2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE check transmission fluid

Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
•If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump
Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies”.
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem
with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system. The light will come
on when the ignition is first turned
ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during
starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped
and the shift lever is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running,
your vehicle will usually be drivable. How-
ever, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when
the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced per-
formance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing.
• Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated en-
gine condition. As temperatures rise
and the gauge approaches H,this in-
dicator will illuminate and a single chime will
sound after reaching a set threshold. Further
overheating will cause the temperature gauge
to pass H,a continuous chime will occur until
the engine is allowed to cool.
• If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tem-
perature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats”
in “What To Do In Emergencies” for more
information. •
Transmission Temperature Light
This light indicates that there is
excessive transmission fluid tem-
perature that might occur with se-
vere usage such as trailer towing. It
may also occur when operating the
vehicle in a high torque converter slip condition,
such as 4-wheel-drive operation (e.g., snow
plowing, off- road operation). If this light comes
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until
the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Indicator illuminated will even-
tually cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure.
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CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering, as a precaution, and check all
fluids afterward. Driving through water may
cause damage that may not be covered by the
new vehicle limited warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to
determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to entering.
Proceed with caution and maintain a steady
controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in
deep water to minimize wave effects.Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in
storm run-off), avoid crossing until the water
level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If
you must cross flowing water avoid depths in
excess of 9 inches (23 cm). The flowing water
can erode the streambed, causing your vehicle
to sink into deeper water. Determine exit
point(s) that are downstream of your entry point
to allow for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
20 inches (51 cm), and reduce speed appropri-
ately to minimize wave effects. Maximum speed
in 20 inches (51 cm) of water is less than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine oil, trans-
mission oil, axle, transfer case) to assure the
fluids have not been contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) should
be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And SandIn heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for
additional control at slower speeds, shift the
transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information. Do not shift to a
lower gear than necessary to maintain forward
motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads,
because engine braking may cause skidding and
loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:
Before attempting to climb a hill, determine
the conditions at the crest and/or on the
other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,
shift the trans-
mission to a lower gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW. Use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
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Power Steering Fluid CheckChecking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The fluid
should only be checked if a leak is suspected,
abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the sys-
tem is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level sur-
face and with the engine off to prevent injury
from moving parts and to ensure accurate fluid
level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manu-
facturer’s recommended power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the shift
lever in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
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CAUTION!
•
Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when necessary
could result in more costly repairs, damage
to other components or negatively impact
vehicle performance. Immediately have po-
tential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
•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 – Gasoline Engines
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s
engine, the engine oil must be maintained at the
correct level. The best time to check the engine
oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up 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. Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection – Non ACEA
Categories
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, we
recommend you use MOPAR® API Certified
SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine
Oil Identification Symbol
This symbol means
that the oil has
been certified by
the American Petro-
leum Institute (API).
The manufacturer
only recommends
API Certified engine
oils.
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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
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
transfer case assembly should be inspected. If
oil leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
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 to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
recommended transmission fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at
the correct level using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
326

Special AdditivesThe manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may ad-
versely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your trans-
mission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.Fluid Level Check – 3.6L And 3.0L Diesel
Engine
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission has no
dipstick. Your authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using a special service
dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission mal-
function, visit your authorized dealer immedi-
ately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an im-
proper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
CAUTION!
•
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit
your authorized dealer immediately. Se-
vere transmission damage may occur.
Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately. Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
It is best to check the fluid level when the
transmission is at normal operating temperature
(approximately 180°F / 82°C). This occurs after
at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal
operating temperature the fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips.
Use the following procedure to check the fluid
level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at idle speed and normal
operating temperature.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the
brake pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each
gear position (allowing time for the transmission
to fully engage in each position), ending with the
shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and rein-
sert it until seated.
327

6.Remove the dipstick again, and note the fluid
level on both sides. The fluid level reading is only
valid if there is a solid coating of oil on both sides of
the dipstick. The holes in the dipstick will be full of
fluid if the actual level is at or above the hole. The
fluid level should be between the "HOT"(upper)
reference holes on the dipstick at normal operating
temperature. If the fluid level is low, add fluid
through the dipstick tube to bring it to the proper
level. Do not overfill. Use ONLY the recom-
mended fluid (see "Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts" for fluid specifications). After adding any
quantity of oil through the dipstick 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 approxi-
mately 70°F (21°C) (room temperature). If the
fluid level is correctly established at room tem-
perature, it should be between the “HOT” (up-
per) reference holes when the transmission
reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to
check the level at the normal operating tem-
perature.
CAUTION!
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. Run the
engine at idle, in PARK, to warm the fluid.
7. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing
fluid, make sure that the dipstick cap is
properly reseated. It is normal for the dip-
stick cap to spring back slightly from its
fully seated position, as long as its seal
remains engaged in the dipstick tube.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From CorrosionVehicle body care requirements vary according
to geographic locations and usage. Chemicals
that make roads passable in snow and ice, and
those that are sprayed on trees and road sur-
faces during other seasons, are highly corrosive
to the metal in your vehicle.
The following maintenance recommendations
will enable you to obtain maximum benefit from
the corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or re-
moval of paint and protective coatings from your
vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
328

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 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, 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. 7,500 Miles (12,000 km) or 12 Months
Maintenance Service Schedule
❏
Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.††
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature, Authorized Service Center
345