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1987-2017 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Routine Maintenance FAQ

Jeep Wrangler

Modern vehicles need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments. You no longer need to do a tune-up every six months or change the oil every three months, but regular service and check-ups are still essential to your vehicle’s longevity. What follows is our quick reference guide for the modern Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987-95), TJ (1996-2006), and JK (2007-2017) with various gasoline 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder and V6 engines, taken directly from Haynes manual 50030.

Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.

Oil Change

Oil Type API grade “certified for gasoline engines”
   
Oil Viscosity  
Four-cylinder engines and 4.2L inline six cylinder engines  
Below 32-degrees F SAE 5W-30
Above 32-degrees F SAE 10W-30
4.0L inline six-cylinder engines SAE 10W-30
3.6L V6 engine SAE 5W-30
3.8L V6 engine SAE 5W-20
   
Oil Capacity (with new oil filter)  
Four-cylinder engines 4 qts
Six-cylinder engines 6 qts
   
Recommended fastener torque  
Oil filter housing cap (3.6L V6 engine) 103 in-lbs
Engine oil drain plug  
All except V6 engines 25 ft-lbs
3.6L and 3.8L V6 engines 20 ft-lbs

Transmission Fluid Change

Manual transmission  
Fluid type  
AX-4, AX-5, AX-15  
1997 and earlier models SAE 75/90W GL-5 gear lubricant
1998 and later models SAE 75/90W GL-3 gear lubricant
NV1500 Mopar‚ manual transmission lubricant
NV3550 and NSG370 six-speed Mopar‚ manual transmission lubricant
   
Fluid capacity*  
AX-4/5 and AX-15 3.5 qts
NV1500 4.8 pts
NV3550 and NSG370 six-speed 4.2 pts
   
Recommended fastener torque  
Manual transmission fill/drain plug  
AX-4/5  32.5
AX-1500 25
NV3550  14 to 20
   
Automatic transmission  
Fluid type  
2000 and earlier models Mopar ATF Plus +3 type 7126 or equivalent fluid
2001 and later models Mopar ATF Plus +4 type 9602 or equivalent fluid
Fluid capacity** 4 qts
Note: ** This is the approximate capacity when draining the transmission pan and replacing the filter. After overhaul, when filling the transmission from “dry,” the capacity will be much higher.
   
Recommended fastener torque  
Filter screws  
30RH and 32RH 35 in-lbs
42RLE 45 in-lbs
Pan bolts 14

Transfer Case and Differential Fluid Change

Transfer case  
Fluid type Mopar‚ ATF Plus+4, type 9602 or equivalent fluid
   
Fluid capacity*  
NP 207 4.5 pints
NP 231 3 pints
NP 241 4 pints
NP242  
   
Recommended fastener torque  
Transfer case fill/drain plug 20 ft-lbs
Note: *All capacities approximate. Add as necessary to bring to appropriate level.
   
Differentials  
Fluid type  
Normal operation SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear lubricant
Trailer towing or severe service SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear lubricant
Limited-slip differential Include 4 oz. (188 ml) of Mopar‚ Friction Modifier additive
   
Fluid capacity*  
2006 and earlier models  3 pints
2007 and later models  
Dana Model 30/35 2.1 pints
Dana Model 44 2.7 pints
Recommended fastener torque  
Rear differential cover bolts

30 ft-lbs

Front differential cover bolts 30 ft-lbs
Differential drain plug 25 ft-lbs
Transfer case fill/drain plug 20 ft-lbs
Note: *All capacities approximate. Add as necessary to bring to appropriate level.

Cooling System Flush and Fill

Coolant Type  
2000 and earlier models 50-percent water and 50-percent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
2001 and later models 50-percent water and 50-percent Mopar‚ 100,000 mile Antifreeze/coolant with Hybrid Organic technology (HOAT) additives
   
Capacity*  
Four-cylinder engines 9 qts
Six-cylinder engines 10.5 qts
3.8L V6 engines, 2007 and later 13 quarts
Note: *All capacities approximate. Add as necessary to bring to appropriate level. 

Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types

Brake fluid type DOT 3 brake fluid
Power steering fluid Mopar‚ ATF +4 Type 9602 or equivalent fluid

Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs

Carburetor/throttle body mounting nuts/bolts 14
   
Spark plugs  
2.4L four-cylinder engine 132 in-lbs
2.5L four-cylinder engine  
1990 and earlier models 20
1991 through 2002 models 27
4.2L inline six cylinder engine 30
4.0L inline six-cylinder engine 27
3.6L and 3.8L V6 engines 156 in-lbs
   
Brake calipers  
Caliper mounting pins (bolts)  
Front  
1993 and earlier models 30
1994 through 2006 models 132 in-lbs
2007 and later models 26
Rear  
2003 and earlier models 132 in-lbs
2004 through 2006 models 18
2007 and later models 26
Brake caliper mounting bracket bolts (2007 and later)  
Front  
2007 through 2010 models 120
2011 and later models 100
Rear 77
   
Wheel lug nuts  
2008 and earlier models 80 to 110
2009 through 2011 models 92 to 132
2012 and later models 95
Jeep Wrangler Rear Cover

Maintenance Schedule

The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.

When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).

Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first

  • Check the engine oil level
  • Check the engine coolant level
  • Check the windshield washer fluid level
  • Check the brake and clutch fluid levels
  • Check the tires and tire pressures

Every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above plus:

  • Check the automatic transmission fluid level
  • Check the power steering fluid level
  • Check and service the battery
  • Check the cooling system
  • Inspect and replace, if necessary, all underhood hoses
  • Inspect and replace, if necessary, the windshield wiper blades

Every 7500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above plus:

  • Change the engine oil and filter*
  • Lubricate the chassis components
  • Inspect the suspension and steering components*
  • Inspect the exhaust system*
  • Check the manual transmission lubricant level*
  • Check the differential lubricant level*
  • Check the transfer case lubricant level
  • Rotate the tires
  • Check the brakes*
  • Inspect the fuel system
  • Check the carburetor choke operation
  • Check the carburetor/ throttle body mounting nut torque
  • Check the throttle linkage
  • Check the thermostatically-controlled air cleaner
  • Check the engine drivebelts
  • Check the seatbelts
  • Check the starter safety switch
  • Check the spare tire and jack

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above plus:

  • Check and adjust, if necessary, the engine idle speed
  • Replace the fuel filter (1987 through 1995 models only)
  • Replace the air and PCV filters
  • Check and adjust, if necessary, the ignition timing
  • Change the automatic transmission fluid**
  • Change the manual transmission lubricant
  • Change the differential lubricant
  • Change the transfer case lubricant
  • Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)
  • Inspect and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve
  • Inspect the evaporative emissions control system
  • Replace the spark plugs
  • Inspect the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor (2003 and earlier models)

Every 72,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above plus:

  • Replace the oxygen sensor and emissions timer (49-state models)
  • Inspect and replace, if necessary, all underhood hoses 

* This item is affected by “severe” operating conditions as described below. If your vehicle is operated under severe conditions, perform these maintenance tasks at 3000 miles/3 month intervals. Severe conditions include the following:

  • Operating in mostly dusty areas (dirt roads, or off-road)
  • Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
  • Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing

** If operated under one or more of the following conditions, change the automatic transmission fluid every 12,000 miles.

  • In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
  • In hilly or mountainous terrain 
  • Frequent trailer towing 
  • Frequent off road use