2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Owner handbook (in English)

etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying water from
a garden hose vertically down the face of the
condenser.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tight-
ness of the connection at the coolant recovery
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system
for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating tempera-
ture (but not running), check the cooling sys-
tem pressure cap for proper vacuum sealing by
draining a small amount of engine coolant
(antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock. If the
cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant
recovery bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOL-
ANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING
SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty and
contains a considerable amount of sediment,
clean and flush with reliable cooling system
cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to re-
move all deposits and chemicals. Properly dis-
pose of the old engine coolant (antifreeze).Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Refer to “Fluids, Lu-
bricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze), other
than the specified HOAT engine coolant
(antifreeze), may result in engine damage
and may decrease corrosion protection. If a
non-HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is
introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the
specified engine coolant (antifreeze) as
soon as possible.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
• Do not use water alone or alcohol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust
products, as they may not be compatible
with the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use
with Propylene Glycol-based engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Use of Propylene Glycol-
based engine coolant (antifreeze) is not
recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended
maintenance intervals. This engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) can be used up to 5 Years or
105,000 miles (168 000 km) before replace-
ment. To prevent reducing this extended main-
tenance period, it is important that you use the
same engine coolant (antifreeze) throughout the
life of your vehicle. Please review these recom-
mendations for using Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze).
309

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•
The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/ Coolant 5–Year/100,000 Mile For-
mula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy) or equivalent.
• Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine
coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water. Use
higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below -34°F (-37°C) are antici-
pated.
• Use only high purity water such as distilled
or deionized water when mixing the water/
engine coolant (antifreeze) solution. The use
of lower quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility
to maintain the proper level of protection
against freezing according to the temperatures
occurring in the area where the vehicle is
operated.
NOTE:
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (an- tifreeze) and will require more frequent en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure
that engine coolant (antifreeze) will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if
there is any accumulation of foreign material on
the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT
on the cooling system pressure cap are a
safety precaution. Never add engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove
the pressure cap while the system is hot or
under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze) is a regulated substance requiring
proper disposal. Check with your local authori-
ties to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals
and children, do not store ethylene glycol-
based engine coolant (antifreeze) in open con-
tainers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child or pet, seek
emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) level is adequate. With the engine
idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
310

The radiator normally remains completely full,
so there is no need to remove the radiator cap,
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze)
freeze point or replacing engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be
checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is
needed to maintain the proper level, it should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
miles (kilometers) of operation, you may
observe vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks,
the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will
soon dissipate.
•
Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
• Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze
point in the radiator and in the coolant recov-
ery bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, contents of coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, or if the level in the
coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at 50% HOAT engine coolant (anti-
freeze) (minimum) and distilled water for
proper corrosion protection of your engine,
which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the radiator and coolant
recovery bottle hoses are not kinked or ob-
structed. •
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be peri-
odically inspected. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly an accident. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
result in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
311

Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood ser-
vice, or immediately if the brake system warn-
ing lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent
plastic reservoir. On the outboard side of the
reservoir, there is a “MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot.
The fluid level must be kept within these two
dots. Do not add fluid above the MAX mark,
because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be ex-
pected to fall as the brake linings wear. How-
ever, an unexpected drop in fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a system check should
be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master
cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed con-
tainer. Keep the master cylinder reservoir
cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in a
open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This
may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sud-
den brake failure. This could result in a
accident.
(Continued)WARNING!(Continued)
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal com-
ponents could be damaged, causing partial
or complete brake failure. This could result
in an accident.
Front/Rear Axle FluidFor normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
312

Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be between
1/8 in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole
and the bottom of the fill hole.
The front axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
The rear axle oil level needs to be between
1/8 in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole
and the bottom of the fill hole.
The rear axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m) on
axles with aluminum housings. The rear axle fill
and drain plugs should be tightened to 22 to
52 ft lbs (30 to 70 N·m) on axles with cast iron
housings.
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage then and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
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. Drain
First remove fill plug, then remove drain plug.
Recommended tightening torque for drain and
fill plugs is 15 to 25 ft lbs (20 to 34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When installing plugs, do not overtighten. You
could damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection Of Lubricant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used
in the transmission to assure optimum transmis-
sion performance. Use only the manufacturer’s
recommended transmission fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information. It is
important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recom-
mended fluid. 313

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift qual-
ity and/or torque converter shudder. Using a
transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid will require more fre-
quent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engi-
neered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore,
do not add any fluid additives to the transmis-
sion. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmis-
sion as the chemicals can damage your trans-
mission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L And 3.0L Diesel
Engine
Routine fluid level checks are not required. For
this reason, the dipstick is omitted. Your autho-
rized dealer can check your transmission fluid
level using a special service dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission mal-
function, have your authorized dealer check
the transmission fluid level. Operation with an
improper fluid level can greatly reduce the life
of your transmission.CAUTION!
• Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder.
Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will re-
quire more frequent fluid and filter changes.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
• The fluid level is preset at the factory and it
does not require adjustment under normal
operating conditions. If a transmission fluid
leak occurs, visit your authorized dealer
immediately. Severe damage to the trans-
mission may occur. Your authorized dealer
has the proper tools to adjust the fluid level
accurately.
314

Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. This occurs af-
ter at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At
normal operating temperature the fluid cannot
be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following
procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and nor-
mal operating temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the
brake pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each
gear position ending with the shift lever in
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 “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating tempera-
ture. The fluid level is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil 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 minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
below the operating temperature, the fluid
level should be between the two “COLD”
(lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at
approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly estab-
lished at room temperature, it should be
between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
when the transmission reaches 180°F
(82°C). Remember it is best to check the
level at the normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below
50°F (10°C) 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.
Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From
Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according
to geographic locations and usage. Chemicals
that make roads passable in snow and ice, and
those that are sprayed on trees and road
315

surfaces during other seasons, are highly cor-
rosive to the metal in your vehicle.
The following maintenance recommendations
will enable you to obtain maximum benefit from
the corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or re-
moval of paint and protective coatings from
your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash
your vehicle in the shade using MOPAR Car
Wash or a mild car wash soap, and rinse the
panels completely with clear water. •
If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have
accumulated on your vehicle, use MOPAR 
Super Kleen Bug and Tar Remover or
equivalent to remove.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as
MOPAR Cleaner Wax to remove road film,
stains, and to protect your paint finish. Take
care never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power
buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin
out the paint finish.
CAUTION!
• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning
materials such as steel wool or scouring
powder, which will scratch metal and
painted surfaces.
• Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or re-
moval of paint and decals. Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you
drive near the ocean, hose off the undercar-
riage at least once a month.
• It is important that the drain holes in the lower
edges of the doors, rocker panels and tail-
gate must be kept clear and open.
• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in
the paint, touch them up immediately. The
cost of such repairs is considered the re-
sponsibility of the owner.
• If your vehicle is damaged due to an acci-
dent or similar cause which destroys the
paint and protective coating, have your ve-
hicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost
of such repairs is considered the responsi-
bility of the owner.
• If you carry special cargo such as chemi-
cals, fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., assure that
such materials are well packaged and
sealed.
• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.
316