check engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2011 WK2 / 4.G Owner's Manual

Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals and 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal
operating temperature, 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 attendant
of 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
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally 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.
506 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
•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 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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be periodically inspected.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 507

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 collision.
•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)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be between 1/8 in (3 mm)
below the bottom of the fill hole and the bottom of the fill
hole.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 509

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. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
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 to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, 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
Regular fluid level checks are not required. For this
reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission slippage or
malfunction, have your authorized dealer check the
transmission fluid level.
512 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•The fluid level is preset at the factory and it does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may occur. Your au-
thorized dealer has the proper tools to adjust the
fluid level accurately.
Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure
must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 513

referring to the steps described under “Electronic 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.
•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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 539

Cargo Area Cover....................... 234
Cargo Area Features ...................... 231
Cargo Compartment ...................... 231
Light ............................... 233
Cargo Light ............................ 233
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 236
Cellular Phone ....................... 121,323
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 532
Certification Label ....................... 436
Chains, Tire ............................ 412
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 463
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 395
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 486
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 96
Checks, Safety ........................... 96
Child Restraint .................... 82,83,88,91
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............86,88
Child Safety Locks ........................ 35 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 425
Climate Control ......................... 323
Clock ............................. 289,298
Cold Weather Operation ................... 346
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 323
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 407
Compass .............................. 277
Compass Calibration ..................... 278
Compass Variance ....................... 279
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 274
Connector UCI ................................ 313
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 313
Conserving Fuel ........................ 273
Console, Overhead ....................... 206
Contract, Service ........................ 557
Cooling System ......................... 502
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 504
Coolant Capacity ...................... 533
566 INDEX

Oil Synthetic......................... 491
Overheating .......................... 462
Starting ............................. 343
Temperature Gauge .................... 257
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 491
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 491
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 78
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 23
Ethanol ............................... 425
Event Data Recorder ...................... 81
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 48,97,428
Exhaust System ....................... 97,499
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 515
Exterior Lights .......................... 100
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 492
Engine Oil ........................... 492
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 492 Finish Care
............................ 515
Flashers .............................. 462
Hazard Warning ....................... 462
Turn Signal .................. 100,250,528,530
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ....................... 432
Engine Oil ........................... 431
Fuel Requirements .................. 429,430
Maintenance ......................... 432
Replacement Parts ..................... 432
Starting ............................. 432
Flipper Glass, Liftgate ..................... 45
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 347
Fluid Capacities ......................... 533
Fluid Leaks ............................ 100
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ............ 511,512,513
Brake .............................. 508
Engine Oil ........................... 489
10
INDEX 569

Light Bulbs............................ 100
Lights ............................. 100,146
Airbag ...................... 75,76,81,98,248
Anti-Lock ........................... 255
Automatic Headlights ................... 147
Back-Up ............................ 530
Brake Assist Warning ................... 392
Brake Warning ........................ 253
Bulb Replacement ...................... 527
Cargo .............................. 233
Center Mounted Stop ................... 532
Daytime Running ...................... 149
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ............... 146
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 392
Exterior ............................. 100
Fog ............................. 250,528
Fuses ............................... 520
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 462
Headlights ........................... 527 Headlights On With Wipers
............... 147
High Beam Indicator .................... 250
Hill Descent Control Indicator ............. 250
Illuminated Entry ....................... 23
Low Fuel ............................ 268
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 248
Map Reading ......................... 152
Reading .......................... 152,206
Rear Servicing ........................ 530
Rear Tail ............................ 530
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 253
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 256
Service ............................. 527
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 248
Side Marker .......................... 530
SmartBeams .......................... 148
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 251
Tow/Haul Indicator .................... 250
Traction Control ....................... 392
10
INDEX 573

Turn Signal.................. 100,146,528,530
Vanity Mirror ......................... 111
Loading Vehicle ......................... 436
Tires ............................... 399
Locks ................................. 33
Child Protection ........................ 35
Door ................................ 33
Power Door ........................... 34
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 86,88
Lubrication, Body ....................... 496
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 493
Maintenance Procedures ................... 488
Maintenance Schedule .................... 538
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 248,486
Manual, Service ......................... 559
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 140
Memory Seat ........................... 140 Memory Seats and Radio
.................. 140
Methanol ............................. 425
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 274
Mirrors ............................... 108
Compass/Temperature .................. 109
Electric Powered ....................... 110
Electric Remote ....................... 110
Exterior Folding ....................... 110
Heated .............................. 111
Outside ............................. 110
Rearview ............................ 108
Vanity .............................. 111
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... 273
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 9
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 415
MOPAR Accessories ................... 487,558
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 425
Multi-Displacement Engine System ........... 379
574 INDEX