2008 JEEP WRANGLER automatic transmission fluid

WARNING!
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, which may result in
severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a
hill in REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes. Never
drive diagonally across a hill, always drive straight
up or down.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible, and only
be attempted when necessary in a safe responsible man-
ner. You should only drive through areas which are
designated and approved. You should tread lightly andavoid damage to the environment. You should know
your vehicles abilities and be able to recover it if some-
thing goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do
not attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested
water first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. Shift
into 1st gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic
transmission), with the transfer case in the 4L (Low)
position and proceed very slowly with a constant slow
speed {3 to 5 mph (5 to 8 km/h) maximum} and light
throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate
through the crossing. After crossing any water higher
than the bottom of the axle differentials, you should
inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water inges-
tion.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1st gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
OVERDRIVE range should be selected.
NOTE:Using “O/D OFF” while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
mission fluid change intervals. NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — O/D Off
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, select the “O/D OFF” feature when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Driveline And Steering Component
Lubrication ..........................392
▫ Body Lubrication .....................392
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................392
▫ Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....393
▫ Exhaust System ......................393
▫ Cooling System .......................394
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......399
▫ Brake System ........................399
▫ Automatic Transmission ................401
▫ Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual
Transmission ........................403
▫ Manual Transmission ..................403
▫ Transfer Case ........................404 ▫
Front/Rear Axle Fluid ..................405
▫ Maintenance After Off-Road Driving ........405
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................406
 Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module) ......413
 Vehicle Storage ........................419
 Replacement Bulbs — If Equipped ...........420
 Bulb Replacement ......................420
▫ Head Light ..........................420
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal .................421
▫ Front Side Marker .....................422
▫ Front Fog Light ......................422
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lights .............................422
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid. Seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
in this section for the correct fluid type. It is important
that the transmission fluid be maintained at the pre-
scribed level using the recommended fluid.
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
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check — 42RLE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
7

To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a solid coating of oil is seen
on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.Afteradding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F (21° C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes when the transmission reaches 180° F (21°
C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50° F
(10° C), it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is
normal for the dipstick cap to spring back slightly from
its fully seated positions, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid — Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts in this section for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission MOPARManual Transmission Lubricant or equivalent (meeting the require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-9224)
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Front) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) 198 RBI (Model 35) and 226 RBI (Model 44) - MOPARGear & Axle Lubri-
cant (SAE 80W-90) (API GL-5) or equivalent. For trailer towing, use MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant (SAE 75W-140) or equivalent. Models
equipped with Trac-Lok™ require an additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items MilesKilometers or Months
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary. 24,000
40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,00050 000 30
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C). 30,000
50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid. 30,00050 000 30
Change the automatic transmission fluid and main
sump filter if using your vehicle for any of the follow-
ing: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing. 60,000
100 000 60
432 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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