2008 JEEP WRANGLER check transmission fluid

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

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

•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “In-
strument Cluster Description” section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 429
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
430 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
MA I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............208,309
Adding Fuel ........................... 340
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 198
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 389
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 390
Air Conditioning ..................... 261,264
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 264
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 265
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 391
Air Conditioning System .................. 264
Air Filter .............................. 389
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 322
Airbag ................................ 51
Airbag Deployment ....................... 57
Airbag Light ......................... 60,208
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 59
Airbag, Side ............................ 57
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 328 Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 255
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 424
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............105,309
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 208
Appearance Care ........................ 406
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Audio Systems (Radio) .................... 250
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 37
Automatic Transmission ................... 401
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 401
Fluid Level Check ...................... 401
Fluid Type ........................... 401
Gear Ranges .......................... 281
Shifting ............................. 281
Special Additives ...................... 403
Torque Converter ...................... 285
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ....... 116
Auxiliary Power Outlet .................... 116
446 INDEX

Engine Oil........................... 385
Finish Care ............................ 407
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 364
Turn Signal ..................... 207,421,422
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 273
Fluid Capacities ......................... 424
Fluid Level Checks ...................... 405
Automatic Transmission ................. 401
Engine Oil ........................... 383
Manual Transmission ................... 404
Power Steering ........................ 391
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 425
Fog Light Service ........................ 422
Fog Lights ........................... 99,422
Fold and Tumble Rear Seat .................. 89
Folding Rear Seat ........................ 92
Folding Windshield ...................... 191
Four Wheel Drive ....................... 285 Shifting
............................. 287
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ 285
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 364
Front Axle (Differential) ................... 405
Fuel ................................. 336
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 340
Filter ............................... 388
Gasoline ............................ 336
Gauge .............................. 206
Materials Added ....................... 338
Octane Rating ........................ 336
Requirements ......................... 424
Tank Capacity ........................ 424
Fuel System Caution ................... 338,341
Fuses ................................ 413
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............340,380
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 336
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 336
INDEX 451
10