MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
INTRODUCTION
There are two maintenance schedules that show
proper service intervals for Jeep Cherokee and Jeep
Wrangler vehicles. Use the schedule that best de-
scribes the conditions the vehicle is operated under.
When mileage and time is listed, follow the interval
that occurs first.
ScheduleÐAlists all the scheduled maintenance
to be performed under normal operating conditions.
ScheduleÐBis a schedule for vehicles that are
usually operated under one or more of the following
conditions.
²Frequent short trip driving less than 5 miles (8
km).
²Frequent driving in dusty conditions.
²Trailer towing or heavy load hauling.
²Frequent long periods of engine idling.
²Sustained high speed operation.
²Desert operation.
²Frequent starting and stopping.
²Cold climate operation.
²Off road driving.
²Commercial service.
²Snow plow operation.
²More than half of vehicle operation occurs in
heavy city traffic during hot weather (above 90É F).
AT EACH STOP FOR GASOLINE
²Check engine oil level and add as required.
²Check windshield washer solvent and add as re-
quired.
ONCE A MONTH
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual tire wear
or damage.
²Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake mas-
ter cylinder, power steering and transmission. Add
fluid as required.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for cor-
rect operation.
²Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
AT EACH OIL CHANGE
²Inspect exhaust system.
²Inspect brake hoses.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown
on ScheduleÐA: (7,500 Miles) or every other interval
shown on ScheduleÐB: (6,000 Miles).
²Check engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Lubricate 4x4 steering linkage.
²Lubricate propeller shaft universal joints and slip
spline, if equipped.After completion of off-road (4WD) operation, the
underside of the vehicle should be thoroughly in-
spected. Examine threaded fasteners for looseness.
HARSH SURFACE ENVIRONMENTS
After vehicle operation in a harsh surface environ-
ment, the following components should be inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible:
²Brake drums.
²Brake linings.
²Front wheel bearings (2WD vehicles only).
²Axle coupling joints.
This will prevent wear and/or unpredictable brake
action.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The schedule emission maintenance listed inbold
typeon the following schedules, must be done at the
mileage specified to assure the continued proper
functioning of the emission control system. These,
and all other maintenance services included in this
manual, should be done to provide the best vehicle
performance and reliability. More frequent mainte-
nance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
SCHEDULEÐA
7,500 MILES (12 000 KM) OR AT 6 MONTHS
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4).
15,000 MILES (24 000 KM) OR AT 12 MONTHS
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
22,500 MILES (36 000 KM) OR AT 18 MONTHS
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate steering linkage (4x4).
²Inspect brake linings.
30,000 MILES (48 000 KM) OR AT 24 MONTHS
²Replace air cleaner element.
²Replace spark plugs.
²Adjust belt tension on non-automatic tensioning
drive belts.
²Change engine oil.
²Replace engine oil filter.
²Lubricate steering linkage.
²Drain and refill automatic transmission.
²Drain and refill transfer case.
0 - 4 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
(3) Cover the open end of the transmission exten-
sion housing.
4WD VEHICLESÐXJ
(1) Shift transfer case lever to NEUTRAL.
(2) Place ignition switch in the unlocked position.
4WD VEHICLESÐYJ
CAUTION: Follow these steps to be certain that the
transfer case is fully in N (NEUTRAL) and that the
axle is completely disengaged before flat towing to
prevent damage to internal parts.
(1) Shift transfer case into 2H and check that the
4WD light goes out.
(2) Start engine and drive the vehicle 3 mm (10 ft.)
rearward and then 3 mm (10 ft.) forward to make
sure the axle is disengaged.(3) Shift transmission to Neutral.
(4) Turn off engine with the ignition key in the un-
locked OFF position.
(5) Shift transfer case lever from 2H to N (NEU-
TRAL) position.
(6) Shift manual transmission into gear or auto-
matic transmission into P (PARK).
WARNING: WITH THE TRANSFER CASE IN NEU-
TRAL POSITION, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL UN-
EXPECTEDLY. THE PARKING BRAKE SHOULD
ALWAYS BE APPLIED BEFORE THE TOW BAR IS
ATTACHED.
(7) Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.
CAUTION: Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on
tow bar, damage to bumper face bar may occur.
