Jeep Wrangler TJ 2003 factory workshop and repair manual
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Covers the gasoline petrol engines 2.5 L PowerTech I4 * 4.0 L PowerTech I6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lubrication and Maintenance
Suspension
Differential & Driveline
Vehicle Quick Reference
Brakes
Cooling
Audio/Video
Chime/Buzzer
Electronic Control Modules
Engine Systems
Heated Systems
Horn
Ignition Control
Instrument Cluster
Lamps
Message Systems
Power Systems & Restraints
Speed Control
Vehicle Theft Security
Wipers/Washers
Navigation/Telecommunication
Wiring
Engine
Exhaust System
Frame & Bumpers
Fuel System
Steering
Transmission and Transfer Case
Tires/Wheels
Body
Heating & Air Conditioning
Emission Control
Component and System Index
Jeep Wrangler TJ 2003 factory workshop and repair manual
Tools needed
- Phillips screwdriver (PH2) — correct size, magnetic bit preferred.
- 7mm and 8mm sockets + ratchet, 3–6" extension, universal joint.
- Flat pry tool / plastic trim tool (to remove panels without breaking clips).
- Needle-nose pliers.
- Multimeter and/or 12V jumper leads for bench-testing.
- Flashlight or headlamp.
- Small shop vacuum or compressed air (cleaning).
- Safety gear: eye protection, gloves.
- Optional: penetrating oil, magnetic pickup tool.
Parts commonly required
- Replacement blower motor assembly (make sure it’s for Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997–2006 or your specific year). Buy motor with fan wheel attached if possible.
- Blower motor resistor (inspect — replace if flaky or burned).
- Any damaged screws/fasteners or foam gasket if torn.
Safety precautions
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, key out of ignition.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal before starting to avoid shorts and accidental blower operation.
- Wear eye protection when working under dash and when using compressed air.
- If bench-testing the motor with 12V, keep hands and tools clear of the spinning fan; secure the motor so it cannot move.
1) Preparation
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Move passenger seat back for more room. Put a rag down to collect dropped hardware.
2) Remove lower dash/kick panel
- Use Phillips screwdriver or 7mm socket to remove screws holding the passenger lower panel / kick panel (several screws/clips). Pry out any plastic clips with trim tool gently.
- Remove glove box if needed (two screws at bottom and squeeze side tabs). Set panels aside.
How the tools are used: use the correct screwdriver bit, hold perpendicular to screw to avoid cam-out. Use the ratchet + extension for recessed screws — short strokes help in tight space.
3) Locate blower motor
- The blower motor is behind the kick panel on the passenger footwell, in a round housing with a 2- or 3-wire connector and often near the resistor.
4) Unplug electrical connector(s)
- Disconnect the blower motor electrical plug by depressing the tab and pulling straight out. Use needle-nose pliers only if clips are stiff (grip on the connector housing, not the wires).
- If you will replace/respectively inspect the resistor, unplug that as well.
5) Remove mounting screws
- There are typically 3 screws (Phillips or 7mm/8mm bolts) holding the blower assembly to the HVAC housing. Support the blower wheel with one hand or a rag while removing the last screw to prevent it dropping.
- If screws are corroded, apply penetrating oil and let sit a few minutes. Use a magnetic driver or bit-holder to prevent dropping screws into the duct.
How the tools are used: use a socket + extension for tight angles; a universal joint helps reach oblique angles. Keep the ratchet head in a position that prevents slipping and strip-out.
6) Remove blower motor assembly
- Pull the assembly out of the housing. Note orientation and foam gasket condition. If the gasket is damaged, replace or transfer it to the new motor.
7) Inspect and clean
- Inspect the blower wheel for debris, broken fins, or bearing play. Vacuum or blow-out any leaves/dirt from the housing. Check the blower motor resistor and connector for corrosion or heat damage.
8) Bench-test the old/new motor (optional but recommended)
- To verify failure, bench-test the old motor before disposing: connect 12V positive to the motor power terminal and negative to the motor housing/ground. If it doesn’t spin or runs rough/noisy, it’s bad.
- To test the new motor, do the same on the bench. Secure the motor, connect jumper leads to the two terminals (observe polarity not critical for direction but ensure firm connections), and verify smooth operation.
- Safety: keep fingers and tools away from the spinning fan.
9) Transfer any fittings / fit new gasket
- If the new motor didn’t come with the foam gasket, transfer the old gasket if intact. Confirm the fan wheel orientation and that new motor wheel spins freely.
10) Install new blower motor
- Insert motor into the housing in the same orientation as the old one. Start screws by hand to ensure alignment.
- Tighten screws snug — do not over-torque (plastic housing can crack). Aim for “firm hand-tight” (roughly 2–4 ft‑lbs); final seating should be snug and even.
How the tools are used: use socket/ratchet or screwdriver; small, controlled turns to avoid stripping. Use magnetic bit to keep screws from falling.
11) Reconnect electrical connector(s)
- Plug in the blower motor connector. Apply a tiny dab of dielectric grease on the terminals if connectors were corroded or to prevent future corrosion.
13) Reconnect battery and test
- Reconnect negative battery terminal.
