2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE fluid

Each axle’s GAWR is determined by the components in
the system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components, sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability, does not necessarily increase the ve-
hicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
522 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before 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 towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped), or a lower gear range,
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or
selecting a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing 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 Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before towing
(5.7L engine).
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
536 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 573
 Engine Compartment — 5.7L ............. 574
 Onboard Diagnostic System – OBD II ....... 575
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 575
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 576
 Replacement Parts ..................... 577
 Dealer Service ........................ 578
 Maintenance Procedures ................. 578
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 579 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 582
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 582
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 583
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 585
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 586
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 586
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 588
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 589
▫ Cooling System ..................... 592
7

▫Brake System ....................... 597
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid ................. 599
▫ Transfer Case ....................... 600
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 601
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 604
 Fuses .............................. 610
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module ......... 610
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 616
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 616
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 617
▫ High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID) –
If Equipped ........................ 617 ▫
Halogen Headlamps – If Equipped ........ 618
▫ Front Turn Signal .................... 618
▫ Front Fog Lamps .................... 619
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lamps ............................ 620
▫ Rear Liftgate Mounted Tail Lamp ......... 620
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 621
▫ Rear License Lamp ................... 622
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 622
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 623
▫ Engine ............................ 623
▫ Chassis ........................... 624
572 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 573

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
574 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time tocheck the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off, or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level in the SAFE level range. Adding 1 U.S. Quart
(0.95L) of oil when the level is at the bottom of the SAFE
range will result in the level being at the top of the SAFE
range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 579

WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters
varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be
used to assure most efficient service. MOPARengine air
cleaner filters are a high quality filter and are
recommended.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 583