Power Steering Fluid for 2003 Liberty

03Liberty · **Joined:** Wed Sep 07, 2005 7:39 pm **Posts:** 2

Hi,

I went to a dealer today to pickup a bottle of power steering fluid for my 2003 Liberty. I was told from the part department that my jeep uses the same fluid for both its Automatic Transmission and Power Steering, so I ended up with a bottle Mopar ATF+4.

I check the owner manual when I got home and notice the recommended fluid for Power Steering Reservoir is "Mopar Power Steering Fluid (MS-5931)".

What's up with that? Did the guy get it wrong or the fluids are actually "interchangeable"? :?:

Thanks

Ron

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:28 pm

do not mix them!

I would go with your owners manual or go back, show them the manual, and simply ask, what is up? Could be a typo in their system, you may save other owners a hassle by checking to save your own pump.

Guest · **Posted:** Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:32 pm

I agree. It's okay to do that in a emergency but you don't want to do this as part of regular maintenance.

Either do what USAFCOP suggested or get over to your local auto parts store for power steering fluid.

Amsoil makes great oils & lubes.

03Liberty · **Joined:** Wed Sep 07, 2005 7:39 pm **Posts:** 2

Thanks

Found the below TSB, so I guess the part guy got it wrong.
Mopar ATF+4 is MS9602 and according to the TSB, it should not be mixed or used as a "topping off" fluid on systems requiring MS5931.

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Steering - Power Steering Fluid Usage
NUMBER: 19-005-03
GROUP: Steering
DATE: Aug. 29, 2003

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 19-007-01, DATED AUG. 2, 2001, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.

SUBJECT:
Power Steering Fluid Usage

MODELS:
1993 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van
1994 - 2004 (AN) Dakota
1994 - 2002 (BR/BE) Ram Pickup
2004 (CS) Pacifica
1998-2004 (DN) Durango
2002 - 2004 (DR) Ram Pickup
1996 - 2000 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
1995 - 2000 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
2001 - 2004 (JR) Sebring Sedan, Stratus Sedan1 Sebring Convertible
1996 - 2000 (JX) Sebring Convertible
2002 - 2004 (KJ) Liberty
2002 - 2004 (KJ) Cherokee (International Markets)
1993 - 2004 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker/300M
1996 - 2000 (NS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan
2002 (PG) Chrysler PT Cruiser (International Markets)
1995-2004 (PL) Neon
1997 - 2003 (PR) Prowler
2002 - 2004 (PT) Chrysler PT Cruiser
2001 - 2004 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)
2001 - 2004 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1993 - 2002 (SR) Viper/Viper Coupe
2001 - 2004 (ST) Sebring Coupe/Stratus Coupe
1997 - 2004 (TJ) Wrangler
2003 - 2004 (VA) Sprinter
1999 - 2004 (WG) Grand Cherokee (International Markets)
1999-2004 (WJ) Grand Cherokee
2003 - 2004 (ZB) Viper
2004 (ZH) Crossfire

DISCUSSION:
The factory fill power steering fluid for most 2004 model year Chrysler Group vehicles is ATF+4 (MS9602) and it provides superior performance at both low and high temperatures. WJ/WG and ZH vehicles use unique power steering fluids. Refer to the table to identify factory fill and the approved service power steering fluid by year and model. Note that MS9602 is Red in color and MS5931 and MS9933 are Amber/Yellow in color. All three fluids will darken in color with usage and fluid color is no longer an indication of fluid condition.

The part numbers for MS9602 are 05013457AA (quart) and 05013458AA (gallon). The part number for MS5931 is 04883077 (quart). The part number for MB345 is 05127381AA.

MS9602 should not be mixed or used as a "topping off" fluid on systems requiring MS5931. On some past models, MS9602 should be used as the replacement fluid. On these models, if a power steering system is being serviced that results in a large fluid loss, such as a pump, hose or gear/rack replacement, the complete system should be drained and filled with MS9602.

