🔧 Renegade - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

Your Renegade’s automatic transmission uses a sealed design (no dipstick), so the fluid is set by checking the level at a specific transmission temperature. A basic DIY service is a drain-and-refill (not a full “flush”), which refreshes a good portion of the fluid and is the safest home method.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

Assumption: Your Renegade uses the 9-speed automatic with a temperature-based level check (common on the 2.4L AWD).

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface; the fluid level check is inaccurate if the vehicle isn’t level.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum); never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot; wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Keep the engine running only when required for the level check; stay clear of moving parts.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is typically required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Ratchet (3/8")
• Socket set (metric)
• Torx bit set (metric)
• Hex bit socket set (metric)
• Torque wrench (Nm and ft-lbs)
• Trim clip tool
• Fluid transfer pump
• OBD2 scan tool with transmission temperature (specialty)
• Infrared thermometer
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Mopar 8 & 9 Speed ATF equivalent) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Drain plug seal/washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1
• Fill plug seal/washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the rear wheels.
• 🔥 Plan to check the level with the transmission fluid at a measured temperature; set up your OBD2 scan tool so you can read transmission temperature (TFT).
• ⬆️ Raise the Renegade and support it on jack stands so it sits level front-to-rear and side-to-side.
• 🧼 Keep everything clean—dirt in a transmission causes expensive problems.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the transmission area

• Use floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the Renegade and set it on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Use a trim clip tool and Torx bit set (metric) with a ratchet (3/8") to remove the lower splash shield/underbody panel as needed.
• Tip: Keep bolts organized by panel location.

Step 2: Identify the fill and drain points

• Place a drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the transmission.
• Locate the transmission fill plug and drain plug on the transmission case/pan area.
• Before draining anything, use the hex bit socket set (metric) (or Torx bit set (metric), depending on plug style) with a ratchet (3/8") to make sure the fill plug can be loosened.
• Tip: Always confirm fill opens first.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Use the correct hex bit socket (metric) or Torx bit (metric) with a ratchet (3/8") to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to a drip.
• Clean the drain plug and surrounding area using shop towels and brake cleaner.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug seal/washer if your plug uses one.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench (Nm and ft-lbs) to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
• Tip: Small plug—do not over-tighten.

Step 5: Add new transmission fluid (initial fill)

• Remove the fill plug using the correct hex bit socket (metric) or Torx bit (metric) with a ratchet (3/8").
• Use a fluid transfer pump to pump in the correct 8 & 9 Speed ATF.
• Add fluid until it just begins to run back out of the fill/level opening (a light stream).
• Reinstall the fill plug finger-tight for now (you’ll reopen it for final level setting).

Step 6: Warm the transmission and cycle the gears

• Connect your OBD2 scan tool with transmission temperature (specialty) and monitor TFT (trans fluid temperature).
• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back, pausing 2–3 seconds in each position to fill the circuits.
• Keep the vehicle level on stands and let TFT rise into the level-check range: 30°C–50°C (86°F–122°F).
• If you don’t have TFT on the scan tool, use an infrared thermometer on the transmission pan as a rough reference (less accurate).

Step 7: Set the final fluid level at temperature

• With the engine running and TFT in range, place the drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the fill/level opening.
• Use the correct hex bit socket (metric) or Torx bit (metric) with a ratchet (3/8") to remove the fill plug.
• Use the fluid transfer pump to add fluid until it flows out as a thin, steady stream, then allow it to slow to a light drip.
• Install a new fill plug seal/washer if your plug uses one.
• Use a torque wrench (Nm and ft-lbs) to tighten the fill plug: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall shields and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the underbody panel using your Torx bit set (metric), socket set (metric), and ratchet (3/8").
• Use a torque wrench (Nm and ft-lbs) where applicable: Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs) for small shield fasteners.
• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to remove the jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and lower the Renegade.

---

✅ After Repair

• 🧪 With the engine running, check underneath for leaks at the drain and fill plugs.
• 🚗 Road test 10–15 minutes. Confirm smooth shifts and no warning lights.
• 🔁 Recheck for leaks after the drive and again the next day.
• 🧾 Dispose of used ATF properly at a recycling center or parts store.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $110-$390 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.