- Start vehicle (or turn key to accessory) and cycle blower through all speeds. Listen for smooth operation and no rubbing/squealing. Check all speeds — if high works but low doesn’t, suspect resistor or blower control.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Stripped screws: use the correct bit/socket size, magnetic driver, and put light penetrating oil on corroded screws first.
- Dropping screws into HVAC duct: use magnetic tools, work over a rag, or use a magnetic pickup tool.
- Breaking trim clips or panels: use plastic pry tools and remove screws first; store clips so you can reuse them.
- Forgetting to transfer/replace gasket: results in air leaks and noise. Always inspect gasket.
- Installing wrong motor: ensure replacement motor matches TJ fitment and has compatible mounting tabs, plug, and wheel direction.
- Not testing full speed range after install: resistor or control module may also be bad — test all speeds.
- Over-tightening screws: can crack housing plastic; tighten snug only.
- Damaging connector pins: pull on the connector housing, not wires.
When to replace blower resistor
- If blower works on high but not low speeds, or only one or two speeds work, replace blower motor resistor (mounted in duct with two screws). When you replace the motor, inspect resistor and harness for heat damage and replace if corroded.
Final checks
- Confirm no abnormal noise, wobble, or rubbing at any speed.
- Confirm HVAC vent airflow is restored and blower speeds operate correctly.
- Clean any debris from the housing to prevent premature wear on the new motor.
Done. rteeqp73
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- Safety and quick overview
- Work on a cold engine, parked on a level surface with parking brake on.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid accidental starts or electrical shorts.
- Wear eye protection and gloves. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Job scope: remove valve cover, inspect/remove/replace rocker arms and related parts. Replacing rocker arms is usually straightforward; replacing lifters or cam components is more involved and may require extra disassembly.
- Tools you probably already have (detailed descriptions and how to use them)
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- Description: Hand tool with a reversible ratcheting head that accepts sockets.
- How to use: Fit the correct socket on the square drive, place on fastener, turn handle to loosen/tighten. Use the direction switch to change direction. Keep wrist straight and use slow steady force.
- Metric socket set (common sizes: 8mm–19mm; for Jeep valve cover likely 10mm and 13mm)
- Description: Cylindrical sockets that attach to a ratchet or extension; come in shallow and deep lengths.
- How to use: Pick the socket that fits snugly on the bolt head/nut. Use extensions to reach recessed bolts.
- Socket extensions and universal joint (swivel)
- Description: Metal extension bars and a U-joint that let you reach bolts at awkward angles.
- How to use: Insert between ratchet and socket. Use the U-joint when bolts are not straight-on.
- Torque wrench (click-type, inch- or foot-pounds)
- Description: Wrench that tightens to a set torque and “clicks” when target torque is reached.
- How to use: Set desired torque, tighten smoothly until it clicks, then stop. Do final torquing in stages and in the proper sequence. Always verify manufacturer torque specs.
- Combination wrenches (open-end and box-end)
- Description: Hand wrenches with an open jaw on one end and a closed loop on the other; useful where a socket won't fit.
- How to use: Use box end for maximum grip; open end for quick turning. Hold steady and pull—don’t jerk.
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- Description: Common driving tools for clamps and small fasteners.
- How to use: Use the correct tip to avoid stripping heads. Pry gently to release clips.
- Pliers (needle-nose, slip-joint)
- Description: For holding, bending, and removing clamps and small parts.
- How to use: Grip firmly, protect delicate parts with rag if needed.
- Magnetic parts tray or small containers
- Description: Keeps bolts and small parts organized and prevents loss.
- How to use: Drop bolts into tray with labeling if needed.
- Gasket scraper or plastic scraper
- Description: Tool to remove old gasket material without damaging mating surfaces.
- How to use: Hold at low angle and gently scrape; use plastic scraper first to avoid gouging.
- Shop rags and brake cleaner / parts cleaner
- Description: Clean surfaces and remove oil/grease.
- How to use: Spray cleaner on rag or parts, wipe surfaces until clean and dry.
- Flashlight or work light
- Description: Illuminates tight engine areas.
- How to use: Position to see into the valve cover cavity and lifter/pushrod area.
- Funnel and drain pan
- Description: For catching oil drips if you drain/replace oil.
- How to use: Place pan under engine area when removing components that may leak oil.
- Optional but recommended: spark plug boot puller, glove, disposable gloves, small pick set
- Description: Makes removing wire boots and seals easier and cleaner.
- How to use: Use boot puller to remove plug wires with even pressure on the boot (not the wire).
- Extra tools you may need and why (detailed)
- Torque wrench (if you don't own one)
- Why required: Rocker arm nuts need accurate torque. Over- or under-torquing causes valvetrain damage or leaks.
- Breaker bar
- Why required: For stubborn/over-tightened bolts that a ratchet can’t break free safely.
- Valve cover gasket and RTV/sealant
- Why required: Valve cover must seal after removal; old gasket is often crushed and will leak if reused.
- Replacement rocker arms, rocker arm nuts/studs, pushrods, lifters (depending on condition)
- Why required: Worn or damaged components cause ticking, poor performance, and further engine damage.
