2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE check transmission fluid

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer up in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include an adaptive drive strategy
to avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped), or a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select [ERS] shift control).
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or
selecting a lower gear range (using the ERS shift control)
while operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. This
action will also provide better engine braking.If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) as specified for “police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 569

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
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 613

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. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid speci-
fications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
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 for diagnosing fluid
leaks. 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
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 filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-
sion damage.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 637

CAUTION!
•If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately. Severe 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 can-
not 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 posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the shift lever in
PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
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 theHOT(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.
638 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use ONLY the recommended fluid (seeFluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Partsfor 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 transmissionbelow
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!
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 dipstick 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 639

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission as
needed
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
•Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
•Inspect exhaust system.
•Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 665

Fluid and Filter Changes.................639
Fluid Change.........................639
Fluid Level Check......................636
Fluid Type...........................636
Special Additives.......................637
Autostick...............................455
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)........277
Auxiliary Power Outlet.....................277
Battery.................................617
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........27
Belts, Seat...............................55
Blind Spot Monitoring......................127
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................621
B-Pillar Location..........................513
Brake Assist System.......................495
Brake Control System, Electronic..............494
Brake Fluid.............................633Brake System............................632
Anti-Lock (ABS).......................494
Fluid Check...........................633
Master Cylinder........................633
Parking..............................491
Warning Light.........................308
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................448
Bulb Replacement.........................652
Bulbs, Light.............................113
Calibration, Compass......................337
Camera, Rear............................255
Capacities, Fluid..........................659
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................550
Oil (Engine)..........................615
Power Steering........................490
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...............630
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................110
10
INDEX 683

Event Data Recorder........................82
Exhaust Gas Caution........................50
Exhaust System...........................110
Exterior Lights...........................113
Filters
Air Cleaner...........................616
Air Conditioning.......................619
Engine Oil............................616
Engine Oil Disposal.....................616
Flashers................................582
Hazard Warning.......................582
Turn Signal...........................113
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................549
Engine Oil............................548
Fuel Requirements......................546
Maintenance..........................549
Replacement Parts......................549Starting..............................549
Flipper Glass, Liftgate.......................47
Flooded Engine Starting....................443
Fluid Capacities..........................659
Fluid Leaks.............................113
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................637
Brake...............................633
Engine Oil............................613
Power Steering........................490
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts...........660
Fog Lights..............................305
Fog Light Service.........................655
Folding Rear Seat.........................187
Forward Collision Warning..................241
Four-Way Hazard Flasher...................582
Four Wheel Drive.........................467
Operation............................467
Systems.............................467
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INDEX 687