Shop Transmission Fluids →
The Wrangler is a fluid puzzle because there are so many transmissions across the TJ, JK, and JL, and the manual gearbox does not take what people assume. The automatics take ATF+4, the same Mopar synthetic the Ram trucks use. But the NSG370 6-speed manual in the JK and JL does NOT take gear oil — it takes a specific Mopar manual transmission fluid (a 75W-85 GL-4 spec, MS-9224), and people ruin them by pouring in 80W-90 hypoid gear oil. Get the spec right per box.
Jeep Wrangler Transmission Fluid by Year & Type
| Generation | Transmission | OEM Fluid Spec | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| TJ 1997–2006 | 32RH / 30RH (3-speed auto) | ATF+4 (supersedes ATF+3) | ~8–9 qt (dry), ~4 qt service |
| TJ 1997–2004 | AX-5 / NV3550 (manual) | NV3550 takes 75W-90 GL-3; AX-5 takes ATF / 75W-90 per year | ~2–3.5 qt |
| JK 2007–2011 | 42RLE (4-speed auto) | ATF+4 | ~9 qt (dry), ~4 qt service |
| JK 2012–2018 | W5A580 / NAG1 (5-speed auto) | ATF+4 (or MB 236.x compatible) | ~9.5 qt (dry) |
| JK 2007–2018 | NSG370 (6-speed manual) | Mopar Manual Trans Fluid MS-9224 (75W-85 GL-4) | ~1.6 qt (1.5 L) |
| JL 2018–present | 850RE (ZF 8-speed auto) | ZF 8&9-speed ATF (NOT ATF+4) | ~9–10 qt (dry) |
| JL 2018–present | NSG370 (6-speed manual) | Mopar Manual Trans Fluid MS-9224 | ~1.6 qt |
Two things to flag. The JL 8-speed automatic (850RE) is a ZF unit and takes ZF 8-speed fluid, not ATF+4. And the NSG370 manual is the one people destroy — it wants the Mopar MS-9224 manual fluid, not gear oil.
The OEM Fluid by Transmission Type
Automatics (32RH, 42RLE, W5A580) — Mopar ATF+4
All the older Wrangler automatics through the JK take ATF+4. It is the same full-synthetic MS-9602 fluid the Ram trucks run. The 32RH 3-speed in the TJ originally listed ATF+3, but ATF+4 supersedes it — use ATF+4.
Check Mopar ATF+4
NSG370 6-Speed Manual — Mopar MS-9224
This is the critical one. The NSG370 takes a synthetic 75W-85 GL-4 manual transmission fluid to Mopar spec MS-9224. It does NOT take 80W-90 or 75W-90 hypoid gear oil — the GL-5 sulfur additives in gear oil attack the brass synchronizers. Use the right MTF.
Check NSG370 manual fluid
JL 850RE 8-Speed — ZF 8-Speed Fluid
The newest Wrangler automatic is a ZF 8HP. It takes the dedicated ZF 8&9-speed ATF, not ATF+4. Do not substitute.
Check ZF 8-speed fluid
Aftermarket Equivalents That Meet Spec
For the ATF+4 automatics, any fluid licensed to MS-9602 is fine. For the NSG370 manual, use a fluid that explicitly states it meets MS-9224 / GL-4.
- Valvoline ATF+4 — licensed for the automatics. Check
- Castrol Transmax ATF+4 — licensed equivalent. Check
- Pennzoil Synchromesh / GL-4 75W-85 MTF — for the NSG370 manual, look for the GL-4 75W-85 rating. Check
- Amsoil Manual Transmission Fluid 75W-90 GL-4 — synthetic, synchro-safe. Check
How Much Fluid You Need
The NSG370 manual only holds about 1.6 quarts — one bottle plus a little. The automatics hold 8 to 10 quarts dry but a service drain-and-fill only pulls about 4. For an automatic pan service, buy 5 quarts; for a full flush, buy a case. The 42RLE and W5A580 should get a fluid and filter service every 30,000 to 60,000 miles if you wheel the Jeep hard or tow with it.
Wrangler in for Service? Parts Ship Same-Day
If the automatic is getting a fluid service, do the filter too. gearboxinsider.com stocks 42RLE and 32RH/904-family filters, solenoids, and rebuild kits. Same-day ship before 2pm Eastern.
Shop Gearbox Insider →FAQ
What fluid does the NSG370 6-speed manual take?
Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid to spec MS-9224, a 75W-85 GL-4. Not gear oil. About 1.6 quarts.
Can I use ATF+4 in the JL 8-speed automatic?
No. The JL 850RE 8-speed takes ZF 8&9-speed ATF, not ATF+4.
Does my TJ automatic take ATF+3 or ATF+4?
ATF+4. It supersedes ATF+3 and is fully backward-compatible.
Why can't I use regular gear oil in the manual?
GL-5 gear oil has sulfur-based additives that corrode the brass synchronizers in the NSG370. Use a GL-4 manual transmission fluid only.