2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE brake fluid

21. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 1.5 U.S.
Gallons (6L) this light will come on and remain on
until fuel is added. The ªLow Fuel Warning Lightº
may turn on and off again, especially during and after
hard braking, accelerations, or turns. This occurs due to
the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Your vehicle has a programmable electronic feature that
will sound a chime when the ªLow Fuel Warning Lightº
comes on. See the information on ªOverhead Console Ð
Customer Programmable Featuresº in Section 3 to turn
this feature on.
22. Fog Light Indicator Light
This light shows when the fog lamps are on.23. Brake Warning Light
The red BRAKE warning light will come on when
the ignition is first turned on, and stay on briefly
as a bulb check. If the bulb does not come on
during starting, have the bulb repaired promptly. If the
light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the
parking brake has not been released.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is off, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction
or low fluid level. In this case, the light will remain on
until the cause is corrected. If a brake malfunction is
indicated, immediate repair is necessary and continued
operation of the vehicle in this condition is dangerous.
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NDriveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................267
NBody Lubrication.....................267
NWindshield Wiper Blades................268
NWindshield Washers Ð Front And Rear.....268
NExhaust System......................269
NCooling System.......................269
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......274
NBrake System........................274
NAutomatic Transmission................277
NTransfer Case........................280
NFront/Rear Axle Fluid..................281NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................281
mFuse Panel...........................286
NInterior Fuses........................286
NUnderhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)..............288
mVehicle Storage........................289
mReplacement Bulbs......................289
mFluid Capacities........................291
mRecommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................292
NEngine.............................292
NChassis............................293
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
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7

Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brakefluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be
needed.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer's recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, andGenuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer's recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check ± 4.0L Engines (42RE)
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 277
7

the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.At normal operating temperature (approximately 180É F
(82É C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70É F (21É
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants
and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Fluid Level Check ± 4.7L Engines (5±45RFE)
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). This occurs after at
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF (82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279
7

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
found, the transfer case fluid level can be checked by
removing the filler plug located on the back side of the
transfer case. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge
of the filler plug hole when the vehicle is in a level
position.
Adding Fluid
Add fluid at the filler hole until it runs out of the hole
when the vehicle is in a level position.
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE