2002 JEEP WRANGLER transmission

If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway byturning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4L (Low) range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 205

If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway byturning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4L (Low) range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 205

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find information on limits to the
type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle.
Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the
“Maintenance Schedules” section. When your vehicle is
used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds to
the load on your vehicle.
The “D” Overdrive range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting occurs move the shift lever
to the next lower position to eliminate excessive auto-
matic transmission shifting. This action will also reduce
the possibility of transmission overheating and provide
better engine braking. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section for additional information.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into P (Park) with the transfer case
in N (Neutral) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in N (Neutral) ensure that the engine is
off prior to shifting the transmission into P (Park)
(refer to steps7 – 8 above).

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission momen-
tarily into each gear position ending in P (Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275

Cavity Fuse/Color Description
1 40 Amp Green HEVAC
2 40 Amp Green HBL (Rear Window De-
froster)
3 40 Amp Green Exterior Lighting
4 40 Amp Green Radiator Fan
5 20 Amp Yellow Transmission
6 30 Amp Pink Starter
7 Open
8 40 Amp Green ABS Motor
9 20 Amp Yellow ASD
10 40 Amp Green HD/LP
11 Open IOD Storage
12 30 Amp Pink ABS Valve

Cavity Fuse/Color Description
29 Relay ASD
30 Relay A/C Clutch
31 Relay Transmission
32 Relay Starter
33 Relay ABS
34 Open
35 Relay Fog Lamp
36 Relay Horn
37 Relay Fuel Pump
38 Relay HBL (Rear Window De-
froster)
39 Relay Front Differential Locker
(Rubicon) or High Speed
Fan (2.4L Engines)
40 Relay Rear Differential Locker
(Rubicon) or Low Speed
Fan (2.4L Engines)
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289