Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Confirm the 6th digit of the 17-digit VIN is 'W' (identifies JK body style).
• Confirm the engine is a 3.6L Pentastar V6.
• Confirm the vehicle is a 4WD model.
• Locate the transmission fill tube on the passenger side to verify it has a capped tube without a factory dipstick.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty transmission jack with safety chains/straps
• Torx T30 socket
• Specialized Mercedes/Chrysler transmission dipstick tool
• OBD2 scan tool capable of reading real-time transmission fluid temperature
• OBD2 scan tool/app capable of performing a TCM adaptive reset
• Torque wrench
• Fluid pump or fill adapter

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Licensed Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) fluid (approx. 8.1 to 9.0 quarts for dry fill)
• Transmission filter (OEM Mopar 52108325AA or Wix 58845)
• Pan gasket (Mopar 52108332AA)
• Torque converter seal (front pump input seal)
• 13-pin connector sleeve (Mopar 68021352AA)
• Transmission cooler line flush

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: TCM Adaptive Relearn / Quick Learn

A full security/immobilizer re-marriage or VIN-specific programming is not required. However, a TCM adaptive reset / 'Quick Learn' is necessary to clear old wear-adaptation values and prevent harsh shifting or limp mode. This can be performed with a high-quality bidirectional scan tool or DIY app like OBD JScan.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Must push and rotate the converter until it engages the splines with three distinct clicks/drops. Tightening bellhousing bolts on an unseated converter will instantly crack the internal oil pump gear.
• Exhaust Crossover Pipe Interference: The crossover pipe runs directly beneath the transmission oil pan and must be unbolted/lowered to clear the transmission during removal and installation.
• Checking Fluid Level Without a Dipstick: Requires an aftermarket dipstick tool and a scan tool to monitor transmission fluid temperature, cross-referencing the fluid height in millimeters against the factory temperature-to-fill chart with the engine running in Park.
• Engine Alignment Dowel Pins: Ensure both alignment dowel pins are present in the engine block to prevent misalignment and rapid wear of the converter hub, pump bushing, or flexplate.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Forcing the Bellhousing Bolts: Using bolts to draw the transmission flush to the engine when the torque converter is not fully seated, cracking the oil pump.
• Using Generic or Incorrect Fluid: Using Dexron, Mercon, or generic fluids instead of licensed Mopar ATF+4, causing severe clutch chatter and shudder.
• Reusing the Old 13-Pin Connector Sleeve: Reusing the old sleeve leads to fluid leaks that can wick up the wiring harness and ruin the external TCM.
• Incorrect Fluid Level Checks: Checking fluid level with the engine off, or cold without a scan tool temperature reading, leading to overfilling or underfilling.
• Skipping the Cooler Flush: Failing to flush the cooler lines, which introduces debris from the previous failed unit into the replacement transmission.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: