What type of transmission fluid should I use. Im pretty sure the transmiision is stock. not sure what type of transmission, or how to find out what transmission it is.

 

The owners manual will have that kind of info.

 

well... do you shift gears for it or does it do it for you...

 

It would be funny if I were that stupid! Its an automatic.

 

Automatic is an AW4 and use Dexron/Mercon not ATF+4. some early manuals call for the ATF+4 but a tech bullitin was put out and said to change to the Dexron/Mercon. If you use the ATF+4 the trans will fail

 

False. The tranny was originally made to take Dex/Merc III, and later on a tech service bulletin was released saying ATF+4 is SAFE to use in the AW4, since tests were done with the tranny and ATF+4 can withstand more heat. Heat is the main killer of auto transmissions. Regardless, I would still use Dex/Merc to be on the safe side. Your best bet is getting the latest Dex/Merc out there, which is Dex/Merc VI. This is a product licensed by Dex/Merc, unlike those you see on WalMart shelves that say "for vehicles previously serviced by Dex/Merc III". Those generic ones can have a variety of ingredients in them since they don't need to be licensed as Dex/Merc.

Bottom line, get Dex/Merc VI and roll with it.

 

Cant find that in a Owners Manual!

 

Dealer says to use atf+4, so...i think thats what im going to do...

 

I'll be the first to teach you this then. Dealers are often morons, the years of experience these guys have with THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE out weighs the relatively small amount of expertise the dealer has.

 

The dealer has been given a service bulletin blessing ATF+4. Which they also make more money on and is nice for them to have only one fluid to sell.

The mfg. of this transmission (Asin Warner) originally spec'd this tranny for Dex/Merc.

And nothing has changed.

I vote for Dex/Merc III compatible fluid.

 

This is the correct answer....


In Oct. 07, Chrysler releases a TSB that says all autos EXCEPT the AW-4 should use ATF+4. With the AW-4 still requiring Dex/Merc III. In Apr. 08 Chrysler releases a TSB stating that now all autos can use ATF+4. What changed in between you ask??? The last users of the AW-4, the 01 Cherokee left the 7/70 extended warranty period. Meaning dealers no longer needed to carry the correct fluid for them for warranty service.

 

Ding ding ding! It's in the dealer's interest to sell new cars.

 

And thats why I'd never buy a Chrysler product.

I dont consider Jeeps to be Chryslers except for the JK, WK and other IFS cars that happen to have a jeep emblem slapped on it.

 

I asked and researched it high and low. As stated above went with DEX/MERC Valvoline Max Life. I have to say (even though it may be in my head) the Transmission has never shifted smoother that old stuff was real dirty.
I plan on swapping the Trans. Oil out again in about 6 months for Royal Purple.

 

He is right, I had it backwards, but, bottom line is use the DEX/MERC, just changed fluid in my 98 with 130Kmi and used Castrol Synthetic Dex/Merc and the trans has never been smoother