2004 JEEP WRANGLER service interval

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time-babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the ADD and SAFE markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the ADD mark will result in a SAFE reading
on these engines.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Trailer towing
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operating with E±85 (ethanol) fuel
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule ªBº of the ªMainte-
nance Schedulesº section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule ªAº of the ªMain-
tenance Schedulesº section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
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WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
²Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
²Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Engine Timing Belt Ð 2.4L Engine
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Ignition Wiring System Ð 2.4L Engine
Replace the ignition cables at the intervals described in
the appropriate maintenance schedule.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
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WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer's recommended
fluid.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Driveline And Steering Component Lubrication
U-joints (cardan joints) are sealed and do not require
lubrication. Prop shafts, yokes, ball joints and other
driveline and steering components may be provided with
grease fittings for lubrication. Lubrication of these com-
ponents at the intervals specified in the appropriate
ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 is very important,
particularly if your vehicle is subjected to off-road or
other heavy-duty use. See your authorized dealer for
complete service information.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, tailgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particularattention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Keep the blade
rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
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Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 243
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