2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE check engine

rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers 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 coolant level is adequate. With the
engine off and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
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 en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendantof 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 (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 493

•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery 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) additions 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) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•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 necessary, install only
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result
in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas mile-
age, and increased emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
494 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
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 cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. 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 sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•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.
(Continued)
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 495

Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering 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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 523

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 201
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 491
Adding Fuel........................... 440
Additives, Fuel......................... 438
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 481
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 482
Air Conditioning System.................. 361
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 367
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 419
Airbag.............................. 67,76
Airbag Deployment....................... 78
Airbag Light..................... 75,80,97,284
Airbag Maintenance....................... 79
Airbag, Side........................ 70,73,76
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)........... 71,73,76
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,292
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 347Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 400
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 291
Anti-Theft System....................... 292
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............490,517
Disposal........................... 492
Appearance Care........................ 499
Assistance Towing....................... 125
Auto Down Power Windows................ 41
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 108
Automatic Door Locks..................... 33
Automatic Headlights.................... 180
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 361
Automatic Transmission................382,498
Autostick.......................... 389
Fluid Level Check.................... 499
FluidType ......................... 498
Special Additives..................... 498
Autostick............................. 389
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 258
548 INDEX

Certification Label....................... 443
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 410
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 473
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 95
Checks, Safety........................... 95
Child Restraint.................... 82,83,87,90
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 86,87
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 436
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 502
Climate Control......................... 361
Clock .............................327,336
Cold Weather Operation................... 379
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 360
Compact Spare Tire...................... 422
Compass.............................. 314
Compass Calibration..................... 316Compass Variance....................... 315
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 311
Connector
UCI .............................. 350
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 350
Conserving Fuel........................ 309
Console, Overhead....................... 240
Contract, Service........................ 541
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 492
Cooling System......................... 489
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 491
Coolant Capacity..................... 517
Coolant Level....................489,493
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 492
Drain, Flush, and Refill................ 490
Inspection.......................... 493
Points to Remember.................. 493
Pressure Cap........................ 492
Radiator Cap....................... 492
550 INDEX

Jump Starting....................... 462
Tow Hooks......................... 466
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 473
Engine............................... 471
Air Cleaner Filter.................... 479
Break-In Recommendations.............. 94
Checking Oil Level................... 476
Compartment....................... 471
Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 489
Cooling ........................... 489
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 47,96,439
Fails to Start........................ 379
Flooded, Starting..................... 379
Fuel Requirements.................435,517
Jump Starting....................... 462
Oil ............................476,517
Oil Change Interval................... 477
Oil Selection.....................477,517
Overheating........................ 460Starting........................... 375
Temperature Gauge................... 292
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 478
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 478
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 77
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 21
Ethanol............................... 436
Event Data Recorder...................... 81
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 47,96,439,486
Exhaust System....................... 96,486
Exterior Finish Care...................... 500
Exterior Lights.......................... 99
Filters
Air Cleaner......................... 479
Engine Oil......................... 479
Engine Oil Disposal................... 479
FinishCare ............................ 500
Flashers.............................. 460
552 INDEX

Hazard Warning..................... 460
Turn Signal................. 99,286,513,514
Flipper Glass, Liftgate..................... 44
Flooded Engine Starting................... 379
Fluid Capacities......................... 517
Fluid Leaks............................. 99
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................. 494
Cooling System...................... 489
Engine Oil......................... 476
Fluid, Brake........................... 494
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 518
Fog Light Service........................ 513
Fog Lights..........................286,513
Folding Rear Seat........................ 170
Forward Collision Warning...........224,303,324
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 460
Front Axle (Differential)................... 496
Fuel................................. 435Additives.......................... 438
CleanAir .......................... 436
Conserving......................... 309
Ethanol........................... 436
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............440,443
Gasoline........................... 435
Gauge............................ 292
Light ............................. 304
Materials Added..................... 438
Methanol.......................... 436
Octane Rating....................... 435
Requirements....................435,517
Saver Mode........................ 309
Tank Capacity....................... 517
Fuel Optimizer......................... 309
Fuel Saver............................. 309
Fuel System Caution..................... 441
Fuses................................ 504
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INDEX 553