2012 JEEP WRANGLER check transmission fluid

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
414 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a
lower gear range.NOTE:
Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive 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 “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 483

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
engine oil level should be checked five minutes after a
warmed up engine has been shut off.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when the
reading is at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a
reading at the top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months,
whichever occurs first.
518 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature, the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
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 the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the shift 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.After
adding 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
538 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the fluid at approximately 80° F (27° C). If the fluid level
is correctly established at 80° F (27° C), it should be
between the HOT (upper) reference holes when the
transmission reaches 180° F (82° C). Remember it is best
to check the level at the normal operating temperature.
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 position, as long as its seal remains
engaged in the dipstick tube.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid – Manual Transmission
The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only
manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 539

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.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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
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S566 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............272,417
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 532
Adding Fuel ........................... 465
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 520
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 522
Air Conditioning ........................ 354
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 354
Air Conditioning Filter .................365,523
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 523
Air Conditioning System ................354,358
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 366
Air Filter .............................. 520
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 444
Airbag ................................ 58
Airbag Deployment ....................... 67
Airbag Light ..................... 65,69,87,273
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 69
Airbag, Side ............................ 65
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 19 Alarm Light
........................... 274
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................317,342
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 417
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 272
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................ 559
Appearance Care ........................ 541
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 19
Assistance Towing ....................... 114
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 40
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 37
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ............. 292
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 358
Automatic Transmission ................382,537
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 537
Fluid Level Check .................... 538
Fluid Type ......................... 537
Special Additives ..................... 537
Autostick ............................. 389
592 INDEX

Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 162
Auxiliary Power Outlet ................... 162
Axle Lock ............................. 395
Battery ............................... 521
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 25
Belts, Seat ............................ 46,87
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 526
Brake Assist System ...................... 420
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 419
Brake System ........................... 535
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 417
Master Cylinder ..................... 535
Parking ........................... 414
Warning Light ....................... 271
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 382
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 84
Bulb Replacement ..................... 555,556
Bulbs, Light ............................ 89 Calibration, Compass
.................. 286,295
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 559
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 465
Power Steering ...................... 413
Car Washes ............................ 542
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............86,464
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 466
Cargo Light ............................ 154
Cellular Phone ........................ 99,354
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 558
Certification Label ....................... 466
Chains, Tire ............................ 452
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 493
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 434
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............280,515
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
10
INDEX 593