I'm trying to find out if my 02 Renny stick has the cooler. I put an aftermarket hitch on there, so it was not ordered with the tow package.

Where is the cooler and what does it look like? I have no idea what to look for to see if it was installed. I tow a boat that roughly weighs 3000-3500 lbs including the trailer.

Thanks

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2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade
3.7L V6 4x4, 5-speed manual
*Draw-tite class IV hitch
*Mopar rock rails
*Clear turn signals
*Mopar mud flaps
*Husky cargo liner
*'Trial Rated' and 'Renegade' emblems
*Bazooka 200 watt subwoofer

The manual tranny doesn't have a cooler... Since the fluid in the transmisison isn't pressurized (there isn't a fluid pump) to circulate the fluid through transmission lines. As long as you have a quality synthetic gear oil in the transmission housing - you are probably fine.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

To my knowledge, nothing has ever been done with the manual transmission fluid. So your recommendation would be to get it flushed and have they fill is with synthenic oil? If switching to synthetic, how often would that need to be changed?

Thanks again!

_________________
2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade
3.7L V6 4x4, 5-speed manual
*Draw-tite class IV hitch
*Mopar rock rails
*Clear turn signals
*Mopar mud flaps
*Husky cargo liner
*'Trial Rated' and 'Renegade' emblems
*Bazooka 200 watt subwoofer

On previous MT vehicles the typical service interval is around 15,000 miles for the stock fluids. However, it has been my experience that this can be extended based on the amount of heat that builds up inside the case.

I'd drain out the stock stuff and refill with the appropriate fluid from a quality supplier like Mobil 1 or Amsoil. A drain and fill on a manual tranny should run about $30.00 at most fast lube places, but that is for the basic fluid. If no one in your neighborhood can do synthetic fluids - You can probably refill your own transmission with a garden hose routed up through the firewall (I have not tried this on a KJ - mine is an auto)

Edit: I just flipped through the 2004 owners manual (I have a PDF) and it claims that the fluid in the MT is good for the entire lifetime of the vehicle. This would indicate to me that it is already sythetic - but I can't confirm, someone else will have to. I still recommend changing it out just for fun but maybe not at such a short interval.

Also - the Fluid recommendation for a MT is "Mopra Manual Transmission Lubricant (P/N 04874464)" <=You can cross reference this at the local parts stores to get the proper fluids.

_________________
02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks