
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

CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will over-
heat and could fail.
(6) Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to at
least 12.4 volts (75%charge) before attempting to
start engine. If engine does not start within 15 sec-
onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 min.), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect BLACK
cable clamp from battery negative terminal. Discon-
nect RED cable clamp from battery positive terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal on disabled vehicle.
PORTABLE STARTING UNIT
There are many types of portable starting units
available for starting engines. Follow the manufac-
turer's instructions and observe the listed precau-
tions when involved in any engine starting
procedure.
HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Refer to the Owner's Manual for emergency vehicle
lifting procedures.
FLOOR JACK
When properly positioned, a floor jack can be used
to lift a Jeep vehicle (Fig. 2 and 3). Support the ve-
hicle in the raised position with jack stands at the
front and rear ends of the frame rails.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to lift a Jeep vehicle with
a floor jack positioned under:
²An axle tube.
²A body side sill.
²A steering linkage component.
²A drive shaft.
²The engine or transmission oil pan.
²The fuel tank.
²A front suspension arm.
Use the correct sub-frame rail or frame rail
lifting locations only (Fig. 2 and 3).
HOIST
A vehicle can be lifted with:
²A single-post, frame-contact hoist.
²A twin-post, chassis hoist.
²A ramp-type, drive-on hoist.
When a frame-contact type hoist is used, ver-
ify that the lifting pads are positioned properly
(Fig. 2 and 3).WARNING: THE HOISTING AND JACK LIFTING
POINTS PROVIDED ARE FOR A COMPLETE VEHI-
CLE. WHEN A CHASSIS OR DRIVETRAIN COMPO-
NENT IS REMOVED FROM A VEHICLE, THE
CENTER OF GRAVITY IS ALTERED MAKING SOME
HOISTING CONDITIONS UNSTABLE. PROPERLY
SUPPORT OR SECURE VEHICLE TO HOISTING DE-
VICE WHEN THESE CONDITIONS EXIST.
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
A vehicle equipped with SAE approved sling-type
towing equipment can be used to tow all Jeep vehi-
cles. When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift
towing device, use a tow dolly under the opposite end
of the vehicle. A vehicle with flat-bed device can also
be used to transport a disabled vehicle (Fig. 4).
A wooden crossbeam may be required for proper
connection when using the sling-type, front-end tow-
ing method.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
²Secure loose and protruding parts.
²Always use a safety chain system that is indepen-
dent of the lifting and towing equipment.
²Do not allow towing equipment to contact the dis-
abled vehicle's fuel tank.
²Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle
while it is lifted by the towing device.
Fig. 2 Vehicle Lifting LocationsÐTypical
0 - 10 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ

TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED (SLING-TYPE)
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air
dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To
avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehi-
cle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
If a 2WD XJ vehicle cannot be towed with the rear
wheels lifted, it can be towed with the front wheels
lifted.
(1) Attach a J-hook to the disabled vehicle at the
left side of the axle.
(2) Position the sling crossbar close to the J-hook
and below the front bumper.
(3) Secure a chain to the right side of vehicle by
placing it over the axle shaft tube and attaching it to
a structural member (Fig. 5).
(4) Attach the safety chains to the vehicle.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
2WD-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Provided the transmission is operable, tow only in
NEUTRALat speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50
km/h) and distances less than 15 miles (25km/h).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles,
the propeller shaft should be disconnected or place
tow dollies under rear wheels.
2WD-MANUAL TRANSMISSION
To reduce the possible damage of transmission com-
ponents, the propeller shaft must be removed or
place tow dollies under the rear wheels before tow-
ing. Refer to Propeller Shafts, Group 16 for proper
removal procedure.
FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be
transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift or
Sling-type device can be used provided all the wheels
are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.
TOWING-REAR END LIFTED (SLING-TYPE)
4WD XJ VEHICLES
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground
and install tow dollies under front wheels.
(2) Attach J-hooks around the rear axle shaft tube
outboard of the shock absorber.
(3) Place the sling crossbar under and forward of
the bumper.
(4) Attach safety chains around the frame rails.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
(6) Secure steering wheel in the straight ahead po-
sition with a clamp device designed for towing.
(7) Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
4WD YJ VEHICLES
Use Wheel-Lift equipment and Tow Dollies
when towing from the rear end of the vehicle.
TOWING-FRONT END LIFTED (SLING-TYPE)
4WD XJ VEHICLES
(1) Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and
install tow dollies under rear wheels.
(2) Attach a J-hook to the disabled vehicle at the
left side of front the axle.
(3) Position the sling crossbar close to the J-hook
and below the front bumper (Fig. 6).
(4) Secure a chain to the right side of vehicle by
placing it over the axle shaft tube and attaching it to
a structural member
(4) Attach the safety chains to the vehicle.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
(6) Shift transfer case to NEUTRAL.
Fig. 5 Sling-Type, Front-End Towing (XJ Rear View)
Fig. 6 Sling-Type, Front-End Towing (XJ Front View)
0 - 12 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ

