2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE automatic transmission fluid

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position. For example, if you shift the transmis-
sion into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down
into second and first gear normally.
Use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables
an additional underdrive gear which is not
normally used during through-gear accelera-
tions. This additional gear can improve vehicle
performance and cooling capability when tow-
ing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode,
gears 1 though 3 are underdrive gears, and
ERS 4 is direct drive. ERS 5 and 6 (Overdrive
gears ) are the same as the normal fourth and
fifth gears.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in
the DRIVE position, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically, shifting between all available
gears. Tapping the shift lever to the left (-) will
activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and maintain that gear
as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode,tapping the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+)
will change the top available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the
shift lever to the right (+) until “D” is once again
displayed in the shift lever position indicator in
the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing an accident or personal injury.
Screen
Display
123456D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1,2,4 1,2,
4,51,2,
4-6 1-5
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
press and hold the shift lever to the left (-).
The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down. Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth
gears). The transmission will automatically shift
into the Overdrive gear if the following condi-
tions are present:
•
the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an ad-
equate temperature,
• the engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accel-
erator, and
• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been acti-
vated.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans-
mission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL
switch to select TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to
230

excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/
HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are de-
layed, and the transmission will automatically
downshift (for engine braking) during steady
braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pressing the
switch a second time restores normal opera-
tion. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch
automatically disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not en-
gage, and the transmission will not shift
into the top overdrive gear, until the trans-
mission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to
4.8 km) of driving]. Because top gear is
disabled, and engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting properly when cold.
This is normal. Using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) feature, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able
to shift into and out of Overdrive. •
If the vehicle has not been driven for
several days, the first few seconds of
operation after shifting the transmission
into gear may seem sluggish. This is due
to the fluid partially draining from the
torque converter into the transmission.
This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five sec-
onds after starting the engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac II Operating
Instructions/Precautions
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully auto-
matic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode.
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case provides
three mode positions:
• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD
HI mode.
TOW/HAUL Switch
231

Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area
away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in
this range, the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped),
or a lower gear range, should be selected.
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or se-
lecting a lower gear range (using the Elec-tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control)
while operating the vehicle under heavy op-
erating conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before
towing (5.7L engine).
To avoid transmission overheating, when
towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph (32 km/h) or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the
ERS shift control) is recommended (5.7L
Models Only).
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•Body Lubrication ........................ 305
• Windshield Wiper Blades ................... 306
• Adding Washer Fluid ...................... 307
• Exhaust System ......................... 307
• Cooling System ......................... 308
• Brake System .......................... 311
• Front/Rear Axle Fluid ...................... 312
• Transfer Case .......................... 313
• Automatic Transmission .................... 313
• Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion ..... 315
• FUSES ................................ 318
• Totally Integrated Power Module ............... 318
• VEHICLE STORAGE ........................ 321
• REPLACEMENT BULBS ...................... 322
• BULB REPLACEMENT ....................... 322
• High Intensity Discharge Headlamps
(HID) – If Equipped ....................... 322
• Halogen Headlamps – If Equipped .............. 323
• Front Turn Signal ........................ 323
• Front Fog Lamps ........................ 323
• Rear Tail, Stop, and Turn Signal Lamps ........... 324
• Rear Liftgate Mounted Tail Lamp ............... 324
296

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 5.7L
1 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Air Cleaner Filter
299

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

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) MOPARSynthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) or equivalent with friction
modifier additive.
Axle Differential (Rear) – 5.7L Engine With
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (API-GL5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) – 5.7L Engine Without
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85 (API-GL5) or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir – 3.6L Engine and
3.0L Diesel Engine MOPAR
Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as Fuchs EG ZH 3044 or Pento-
sin CHF 11s.
Power Steering Reservoir – 5.7L Engine MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
licensed ATF+4 product.
329