NOTE :This bulletin supersedes owner's and service manuals for the vehicles listed above that may state to use MS9933 in the power steering system, and that may state not to use automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system.
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FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:55 pm

You shouldn't mix them, but the correct fluid for KJs is now ATF+4. There was a TSB stating to drain and replace with ATF+4 sometime in early '03.

Trodo · **Posted:** Thu Sep 08, 2005 2:59 am

Yeah, my manual says 04's to use ATF+4. Surprised me when I read that. I'll tell you what...

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:23 pm

I'm confused (not uncommon). This seems to say that our KJ's (2002-2004 MY) should be using ATF+4, right?

the1jferg · **Posted:** Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:58 pm

USAFCop said: "Could be a typo in their system"

Boy, Type-O's are common with them. Like the transfer skid sheet on my page...Like they told Auburn Gear today that Jeep liberty never came with a Dana 35, much less the version I have with No-Clips and Flange mounted tone ring.

Good Luck.

We should make a documented list.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:54 pm

AdamIsAdam wrote:

I'm confused (not uncommon). This seems to say that our KJ's (2002-2004 MY) should be using ATF+4, right?

Yes.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:59 pm

FreedomKJ wrote:

AdamIsAdam wrote:

I'm confused (not uncommon). This seems to say that our KJ's (2002-2004 MY) should be using ATF+4, right?

Yes.

Only if you drain the PS system and replace with atf+4. Do not mix them.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 9:15 am

Ummm. Too late. Now what should I do? I've topped off my system with ATF+4 based on the parts dept and owner's manual.

Any suggestions now?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 9:46 am

*KERPLUSH*

Did you hear that? The sound of a flush. No, Not toilet. Just your everyday PS fluid flush.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 9:53 am

Let's see:

We should start using ATF+4 (MS9602) from now on right? But, since most of us still have the original stuff (MS5931) in our system we can't, right? So we still have to use the older stuff (MS5931) until we do a complete drain and fill of our PS System, then fill with fresh ATF+4 (MS9602)?

Confused yet?

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 3:22 pm

AdamIsAdam wrote:

Ummm. Too late. Now what should I do? I've topped off my system with ATF+4 based on the parts dept and owner's manual.

Any suggestions now?

I wouldnt worry about it to much Adam. If you know how I would drain the ps fluid I would do that. The best way to get alot of it out and use one of those turkey basters(sp). Do that and it should be fine.

SD-KJ · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 7:45 pm

I just about did that same thing adam. I even went out and bought a quart of ATF+4. But once you smell power steering fluid you kinda know it. Also the color difference of ATF+4 and PS fluid. I would not worry about it too much. How much of the ATF did you put in to top it off?

-Nick

psinsyd · **Posted:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:25 am

So how much of a pain is it to flush and refill the PS system?

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 3:14 pm

It was well below the fill mark. I was getting some noise when turning the wheel so I checked it and topped off - months ago, BTW.

Plus, who knows if Jiffy Shmoob tops it off as they claim and with what?!

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:10 pm

AdamIsAdam wrote:

It was well below the fill mark. I was getting some noise when turning the wheel so I checked it and topped off - months ago, BTW.

Plus, who knows if Jiffy Shmoob tops it off as they claim and with what?!

I would say they use pee adam. Thats what they use in the windshield wiper fluid also, its not the defroster stuff. :lol:

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:41 pm

As long as it doesn't freeze in my lines, I don't care. And based on the alchohol on their breaths, it won't!

;-)

wilfredcruz · **Posted:** Tue Apr 11, 2006 8:05 am

For those whith ATF in PS, do you still get the noise when you start in a very cold morning? Normally I get the noise in any cold morning start, just for 1 or two seconds, than I guess teh pump gets lubricated and itis gone. I wonder if that the reaso that they changed it.

Power Steering Fluid for 2003 Liberty

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