0 - 14 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
(3) Remove oil fill cap.
(4) Place a suitable drain pan under crankcase
drain.
(5) Remove drain plug from crankcase and allow
oil to drain into pan. Inspect drain plug threads for
stretching or other damage. Replace drain plug and
gasket if damaged.
(6) Install drain plug in crankcase.
(7) Lower vehicle and fill crankcase with specified
type and amount of engine oil described in this sec-
tion.
(8) Install oil fill cap.
(9) Start engine and inspect for leaks.
(10) Stop engine and inspect oil level.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
FILTER SPECIFICATION
CAUTION: Do not use oil filter with metric threads.
The proper oil filter has SAE type 3/4 X 16 threads.
An oil filter with metric threads can result in oil
leaks and engine failure.
All Jeep engines are equipped with a high quality
full-flow, throw-away type oil filter. Chrysler Corpo-
ration recommends a Mopar or equivalent oil filter be
used.
OIL FILTER REMOVAL
(1) Position a drain pan under the oil filter.
(2) Using a suitable oil filter wrench loosen filter.
(3) Rotate the oil filter counterclockwise to remove
it from the cylinder block oil filter boss (Fig. 6 and 7).
(4) When filter separates from adapter nipple, tip
gasket end upward to minimize oil spill. Remove fil-
ter from vehicle.
(5) With a wiping cloth, clean the gasket sealing
surface (Fig. 8) of oil and grime.
OIL FILTER INSTALLATION
(1) Lightly lubricate oil filter gasket with engine
oil or chassis grease.
(2) Thread filter onto adapter nipple. When gasket
makes contact with sealing surface, (Fig. 8) hand
tighten filter one full turn, do not over tighten.
(3) Add oil, verify crankcase oil level and start en-
gine. Inspect for oil leaks.
Fig. 5 Engine Oil Dipstick Ð 4.0L EngineFig. 6 Oil FilterÐ2.5L Engine
Fig. 7 Oil Filter Ð 4.0L Engine
Fig. 8 Oil Filter Sealing SurfaceÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 17
(2) Remove the air cleaner element from the body/
housing.
(3) Hold a shop light on throttle body side of ele-
ment. Inspect air intake side of element. If element
is saturated with oil or light is not visible, replace fil-
ter. If element is saturated with oil, perform crank-
case ventilation system tests.
(4) Wash the air cleaner cover and body/housing
(Fig. 10) with cleaning solvent and wipe dry.
(5) Install the air cleaner element and attach the
cover to the body/housing.
CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM
All Jeep 2.5L and 4.0L engines are equipped with a
crankcase ventilation (CCV) system. Refer to Group
25 Emissions, for additional information.
FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter requires service only when a fuel
contamination problem is suspected. For proper diag-
nostic and service procedures refer to Group 14, Fuel
System.
FUEL USAGE STATEMENTÐGAS ENGINES
Jeep vehicles are designed to meet all emission reg-
ulations and provide excellent fuel economy using
high quality unleaded gasoline. Only use unleaded
gasolines having a minimum posted octane of 87.
If a Jeep vehicle develops occasional light spark
knock (ping) at low engine speeds, this is not harm-
ful. However,continued heavy knock at high
speeds can cause damage and should be
checked immediately.
In addition to using unleaded gasoline with the
proper octane rating,those that contain deter-
gents, corrosion and stability additives are rec-
ommended.Using gasolines that have these
additives will help improve fuel economy, reduce
emissions and maintain vehicle performance.
Poor quality gasolinecan cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling and stumble. If these prob-
lems occur, use another brand of gasoline before con-
sidering servicing the vehicle.
GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with
materials that contain oxygen such as alcohol, MTBE
and ETBE. The type and amount of oxygenate used
in the blend is important. The following are generally
used in gasoline blends:
ETHANOL
Ethanol (Ethyl or Grain Alcohol) properly blended,
is used as a mixture of 10 percent ethanol and 90
percent gasoline.Gasoline with ethanol may be
used in your vehicle.
METHANOL
CAUTION: Do not use gasolines containing metha-
nol. Use of methanol/gasoline blends may result in
starting and driveability problems. In addition, dam-
age may be done to critical fuel system compo-
nents.
