Jeep Commander Forum banner

Coming up on 30K check up

3K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  AlphaSig293 
#1 ·
According to the owners manual, using schedual "B", I should do the following:

Change engine oil and filter--No problem there.

Rotate tires--I can do that too.

Inspect air cleaner filter and replace if necessary--That's easy.

Inspect PCV valve replace if necessary--I will replace it regardless.

Replace spark plugs--Any recommendations? I have the 3.7 v6 with QT1.

Drain and refill the front and rear axles--Really?

Drain the transfer case and refill.--Does QT1 have a transfer case?

I went to the dealer to inquire about the 30K maintenance and the book the service writer showed me had a price of around $375. How much, about, will it run me to do it myself?

BTW, the service writer said it would be cheaper to do it piece-meal than all at once. He also suggested that, because the previous owner was a rental company, I should also do:

Transmission service: $179.95
Fuel system service: $169.95

Your thoughts on the matter?

Thank you,

John
 
See less See more
#2 ·
Figure $70.00 dollars for the fluids for the axels. I had a local mechanic change it for me and he charged $80 for both axels. My dealer said the plugs were good and didn't recommend the transfer case be changed. I did fold and had the fuel service performed. I also spread things over two oil changes.
 
#3 ·
I would change the differentials and the t/c fluids and if you are doing it yourself I would put in a high quality synthetic such as Amsoil sells. Since you only have a 6 cyl. I think its a no brainer to change the spark plugs after 30k. Cost is not that much and just pulling them out gives you the chance to look at them and see if everything is proper, ie light grey. You dont mention it but I presume you have an automatic and I would also change the automatic tranny fluid to a synthetic product. john
 
#4 ·
It looks like a tight squeeze to change the spark plugs. I have a 2005 Nissan Altima and I just had to take the engine cover off and they were right there in front of me.

Is 30K the right time to change them? It seems too early. I changed mine at 80K they were a little discolored which is normal. I felt a little difference in the pick-up.

Would you buy the OE spark plugs? I like NGK and Bosch, is that OK for the Commander?
 
#7 ·
I cant speak for the newer Jeep engines as havent changed the plugs yet in my Commander and dont have a v-6 engine in my other jeeps. BUT, I think some of you give Champions short shift. Truth is, at least in the 4.0L 6 jeep engine the Champion truck plug p/n 4412 is probably the BEST plug you can put in, especially if you consider the price. Its the only plug I have used for YEARS in my 3 other jeeps with absolutely no bad results. john
 
#8 ·
bob123 said:
It looks like a tight squeeze to change the spark plugs. I have a 2005 Nissan Altima and I just had to take the engine cover off and they were right there in front of me.

Is 30K the right time to change them? It seems too early. I changed mine at 80K they were a little discolored which is normal. I felt a little difference in the pick-up.

Would you buy the OE spark plugs? I like NGK and Bosch, is that OK for the Commander?
Yes, the manual states to change the plugs at 30K. If the long time Jeep drivers recommend the Champions then I have to go with that.

I plan on keeping this Jeep forever so I want to be religious with maintenance.

Thanks for the advice all.
 
#10 ·
RC how hard was it, I put about 30k a year on a vehicle.
 
#11 ·
sgilbert said:
Anything but Champions!
I agree, I hate Champions. I put Bosch platinums in, and the 4.7 diddnt like them, so I switched to NGK coppers. Not a big fan of the iridium or platinums. Got a set real cheap so I figured I'd check it out, but diddnt like the way the engine felt/ran, etc. the NGK copper is a great plug totally reliable to 60K without a re-gap. But we all have out opinions on plugs, fliters, etc.
 
#13 ·
my800 said:
RC how hard was it, I put about 30k a year on a vehicle.

It wasn't hard at all, just a pain to get to the back 2 plugs on the drivers side (I have 4.7). Putting those 2 plugs back in I was almost going blind. I was still done in an hour, start to finish. You'll want a variety of wobble extensions.

My biggest problem was I ran to the store to get the right socket and started as soon as I got back, man, stuff stays hot under the hood a long time.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top