fluid JEEP WRANGLER 2003 Owners Manual

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.

When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.

When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.

To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from battery
vent holes. Always wear eye protection when work-
ing with batteries. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source that has a greater than
12–volt system, i.e. do not use a 24–volt power
source.
Use the “Jump Starting” procedure only when the
charge indicator is dark in the center. Do not attempt
jump starting when the battery charge indicator is
bright or yellow. If the charge indicator is dark and
has a green dot in the center, failure to start is not
due to a discharged battery and the cranking system
should be checked.

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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263

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.

Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the BRAKE warning light shows system failure
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level

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

When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.

To prevent personal injury or damage to clothing, do
not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or
fabrics. Do not lean over a battery when connecting
jumper cables or allow cable clamps to touch each
other. Keep open flames or sparks away from battery
vent holes. Always wear eye protection when work-
ing with batteries. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source that has a greater than
12–volt system, i.e. do not use a 24–volt power
source.
Use the “Jump Starting” procedure only when the
charge indicator is dark in the center. Do not attempt
jump starting when the battery charge indicator is
bright or yellow. If the charge indicator is dark and
has a green dot in the center, failure to start is not
due to a discharged battery and the cranking system
should be checked.