Methanol (Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is used in a va-
riety of concentrations blended with unleaded gaso-
Fig. 9 Air Cleaner & Filter ElementÐ2.5L and 4.0L
Engines
Fig. 10 Air Cleaner Body/Housing & Cover
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 19
ENGINE SUPPORTS
The general condition of the engine supports
should be inspected when engine compartment or un-
der vehicle service is performed.
INSPECTION
(1) Test the hardware that attaches the engine cyl-
inder block to the engine support brackets (Figs. 11
and 12) for the specified tightening torque.(2) Inspect the rubber in the engine support cush-
ions for softening and swelling. Slight surface deteri-
oration and wear at the ends will not affect the
functioning of an engine support.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
Inspect and adjust drive belts at the interval de-
scribed in the Lubrication and Maintenance Sched-
ules. Refer to General Information section of this
group. For proper inspection and adjustment proce-
dures, see Group 7, Cooling System.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The exhaust system should be inspected when un-
der vehicle service is performed or as specified in the
Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules.
INSPECTION
When inspecting an exhaust system, inspect for
cracked or loose joints, stripped screw/bolt threads,
corrosion damage, and worn or broken hangers
(Slight cracking in rubber isolator or hanger is ac-
ceptable). Replace all components that are corroded
or damaged. Do not attempt repair. Also, inspect for
the following obvious conditions and correct as neces-
sary:
²Exhaust system leaks, damage, misalignment.
²Contact with body panels metal or the frame.
²Catalytic converter bulging or excessive heat dam-
age.
CAUTION: A catalytic converter will become con-
taminated if leaded gasoline is burned in the en-
gine. If this occurs, the complete converter must be
replaced.
For proper service procedures see Group 11, Ex-
haust System and Intake Manifold.
AIR-CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR
LUBRICANT AND REFRIGERANT
The lubricant level in the air-conditioner compres-
sor should be checked if there are indications that oil
was lost. Loss of lubricating oil usually accompanies
a loss of refrigerant.
For additional information involving the A/C sys-
tem, refer to Group 24, Heater And Air Conditioning.
Fig. 11 Front Engine SupportÐTypical
Fig. 12 Rear Engine SupportÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 21
DRIVETRAIN
INDEX
page page
Automatic Transmission.................... 23
Clutch and Brake Pedal Bushings............. 22
Clutch Master Cylinder..................... 22
Drive Shafts............................. 26Front and Rear Axles...................... 24
Manual Transmission...................... 22
Rubber and Plastic Hoses/Tubing............. 26
Transfer Case (4WD Vehicles)................ 24
CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL BUSHINGS
If the clutch and brake pedal mechanism squeaks,
the pivot bushings should be lubricated. Use Mopar
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, or an equivalent. Refer to
Group 5, Brakes for location of bushings.
CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
LEVEL INSPECTION
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW PETROLEUM OR WA-
TER BASE LIQUIDS TO CONTAMINATE CLUTCH
FLUID, SEAL DAMAGE AND CLUTCH FAILURE CAN
RESULT.
The clutch reservoir level should be inspected when
other underhood service is performed. (Fig. 1)
The fluid level is determined by its height in rela-
tion to the level indicator ring (Fig. 2) located inside
the reservoir. Add fluid until the height is level with
the indicator ring.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
Use Mopar, Brake And Hydraulic Clutch Fluid or
equivalent. Use only brake fluid conforming to DOT
3, Federal, Department of Transportation specifica-
tion. To avoid fluid contamination, use fluid from a
properly sealed container.CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an unsealed container. In addition, do not use
fluid from a container that has been opened and al-
lowed to stand for an extended length of time.
Moisture in the air can be absorbed by the fluid,
which causes dilution with loss of effectiveness.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The manual transmission should be inspected for
oil leaks and proper oil level when other under vehi-
cle service is performed.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION
When it becomes necessary to add to or change the
lube oil in a Jeep manual transmission, use SAE
75W-90, API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant.
LUBRICANT LEVEL
The fill-hole plug for all manual transmissions is
located on the right side of the case (Fig. 3). Deter-
mine the lubricant level according to the following
procedure.