4WD YJ VEHICLES
(1) Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and
install tow dollies under rear wheels.
CAUTION: Use tow chains with T-hooks for con-
necting to the disabled vehicle's frame rails. Never
use J-hooks.
(2) Attach the T-hooks to the slots in the front end
of each frame rail (Fig. 7).
(3) Position each safety chain over the top of each
front spring and inboard of each front spring shackle.
(4) Double wrap each chain.
(5) Position the sling crossbar under the front
bumper.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
(7) Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not avail-
able, use a flat bed hauler. A Wheel-lift or Sling-type
device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted
off the ground using tow dollies (Fig. 8).
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS
WARNING: REMAIN AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM A
VEHICLE THAT IS BEING TOWED VIA ITS TOW
HOOKS. THE TOW STRAPS/CHAINS COULD BREAK
AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.
Some Jeep vehicles are equipped with front and
rear emergency tow hooks (Fig. 9). The tow hooks
should be used forEMERGENCYpurposes only.CAUTION: DO NOT use emergency tow hooks for
tow truck hook-up or highway towing.
FLAT TOWING (4 TIRES/WHEELS ON
SURFACE)
Tow a vehicle in this manner only when all four
wheels will freely rotate. Prepare the vehicle accord-
ing to the following procedures.
2WD VEHICLES
(1) Mark the drive shaft and the axle drive pinion
gear shaft yoke for installation alignment reference.
(2) Remove the drive shaft. Install a protective cov-
ering over the drive shaft U-joints to retain them as-
sembled and protected.
Fig. 7 Sling-Type, Front-End Towing (YJ Vehicles)
Fig. 8 Sling-Type, Front-End Towing With Rear
Wheels On A Tow Dolly
Fig. 9 Emergency Front Tow HooksÐXJ & YJ
Vehicles
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 13

(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

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

LUBRICANT LEVEL
Determine the axle differential housing lubricant
level according to the following procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the fill-hole plug (Fig. 6 and 7) from
the axle differential housing cover. The gear lubri-
cant should be 13 mm (1/2 inch) below the bottom
edge of the fill hole.
(3) If not acceptable, raise the lubricant level to 13
mm (1/2 inch) below the bottom edge of the fill hole.
Add lubricant in small amounts to raise the
level.
(4) Install the fill-hole plug in the differential
housing cover. Tighten the plug with 34 NÉm (25 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
LUBRICANT CHANGE
When it becomes necessary to change the axle lu-
bricant in a Jeep front or rear axle, use the following
procedure.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.(2) Place a container under the axle differential
housing.
(3) Remove the axle differential housing cover
bolts. Remove the housing cover.
(4) Allow the axle gear lubricant to completely
drain into the container.
CAUTION: Do not flush a rear axle Trac-Lok differ-
ential. Trac-Lok differentials may be cleaned only by
disassembling the unit and wiping the components
with clean, lint-free cloth.
(5) Flush the inside of the differential housing
with a flushing oil.Do not use water, steam, ker-
osene or gasoline for flushing.
(6) Remove any residual RTV sealant/gasket mate-
rial from the differential housing and cover. Thor-
oughly clean the contact surfaces with mineral spirits
and dry the surfaces completely.
(7) Apply a bead of MOPAR RTV Sealant, or an
equivalent sealant, around the bolt circle on the
housing and on the cover (Fig. 8).
If differential housing cover is not installed
within 20 minutes after applying sealant, the
sealant must be removed and another bead ap-
plied.
(8) Install the cover on the differential housing
with the attaching bolts (Fig. 9). Tighten the cover
bolts with 47 Nzm (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Remove the fill-hole plug and add the replace-
ment gear lubricant to the differential housing. Refer
to Specifications above.
(10) Install the fill-hole plug. Tighten the plug
with 34 NÉm (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 6 Rear AxleÐTypical
Fig. 7 Front Axle (4WD)ÐTypical
Fig. 8 RTV Sealant ApplicationÐTypical
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 25