So you just got your hands on a shiny new Jeep Wrangler – congratulations! The Wrangler is an incredibly capable vehicle that allows you to take your adventures off the beaten path. But before you hit the trails, it’s important to know where the tire jack is located in case you get a flat tire while out on the road.

Changing a tire on a Wrangler is thankfully a straightforward process as long as you know where to look for the jack. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to locate the tire jack in a Jeep Wrangler.

Step 1: Open the Rear Hatch

The tire jack on Wranglers is located in the cargo area, so your first step is to open up the rear hatch. Unlatch the hatch and swing it open to gain access to the cargo space.

If you have a soft top Wrangler, you may need to unfasten the rear window and fold it forward before you can open the hatch fully. Hard top Wranglers can just have the hatch opened regularly.

Step 2: Lift the Carpeted Floorboard

With the hatch open, you’ll see the carpeted floorboard that covers the cargo area. Lift up the floorboard – it’s normally just held in place with Velcro straps – and set it aside to reveal the space underneath.

This is where the tire jack and other tools are stored on the Wrangler.

Step 3: Locate the Hidden Access Panel

Underneath the floorboard, you’ll see what looks like a plain metal floor. But if you look closely, you’ll notice a handle built into the floor – this marks a hidden access panel.

Lift up on the handle to open the access panel door – it will swing open to reveal a storage well underneath.

Step 4: Remove the Plastic Tool Compartment

Inside the storage well, you’ll find a bright red plastic tool box that contains the jack and lug wrench. Lift it straight up and out from the well.

You may need to wiggle it a bit if it’s stuck. Set the plastic box aside so you can access the jack.

Step 5: Retrieve the Tire Jack

Once you’ve removed the plastic tool compartment, you’ll see the tire jack nestled at the bottom of the storage well, ready for use.

Carefully lift it up and out of the well. Make sure not to accidentally pull up the jack handle or any other tools while removing the jack.

And there you have it – you’ve located the tire jack in your Jeep Wrangler! Be sure to follow the jack usage instructions in your owner’s manual. Safely jack up the vehicle, swap out the flat tire for your spare, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Using Your Jeep Wrangler’s Tire Jack Safely

Now that you’ve found where the tire jack is hidden away on your Wrangler, it’s crucial you use it properly and safely when changing a flat tire roadside. Taking the right precautions will prevent any injuries or accidents when jacking up your vehicle.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when using your Jeep’s tire jack:

Choose a Solid, Level Surface

The surface you park on when changing a tire makes all the difference. Pull over onto a flat, solid surface like a driveway or parking lot. Soft ground can cause the jack to sink or tip when lifting.

Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground. Jacking up on an incline puts dangerous stress on the jack.

Engage the Parking Brake

Always set the parking brake firmly before jacking up your Wrangler. This keeps the vehicle safely in place during the process.

Block the wheels opposite of the tire you are changing as an extra precaution.

Use Jack Stands for Support

Relying solely on the jack to support the Jeep’s weight is risky. For an added safety measure, use sturdy jack stands under the chassis once the tire is lifted.

Never get underneath the vehicle without jack stands properly in place to prevent crushing injuries.

Lift from Approved Jack Points

Consult your owner’s manual to find the designated jack points. These are the only points reinforced to handle the weight of lifting the vehicle.

Improper positioning when jacking can damage underbody components.

Watch for Overextension

As the tire lifts off the ground, keep an eye on the jack’s extension. Don’t over-extend it to the point the inner workings are visible. This prevents breakage under pressure.

By following these guidelines, you can safely change a flat tire using your Jeep Wrangler’s tire jack without a hitch. Just be sure to store it properly in the hidden cargo well when finished for the next roadside emergency.

Storing the Tire Jack in Your Jeep Wrangler

When you’re done using your Jeep’s tire jack to swap out a flat, you’ll need to properly store it back in the cargo area for the next time it’s needed. Take care when stowing the jack and tools – you don’t want them bouncing around while driving.

Here are some tips for securely storing your Wrangler’s tire jack:

Clean Components Before Storage

Make sure to wipe down the jack, handle, and lug wrench to remove any dirt, grime, or mud before stowing them. Debris can damage the moving parts.

Avoid stowing jack components that are wet. Allow time to air dry if used in rain or water.

Nestle Jack in Cargo Well

Carefully place the jack back into the plastic tool compartment, making sure it sits flat and even on the bottom.

There may be tool indentations molded into the plastic to hold it in place.

Return Plastic Compartment to Well

Double check that the jack is secured inside, then lower the red plastic tool compartment back into the cargo well and press down firmly.

It should fit snugly in place and not rattle around.

Reattach Access Panel

Close the cargo well access panel and reattach it firmly by pressing down on the handle until it clicks into place.

Make sure it is flush with the cargo floor and closed tightly.

Refasten Carpeted Floorboard

Finally, replace the carpeted floorboard over the cargo area and re-secure it with the Velcro straps.

Press firmly to adhere the Velcro and keep the floorboard tidy and in place.

And that’s it! With your Wrangler’s tire jack and tools properly stowed away, you’ll be ready for the next flat tire or roadside emergency. Just be sure to give them a check periodically when cleaning your vehicle. Proper storage will keep them in prime condition.