taking it on any major trips until between 2-8 months from now.
Probably going to have the thing taken over here to Clovis NM on a car-hauler, and then to a CRD-spec'd mechanic when funds are healthy.

I'm slowly accepting the fact that any vehicle I own's going to be a paperweight at one point or another.

_________________
2006 Liberty CRD Limited.
EHM
ORM.
New Torque Convertor.

2005 Montague Paratrooper MTB
2001 Rans V-Rex Recumbent
1985 Schwinn World Tour, Fixed-gear

Yanking tankers full of Moo-Juice!!