How to Check the Oil in a Jeep Wrangler JK
by Nigel D'Orville
Whether you're driving on the road or on the trail, your Jeep's engine needs oil to run smoothly and efficiently. It's important to maintain a certain amount of oil in the motor, and the only way to know your oil level for sure is to check it out for yourself. Take the extra five minutes (or less) to check the oil in your Jeep Wrangler JK to ensure your engine is getting enough lubrication. Also, check the oil frequently if you suspect a leak or oil burning in the engine.
Step 1
Release the hood of your Jeep by detaching the rubber latches on both sides of the hood. Open the hood by releasing the hood latch (under the front of the hood), and pulling upward. Prop the hood with the provided metal rod.
Step 2
Locate the oil dipstick in the engine compartment. It should be toward the right side of the engine. The handle is yellow, and should say "Oil" or "Engine oil" on it.
Step 3
Pull the dipstick straight out of the tube. Wipe the excess oil off of the dipstick with a paper towel or rag, and put it back in the tube, making sure you insert it all the way in.
Step 4
Remove the dipstick again, and check the oil level reading toward the end of the stick. The oil should stop somewhere in the "Safe" zone. If the level is below the "Safe" zone, add about a quart of SAE 5W-20 oil.
Step 5
Reinsert the dipstick back into the tube, and press firmly. Close the hood, and latch it shut.
References
Tips
- Check the oil with the Jeep parked on level ground. A good time to check it is about five minutes after turning off the engine or before you start the vehicle after it has been sitting overnight.
Things You'll Need
- Paper towel or rag
Warnings
- Make sure the engine is not running when you check the oil. You should never go into the engine compartment when the vehicle is running.
Writer Bio
Nigel D'Orville began writing seriously during the first semester of his undergraduate studies in 2007. He is a published writer for eHow, specializing in "how-to" articles in a variety of subject areas ranging from car maintenance to consumer electronics. Nigel is currently a senior at the University of Dayton and plans on graduating in May 2011.