(1) Remove the fill-hole plug (Fig. 3) from the
transmission. The lube oil should be level with the
bottom edge of the fill hole. The level can be slightly
below the bottom edge of the fill hole if the lube oil is
cold.
Fig. 1 Clutch Reservoir LocationÐTypical
Fig. 2 Hydraulic Clutch Fluid LevelÐTypical
0 - 22 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any special-type fluid to a Jeep au-
tomatic transmission is not recommended. The only
exception is the addition of black-light detection dye
to aid in detecting the source of ATF leaks. The use
of transmission sealing additives should also be
avoided.
Black-light detection dye is factory-installed
in automatic transmissions and, unless the ATF
has been drained and re-placed, it is not neces-
sary to add dye.
FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should
be changed at the intervals described in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this Group. Refer to
Group 21, Transmission for proper service proce-
dures.
TRANSFER CASE (4WD VEHICLES)
The transfer case should be inspected for fluid
leaks and proper fluid level when other under vehicle
service is performed.
FLUID LEVEL
The transfer case fill hole plug is located at the
rear of the housing (Fig. 5).
Determine the transfer case fluid (ATF) level ac-
cording to the following procedure.(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill hole plug from the transfer case
(Fig. 5). The fluid (ATF) level should be at the bottom
edge of the fill hole. The level can be slightly below
the bottom edge of the fill hole if the fluid is cold.
(3) If the level is not acceptable, raise the fluid
level to the bottom edge of the fill hole.
(4) Install the fill hole plug (Fig. 5). Tighten the fill
hole plug to 48 Nzm (35 ft-lbs) torque.
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
FLUID DRAIN AND REFILL
The Transfer Case should be serviced as specified
in the Lubrication and Maintenance Schedules.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill hole plug (Fig. 5) from the
transfer case.
(3) Place an appropriate container under the trans-
fer case drain hole plug (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove the drain hole plug and drain the ATF
from the transfer case into the container.
CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the drain and fill hole
plugs. Over-tightening can strip the hole threads
and/or crack the aluminum housing.
(5) Install the drain hole plug in the transfer case.
Tighten the drain hole plug to 27 Nzm (20 ft-lbs)
torque.
(6) Fill the transfer case to the bottom edge of the
fill hole.
(7) Install the fill hole plug in the transfer case
Tighten the plug to 27 Nzm (20 ft-lbs) torque.
(8) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
If it is necessary to add fluid to a transfer case (or
when the fluid is changed), use MOPAR ATF PLUS
type 7176 or an equivalent Mercon/Dexron III ATF.
FRONT AND REAR AXLES
The front and rear axles should be inspected for
fluid leaks and proper fluid level when other under
vehicle service is performed. Refer to the Lubrication
and Maintenance Schedule service intervals.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
For normal vehicle operation, use SAE 75W-90,
API Quality Grade GL-5 gear lubricant in all Jeep
front (4WD only) and rear axles. Vehicles equipped
with a Trac-Lok rear axle also require a friction mod-
ifier additive included with the gear lubricant.
When involved in trailer towing applications
use SAE 80W-140, API Quality Grade GL-5 gear
lubricant in the rear axle. XJ Vehicles equipped
with a class III trailer hitch require SAE 75W-
140 synthetic gear lubricant in the rear axle.
Fig. 4 Dipstick & ATF Level
Fig. 5 Transfer CaseÐTypical
0 - 24 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
(6) Remove the support stands and lower the vehi-
cle.
(7) Tighten the front shackle plate nut (Fig. 3) to
135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Tighten the rear eye bracket nut to 142 Nzm
(105 ft. lbs.) torque.
LEAF SPRING EYE BUSHING REPLACEMENT
(1) Assemble tools shown (Fig. 4). Tighten the nut
located at the socket wrench end of the threaded rod
until the bushing is forced out.
(2) Assemble and align the bushing installation
tools.
(3) Align the bushing with the spring eye and
tighten the nut located at the socket wrench end of
the threaded rod. Tighten until the bushing is forced
into the spring eye.
The bushing must be centered in the spring
eye. The ends of the bushing must be flush or
slightly recessed within the end surfaces of the
spring eye.
Fig. 4 Spring Eye Bushing Removal
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 17