- Service manual or official torque specification sheet
- Why required: Exact torque values and tightening sequences differ by engine; use manufacturer specs.
- Step-by-step procedure (bulleted actions you can follow)
- Prep and access
- Disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Remove engine cover components that block access (air intake hoses, ignition coil packs or spark plug wire routing) so you can access the valve cover.
- Label and move spark plug wires/coils out of the way; do not pull wires by the wire—use the boot.
- Remove valve cover
- Remove all bolts holding the valve cover using the correct socket or wrench; keep bolts in a tray by location.
- Carefully pry the valve cover loose if stuck; use a plastic scraper or gentle pry with a screwdriver protected by a rag.
- Lift valve cover straight up and set aside on a clean rag.
- Remove and discard old valve cover gasket (inspect valve cover sealing surface for damage).
- Inspect before removal
- Visually inspect rocker arms, pivot points, and pushrods for scoring, excessive wear, or play.
- Spin the crank by hand (use a socket on the crank pulley bolt) to position cylinders if needed—work one cylinder at a time if unsure.
- Remove a rocker arm (one at a time)
- Work on one rocker arm assembly at a time to avoid mixing parts.
- Loosen the rocker nut while holding the stud with a wrench if necessary; remove nut, then remove rocker arm and retainer.
- Pull the pushrod straight out and keep it in order (use a labeled tray). Inspect pushrod for straightness and scoring.
- Inspect the lifter and top of pushrod where it contacts lifter; if lifter shows damage, more work will be required.
- Install new or inspected rocker arm
- Clean the rocker boss and pushrod seat with solvent; ensure surfaces are clean and oil-free.
- Place pushrod back in the same orientation and location.
- Install rocker arm and nut by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Tighten nut to manufacturer's torque spec using a torque wrench. If you don’t have the spec to hand, stop and get the manual—the torque spec is critical.
- Repeat for each rocker
- Replace rockers one at a time so pushrods and lifters keep their correct orientation and stay in sequence.
- Keep track of any parts that look different or damaged.
- Reassembly
- Clean valve cover sealing surface on the head and the cover. Install new valve cover gasket (apply a little RTV only where specified by the gasket/manufacturer).
- Reinstall valve cover and torque bolts to spec in the correct pattern.
- Reconnect coils/spark plug wires and any components removed.
- Reconnect negative battery terminal.
- Final checks
- Start the engine and listen for unusual noise. Let it reach operating temperature and check for oil leaks around the valve cover.
- After short drive, re-check torque on valve cover bolts and rocker nuts if specified.
- How to use the torque wrench properly (short)
- Set the torque value, snug the fastener first by hand or ratchet, then use torque wrench and apply smooth force until it clicks. Stop immediately at the click. Don’t use torque wrench for initial heavy loosening.
- Signs that replacement is required and recommended replacement parts
- Symptoms indicating rocker arm replacement or further parts needed
- Loud or persistent ticking that doesn’t change with engine oil level—possible worn rocker tip or lifter.
- Visible scoring, gouging, or flattened tip on the rocker arm.
- Excessive play at the rocker pivot or loose/pulled studs.
- Metal shavings in oil or on magnetic drain plug—indicates internal wear; inspect oil pump, cam, lifters.
- Bent or scored pushrods.
- Parts you may need to replace
- Rocker arms (individual or complete set) — replace if tips are worn, pivot damaged, or as matched set when upgrading.
- Rocker arm nuts/studs/bolts — replace if stretched, damaged, or corroded.
- Valve cover gasket — almost always replace when removing the valve cover to prevent leaks.
- Pushrods — replace if bent, scored, or out of spec. Replace as matched set if damaged.
- Lifters — replace if collapsed, noisy, or scored. Note: lifter replacement on the 4.0L typically requires more disassembly (intake removal) to access/replace all lifters properly.
- If cam lobes are worn or lifters have caused cam damage — camshaft and related rebuild parts may be required and this is a major repair.
- Why replacement may be required
- Wear prevents proper valve actuation and can cause oil starvation, poor sealing, and further engine damage. Replacing only the visibly damaged components is okay, but mismatched new-old components can cause uneven wear—consider replacing in matched sets when practical.
- When replacement becomes a major job
- If lifters are bad, you may need to remove intake manifold and possibly other components to access lifter bores.
- If cam lobes are damaged, full bottom-end or head work may be needed—this is beyond a basic rocker arm job and may require specialized tools and machining.
- Final notes and cautions
- Do not reuse a flattened or brittle valve cover gasket; do not reuse hardware that is stretched or damaged.
- Always use manufacturer torque specs—improper torque is a common cause of valvetrain failure or oil leaks.
- If you hear persistent valve train noise after reassembly, stop and re-check work; continued running may cause serious damage.
- If at any point you’re unsure about a worn lifter, cam, or extensive wear, consider a professional inspection before proceeding.
- Quick parts checklist to buy before starting (suggested)
- Valve cover gasket
- Set of rocker arms (or individual part for the worn side)
- Replacement rocker nuts/studs if recommended
- Shop rags, parts cleaner, gasket scraper
- Torque wrench (if you don’t own one)
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