random 2003 liberty questions

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flair1111

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so i have a new to me 2003 limited liberty with 152,000 miles on it. my 2006 was totaled so i have been in the process of changing fluids and sensors on the 03 to get it where it needs to be.

with that said i have so far changed the cam and crank sensor, the air mixture sensor in the top of the intake and changed the oil. this weekend ill do the axle fluids, transfer case and transmission. i will also change as much as i can the PS fluid and the brake fluid as well as bleed the brakes. also still need to put in the new iac and tp sensors.

so far it runs pretty good but there are a few small things i have questions about. when it idles it is smoother than it was before i changed out the crank and cam sensors, HOWEVER it still doesnt idle correct about 45% of the time. it seems to wonder around between 400-800 rpm when sitting. it revs a little too high when its first cranked, but settles down to either a perfect idle OR the erratic one i just described. im hoping this weekends iac and tp sensor change as well as a complete TB cleaning will fix this. am i right in assuming this is the most likely cause of the idle?

also the transmission im pretty sure has never had the fluid or screen/filter changed. it is the better 45rle version. it changes ok but isnt as smooth as my 06 which i kept in perfect condition. im hoping changing the fluids and screen/filter will also fix this kinda rough gear changing. it has done 2 things so far that i dont like.

1. sometimes when it hits 4th and i settle down to my usual 70mph drive itll either run perfect, or itll seem to stick between a 3rd and 4th gear rpm if that makes sense. sometimes itll turn 2200rpm at 70 mph on flat ground, yet other times itll turn about 2500rpm running the same 70mph on flat ground. are there any solenoids on the trans that i may need to change? or is this also likely to be from never changed fluids?

2. sometimes itll downshift from overdrive to 3rd just fine, yet sometimes it wont downshift no matter how much pedal i give it. any ideas on the cause?
 

JasonJ

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I will reserve my comments and hypothesizing on #1 and #2 until after you've changed the trans fluid and all filters... that could correct all of the symptoms you've described.
 

04Liberty

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also the transmission im pretty sure has never had the fluid or screen/filter changed. it is the better 45rle version. it changes ok but isnt as smooth as my 06 which i kept in perfect condition. im hoping changing the fluids and screen/filter will also fix this kinda rough gear changing. it has done 2 things so far that i dont like.

1. sometimes when it hits 4th and i settle down to my usual 70mph drive itll either run perfect, or itll seem to stick between a 3rd and 4th gear rpm if that makes sense. sometimes itll turn 2200rpm at 70 mph on flat ground, yet other times itll turn about 2500rpm running the same 70mph on flat ground. are there any solenoids on the trans that i may need to change? or is this also likely to be from never changed fluids?

2. sometimes itll downshift from overdrive to 3rd just fine, yet sometimes it wont downshift no matter how much pedal i give it. any ideas on the cause?

Which is it? 42RLE or 45RFE? You kinda made a hybrid lol
 

LibertyTC

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When It comes to sensors Mopar is the best way to go, I have no Idea what brands you used
see post #10 http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f196/idle-air-control-no-screws-44826/
The IAC (intake air control) it controls the idle and often there are nasty carbon build ups in the port that needs cleaning. I used carb cleaner/q-tips in there.
The TPS could be worn as well. A good shop scanner can read stored & history, also see live misfires and do a count, coil packs may be an issue?
Ya do the trans pan drop new filters, ATF+4 and see how that then works out.
 

flair1111

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When It comes to sensors Mopar is the best way to go, I have no Idea what brands you used
see post #10 http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f196/idle-air-control-no-screws-44826/
The IAC (intake air control) it controls the idle and often there are nasty carbon build ups in the port that needs cleaning. I used carb cleaner/q-tips in there.
The TPS could be worn as well. A good shop scanner can read stored & history, also see live misfires and do a count, coil packs may be an issue?
Ya do the trans pan drop new filters, ATF+4 and see how that then works out.

all mopar for the sensors. ive done all of these swaps before on the 06 but i was just doing them at 100k just so id not have future issues. this 03 has obviously not been maintained like id have done it. sprayed some pb blaster just now on the tp and iac bolts. will tackle tomorrow. i may try to match up some regular head bolts to replace the stupid torx type. thats just crazy to be putting that crap in an aluminum housing imo. they always seem to corrode to the point you break the bolt or strip it out.
 

LibertyTC

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Ya good idea to find regular head replacement bolts.
Adding to the misery...The factory used thread lock at bottom of threads on the IAC, so if it has never been off..
I recommend this set up to get inward pressure onto T-20 and the ratchet will help break it free!
60953[/ATTACH]"]
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It's taped tight together w/electrical tape for less moment & so nothing falls.
 

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LibertyTC

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Have you replaced a TPS before?
Anyways, mine was damaged with a flat spot from the throttle bar/pin moving around back & forth.
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They could have designed this with tighter tolerance for less slop !
What engineers thought metal against plastics is a good idea in moving parts?
Nowadays, the name goes on..Before the Quality goes in! =eek.
 

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flair1111

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yes i replaced the one on my 06 last summer. it was tough to break free so i know for a fact the 03 is going to be hell. i bought me a 1/4 ratchet this morning and an extension. ive decided to do it all tomorrow. its too cold today to try.
 

ltd02

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I don't remember having any issues when changing the TPS in my 02 but I did need an impact driver for my Ranger's. They do a nice job with a gentle hammer tap.
 

flair1111

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got the stupid torx bolts out. of course 2 of them twisted the torx socket teeth. those 2 i had to use a hacksaw to cut a straight groove in the top of the head and then use a heatgun and flat screw driver to get them to break loose. used anti seize when reinstalling.
 

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