Owners of the 2004 Jeep Liberty know that reliability behind the wheel is something to be highly valued. To keep this model as dependable as it is, you should know its engine oil capacity so you can regularly change its oil.

Jeep owners sing the praises of the good gas mileage and ride reliability of the 2004 Jeep Liberty. However, those positives could begin to fade if regular

car maintenance

tasks, like

oil changes

, are neglected. Many Jeep owners like to get down and dirty with their own vehicles rather than take them to a shop, and changing your own oil is a great introduction to garage life.

As long as they know their vehicle’s engine oil capacity, that is. So

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2004 Jeep Liberty engine oil capacity

So, how much engine oil does the 2004 Jeep Liberty need?

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine of your 2004 Liberty has an engine oil capacity of 5 quarts or 4.7 liters. Be diligent in your note-taking here, because the different liter measurements do not mean the same thing. The 2.4-liter engine describes the volume taken up by the engine cylinders and is referred to as the

engine’s displacement

. The engine oil capacity is 4.7 liters or 5 quarts. They cannot be interchanged, so be sure you understand which is which!

What kind of oil does a 2004 Jeep Liberty need?

You’ll also need to know the specific kind of oil a 2004 Jeep Liberty uses because only certain types of oil work with the engine. In this case, the engine will work best with a 5W-30 oil grade.

The oil grade gives two values that describe the oil’s viscosity at the engine’s cold start temperature and the engine’s normal operating temperature. 5W-30 tells us that the oil has a low viscosity—5—at the cold start temperature, or W standing for “winter”. The 30 describes a higher, but still low viscosity at the engine’s pipin’ hot normal operating temperature of 212°F.

You can use either

synthetic or conventional motor oil

as long as you stick to the correct oil grade. However, if you’re in a pinch, you could use one grade above or below the recommended oil grade.

MORE:

How to replace power steering fluid for a 2004 Jeep Liberty

How often to change oil on a 2004 Jeep Liberty

Now that you have a handle on the correct amount and kind of oil, we can get into the timing of your oil changes!

Jeep recommends your 2004 Liberty get an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you’re using synthetic motor oil. If you opt for

conventional oil

, you’ll likely want to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles instead.

Keep in mind that your driving habits will determine

how often you should get an oil change

. Those who don't drive often will be able to go longer between oil changes than those who drive daily. No matter how often you drive, though, you should be on the lookout for any symptoms of bad oil. About once a month,

check your oil

for:

Blackened color. Clean oil will look amber or light brown in color. Dark brown to black oil means it’s time for a change.

Sludge or grit. If your oil’s texture looks sludgy or gritty, there is contamination that could cause damage to your engine.

Smoke or smoke smell. If it smells like your engine is smoking or burning, it could signify that your oil levels are too low or the quality is poor.

New engine noises. Poor quality oil or low levels of oil can cause damage to your engine and produce grinding, knocking, or other noises.

Reduced engine performance. If your gas mileage is slipping or you notice stuttering when trying to turn your engine on, it could be time for an oil change.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How to change your oil and oil filter

Ready to change your oil? Gather these materials:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

New oil filter

Five quarts of 5W-30

Before starting anything else, you’ll need to warm up your engine to help the oil drain. Once the engine is effectively warmed up, cut the engine while your car is on a level surface, pop the hood, and take these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Take the socket wrench and drain pan under the engine with you to remove the oil drain bolt and let the old oil drain into the pan

Use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter, then let the old oil drain completely

After the old oil drains away, install the new oil filter

Replace the oil drain bolt

Refill the engine with five quarts of 5W-20 and replace the fill cap

Pull the oil dipstick out to confirm the correct amount of oil

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Once you’re sure you have the right amount of new oil in your engine, turn your Jeep on for a few minutes to check for leaks. If there are none, your DIY oil change was a success!

Clean up by pouring the old oil into a sealable container and dropping it off at your local recycling center. Be sure to follow proper disposal procedures for motor oil and do not just dump it on the ground or in your trash.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And that’s it! You’re a regular garage pro! Your next maintenance task? Updating your

Jeep car insurance costs

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