2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE check transmission fluid

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

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

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 require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. 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 transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L Engine
Regular fluid level checks are not required. For this
reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission slippage or
malfunction, have your authorized dealer check the
transmission fluid level.
602 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine 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 transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after 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 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 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 603

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 operat-
ing temperature. 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 tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established 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 geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
604 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
(5.7L only) and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
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S630 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Fluid Level Check................. 602,603
Fluid Type ......................... 601
Special Additives ..................... 602
Autostick ........................... 428,437
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ...... 258
Auxiliary Power Outlet ................... 258
B-Pillar Location ........................ 483
Battery ............................... 583
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 27
Belts, Seat ............................ 52,96
Blind Spot Monitoring .................... 112
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 586
Brake Assist System ...................... 465
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 464
Brake Fluid ............................ 598
Brake System ........................... 597
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 464
Fluid Check ........................ 598 Master Cylinder
..................... 598
Parking ........................... 462
Warning Light ....................... 290
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 421
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 93
Bulb Replacement ..................... 616,617
Bulbs, Light ............................ 98
Calibration, Compass ..................... 319
Camera, Rear ........................... 237
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 622
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 517
Power Steering ...................... 461
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 595
Car Washes ............................ 605
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............95,513
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 521
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 271
10
INDEX 657

Oil Selection..................... 580,622
Oil Synthetic ........................ 581
Overheating ........................ 548
Starting ........................... 413
Temperature Gauge ................... 294
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 581
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 581
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 76
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 23
Ethanol ............................... 510
Event Data Recorder ...................... 80
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 48,95,513
Exhaust System ....................... 95,589
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 605
Exterior Lights .......................... 98
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 582
Engine Oil ......................... 582 Engine Oil Disposal
................... 582
Finish Care ............................ 605
Flashers .............................. 548
Hazard Warning ..................... 548
Turn Signal ................. 98,287,618,620
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 517
Engine Oil ......................... 516
Fuel Requirements ................. 513,515
Maintenance ........................ 517
Replacement Parts .................... 517
Starting ........................... 516
Flipper Glass, Liftgate ..................... 45
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 417
Fluid Capacities ......................... 622
Fluid Leaks ............................. 98
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..........601,602,603
Brake ............................. 598
10
INDEX 661