check transmission fluid JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 2013 Owners Manual

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
ingestion.
CAUTION!• Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, trans-
fer case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you
drive too fast or through too deep of water. Water
can cause permanent damage to engine, driveline
or other vehicle components, and your brakes will
be less effective once wet and/or muddy.
• This vehicle is capable of crossing through water at
a depth of 30 inches (76 cm) at speeds no greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h). Water ingestion can occur
causing damage to your vehicle. Before You Cross Any Type Of Water
As you approach any type of water, you need to deter-
mine if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If neces-
sary, get out and walk through the water or probe it with
a stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle,
current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or
muddy waters; check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife, and you can
recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing
is the water depth, current and bottom conditions. On
soft bottoms, the vehicle will sink in, effectively increas-
ing the water level on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this
when determining the depth and the ability to safely
cross.
5 STARTING AND OPERATING 447

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.
Parking Brake
452 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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 loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the transmis-
sion fluid and filter as specified for  police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing.  Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.530 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
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.566 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!• Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque con-
verter shudder. Using a transmission fluid other
than that recommended by the manufacturer, and
will require more frequent fluid and filter changes.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further fluid speci-
fication.
• If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately. Severe transmission
damage may occur. Your authorized dealer has the
proper tools to adjust the fluid level accurately. Fluid Level Check
It is best to check the fluid level when the transmission is
at normal operating temperature (approximately 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 between the fingertips.
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.586 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), 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 reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
The fluid level should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes on the dipstick at normal operating
temperature. If the fluid level is low, add fluid through
the dipstick tube to bring it to the proper level. 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 recheck-
ing the fluid level. NOTE:
• The holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if the
actual level is at or above the hole.
• If it is necessary to check the transmission below the
operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with
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 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 587

7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
sure 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.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter(s) if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason. Clutch Hydraulic System (Manual Transmission) –
If Equipped
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 the
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 transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.588 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals .
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals. At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 615

Fluid Level Check ..................... .586
Fluid Type .......................... .585
Special Additives ...................... .585
Autostick .............................. .426
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ....... .182
Auxiliary Power Outlet .................... .182
Axle Lock .............................. .433
Battery ................................ .570
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........27
Belts, Seat ...............................48
Body Mechanism Lubrication ................ .572
Brake Assist System ...................... .457
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. .456
Brake System ........................... .583
Anti-Lock (ABS) ...................... .455
Master Cylinder ....................... .583
Parking ............................. .452
Warning Light ........................ .302 Brake/Transmission Interlock ................ .419
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .........98
Bulb Replacement ........................ .606
Bulbs, Light ............................ .103
Calibration, Compass ..................... .318
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .610
Caps, Filler
Fuel ............................... .510
Power Steering ....................... .451
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .............. .580
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. .100
Cargo Light ............................ .172
Car Washes ............................ .592
Cellular Phone ...........................114
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............. .609
Certification Label ........................ .513
Chains, Tire ............................ .492
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .540
10 INDEX 635

Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... .569
Air Conditioning ...................... .402
Engine Oil ........................... .569
Engine Oil Disposal .................... .568
Flashers
Hazard Warning ...................... .538
Turn Signal .......................... .103
Flash-To-Pass ........................... .170
Flooded Engine Starting .....................411
Fluid Capacities ......................... .610
Fluid Leaks ............................ .103
Fluid Level Checks ....................... .590
Engine Oil ........................... .566
Manual Transmission ................... .589
Power Steering ....................... .451
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........611
Fog Lights ............................. .170
Fog Light Service ........................ .608 Fold and Tumble Rear Seat ................. .161
Folding Rear Seat ........................ .164
Folding Windshield ....................... .286
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. .538
Four Wheel Drive ........................ .428
Four Wheel Drive Operation ................ .428
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .................... .552
Front Axle (Differential) .................... .590
Fuel .................................. .506
Adding ............................. .510
Additives ........................... .509
Clean Air ........................... .507
Ethanol ............................. .507
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................... .510
Gasoline ............................ .506
Gauge .............................. .300
Materials Added ...................... .509
Methanol ........................... .507
Octane Rating ........................ .506
10 INDEX 639