2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE checking oil

damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 97

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” range. Adding one quart of oil
when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
NOTE:Fill engine oil one quart at a time.
CAUTION!
•Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration
or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your
engine.
(Continued)
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

MTBE/ETBE........................... 436
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 179
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 94
Occupant Restraints................... 48,73,78
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)........... 70,71,73,76
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 435
Odometer............................. 286
Trip .............................. 286
Oil Change Indicator..................... 308
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 308
Oil, Engine............................ 476
Capacity........................... 517
Change Interval..................... 477
Checking.......................... 476
Disposal........................... 479
Filter ............................. 479
Filter Disposal....................... 479Identification Logo................... 478
Materials Added to................... 478
Recommendation..................477,517
Viscosity........................... 517
Onboard Diagnostic System..............472,473
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)........... 241
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 5
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 109
Overdrive............................. 389
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 389
Overhead Console....................... 240
Overheating, Engine...................293,460
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 5,543
PaintCare ............................. 499
Paint Damage.......................... 499
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 229
Parking Brake.......................... 397
558 INDEX