Hello everyone. I am getting ready to change my transmission and differential fluids in my 2018 Wrangler JK (non-rubicon). This will be the first time for me in this vehicle, so my question is: Do I stay with Chrysler ATF fluid or use something different like Valvoline or Amsoil? I have heard that Chrysler transmissions are very picky and do not like other brands of fluids. Anyone have a good or bad experience with this situation. Thanks in advance.
2018 Wrangler fluid changes
- Thread starter vwthingman
- Start date
Isn't the 2018 the first year of the zf8 wrangler? If it is equipped with the zf8 you could use maxlife if you want. Many have used it without issue however that was the older version of maxlife one which is this https://greatoceanauto.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Maxlife-Multi-Vehicle-ATF.pdf
This is the new one which includes some cvt's but still lists the zf8 but i wonder how that affects clutch life in the long run. It makes me weary of using this in a step shift and even in a cvt I don't think I'd use this instead of pure cvt fluid or castrol transmax as maxlife is a thin cvt fluid at 5.9. Castrol transmax atf/cvt is different as it's notably thicker and closer to older generation atf and current cvt's with it's viscosity of 7.1cst https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd3/5ca3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3
Here's a post where this was discussed. It talks about the afton additive pack being thoroughly tested and all that but it's still a bit concerning.
This is the new one which includes some cvt's but still lists the zf8 but i wonder how that affects clutch life in the long run. It makes me weary of using this in a step shift and even in a cvt I don't think I'd use this instead of pure cvt fluid or castrol transmax as maxlife is a thin cvt fluid at 5.9. Castrol transmax atf/cvt is different as it's notably thicker and closer to older generation atf and current cvt's with it's viscosity of 7.1cst https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd3/5ca3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3
Here's a post where this was discussed. It talks about the afton additive pack being thoroughly tested and all that but it's still a bit concerning.
Last edited:
I would stay with the actual OE fluid. All multi-vehicle are bigger compromises - not that they won't work, but I have come back around to vehicle transmission fluids.
But I'm not sure if this is a "shared" transmission and what that *really* means in regards to friction requirements of the fluid.
But I'm not sure if this is a "shared" transmission and what that *really* means in regards to friction requirements of the fluid.
The safe bet is to use the OEM fluid.
I agree use the OEM fluid.
Mine is actually the last year, there was a mid-year production to the JL models.
So you have the mercedes 5 speed then? if so you can use atf +4.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ode=PromoUnder100_FEB20&gStoreCode=8492&gQT=0
Yes mine is the Mercedes 5 speed. The ATF+4 is the factory recommended. I just bought 2 cases off of Amazon at a good price. Waiting of 4the Wix filter, then the fun begins.