2017 JEEP CHEROKEE maintenance

•When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capac-
ity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible per-
sonal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have a collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 375

Off-Road Driving Tips
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water,
there are a number of precautions that must be considered
before entering the water:
NOTE: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 pre-
vent 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 (22 cm). The flowing water can erode the streambed causing your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are down-
stream of your entry point to allow for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 16 inches
(40.5 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 16 inches (40.5 cm) of
water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
(Trailhawk only): Avoid driving in standing water deeper
than 19 inches (48 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to
minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in 19 inches (48
cm) of water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, Power Transfer
Unit and Rear Drive Module) to assure they have not been
contaminated. Contaminated fluids and lubricants (milky,
foamy in appearance) should be flushed/changed as soon
as possible to prevent component damage.
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Raise the vehicle just enough to remove the flat tire.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the
vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and hurt
someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to
remove the tire.
6. Remove the wheel bolts and tire.
7. Remove the alignment pin from the jack assembly and thread the pin into the wheel hub to assist in mounting
the spare tire.
8. Mount the spare tire.
CAUTION!
Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem
facing outward. The vehicle could be damaged if the
spare tire is mounted incorrectly. NOTE:
•For vehicles so equipped, do not attempt to install a
center cap or wheel cover on the compact spare.
• Refer to “Compact Spare Tire” and to “Limited-Use
Spare” under “Tires—General Information” in “Servic-
ing and Maintenance” for additional warnings, cau-
tions, and information about the spare tire, its use, and
operation.
Mounting Spare Tire
420 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................447
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .449
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............450
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................451
▫ 2.4L Compartment ..................... .451
▫ 3.2L Compartment ..................... .452
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................453
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................453
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................454
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .455
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .455
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .457
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................457
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............461▫
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............462
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .466
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................467
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .472
▫ Cooling System ....................... .474
▫ Brake System ........................ .478
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................479
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................481
 TIRES ............................... .481
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................481
▫ Tires — General Information ..............489
▫ Tire Types ........................... .495
▫ Spar

e Tires — If Equipped ................496
▫ Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ..............498
8

▫Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............500
▫ Tire Rotation Recommendations ............501
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES ..........503
▫ Treadwear ........................... .503
▫ Traction Grades ....................... .503
▫ Temperature Grades .....................503
 STORING THE VEHICLE ..................504 
BODYWORK .......................... .505
▫ Protection From Atmospheric Agents ........505
▫ Body And Underbody Maintenance ..........505
▫ Preserving The Bodywork .................506
 INTERIORS ........................... .507
▫ Seats And Fabric Parts ...................507
▫ Plastic And Coated Parts ..................508
▫ Leather Parts ......................... .508
▫ Glass Surfaces ........................ .509
446 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as
early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500
miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 447

Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the required maintenance intervals.
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 irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required
• 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
448 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Plan
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, boot seals. tie rod ends,
and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake function. X X X X X X X
Inspect front accessory drive belt, tensioner, idler pul-
ley, and replace if necessary. X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air cleaner filter. XX X XX
Replace air conditioning/cabin air filter. X X X X X X X
Replace spark plugs ** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes first. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 449