Axle JEEP WRANGLER 2012 JK / 3.G Owner's Manual

Engine/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Manual 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 6,430 lbs (2 916 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 6,454 lbs (2 927 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Manual 4.10 2–Door Rubi-
con Model(4WD) 6,507 lbs (2 951 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 4.10 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 6,533 lbs (2 963 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32 sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg)200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Manual 3.21 Four–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 5,742 lbs (2 604 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
474 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Manual 3.73 Four–Door
SportModel(4WD) 8,242 lbs (3 738 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Four–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 8,257 lbs (3 745 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Manual 3.21 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 5,782 lbs (2 623 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/
Manual 3.73 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 8,282 lbs (3 757 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 3.73 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 8,297 lbs (3 763 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 475

Engine/Trans-
mission Axle Model GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Manual 4.10 Four–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,406 lbs (3 813 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
3.6L/
Auto- matic 4.10 Four–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,431 lbs (3 824 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 3,500 lbs
(1 587 kg)350 lbs
(159 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo
(ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
476 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside-to-side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The trailer tongue weight.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 477

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire Safety Information/Tire
and Loading Information Placard” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
NOTE: Trailer towing requires special rear axle lubri-
cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
(Continued)
478 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to the brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steer-
ing, suspension, chassis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning corners.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. With a manual transmis-
sion, shift the transmission into first gear. And
with four-wheel-drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in N (Neutral). Always, block
orchock the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 479

4. Operate the jack from the front or the rear of the
vehicle. Place the jack under the axle tube, as shown.Do
not raise the vehicle until you are sure the jack is fully
engaged.
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right.
Raise the vehicle till the tire is raised from the surface of
the road. Minimum tire lift provides maximum stability.
Rear Jacking Location
Front Jacking Location
498 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left,
and remove the jack.
9. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. The correct
wheel nut tightness is 95 ft lbs (130 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service
station.
10. Remove the jack assembly and wheel blocks.
11. Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper loca-
tions.
12. Remove blocks from wheels.WARNING!
A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop, could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Road Tire Installation
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped
end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug
nuts.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack,
do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is
lowered to the ground.
500 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are
mounted in the front and the rear.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING!
•Chains are not recommended for freeing a stuck
vehicle. Chains may break, causing serious injury
or death.
•Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
hooks. Tow straps may become disengaged, caus-
ing serious injury.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle. Tow straps are recommended
when towing the vehicle, chains may cause vehicle
damage.
506 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Brake System ....................... 535
▫ Automatic Transmission – If Equipped ..... 537
▫ Hydraulic Clutch Fluid – Manual
Transmission ....................... 539
▫ Manual Transmission – If Equipped ....... 539
▫ Transfer Case ....................... 540
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid ................. 541
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 541
 Fuses .............................. 549
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module ......... 549
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 554
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 555 
Bulb Replacement ..................... 556
▫ Headlamp ......................... 556
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal ................ 557
▫ Front Side Marker .................... 557
▫ Front Fog Lamp ..................... 557
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lamp ............................. 558
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 558
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 559
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 560
▫ Engine ............................ 560
▫ Chassis ........................... 561
512 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE