check engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

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 engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.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 recov-
ery 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) addi-
tions 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) concen-
tration at 50% HOAT engine coolant (anti-
freeze) (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 ob-
structed. •
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 nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be peri-
odically inspected. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly an accident. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
result in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
311

Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood ser-
vice, or immediately if the brake system warn-
ing lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent
plastic reservoir. On the outboard side of the
reservoir, there is a “MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot.
The fluid level must be kept within these two
dots. Do not add fluid above the MAX mark,
because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be ex-
pected to fall as the brake linings wear. How-
ever, an unexpected drop in fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a system check should
be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master
cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed con-
tainer. 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 sud-
den brake failure. This could result in a
accident.
(Continued)WARNING!(Continued)
• 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.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal com-
ponents could be damaged, causing partial
or complete brake failure. This could result
in an accident.
Front/Rear Axle FluidFor 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
information.
312

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift qual-
ity and/or torque converter shudder. Using a
transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid will require more fre-
quent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
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 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 transmis-
sion as the chemicals can damage your trans-
mission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L And 3.0L Diesel
Engine
Routine fluid level checks are not required. For
this reason, the dipstick is omitted. Your autho-
rized dealer can check your transmission fluid
level using a special service dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission mal-
function, have your authorized dealer check
the transmission fluid level. Operation with an
improper fluid level can greatly reduce the life
of your transmission.CAUTION!
• Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder.
Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will re-
quire more frequent fluid and filter changes.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
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 trans-
mission may occur. Your authorized dealer
has the proper tools to adjust the fluid level
accurately.
314

Fluid Level Check – 5.7L Engine
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at
normal operating temperature. This occurs af-
ter 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 nor-
mal 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.6. Remove the dipstick again, and note the
fluid level on both sides. The fluid level should
be between the “HOT” (upper) reference holes
on the dipstick at normal operating tempera-
ture. The fluid level is only valid if there is a solid
coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. If the
fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick
tube.
Do not overfill. After adding any quantity
of oil through the oil fill 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
approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly estab-
lished 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!
Be aware that 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.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing
fluid, make certain 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.
Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From
Corrosion
Vehicle 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
315

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 reser-
voir, 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.
333

† This maintenance is recommended by the
manufacturer to the owner, but is not required
to maintain emissions warranty.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around
a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for
which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your
ability to perform a service job, take your
vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Maintenance Schedule – Diesel
Engine
To help you have the best driving experience
possible, the manufacturer has identified the
specific vehicle maintenance service intervals
that are required to keep your vehicle operating
properly and safely.
The manufacturer recommends that these
maintenance intervals be performed at your
selling dealer. The technicians at your dealer-
ship know your vehicle best, and have access
to factory trained information, genuine
MOPARparts, and specially designed elec- tronic and mechanical tools that can help pre-
vent future costly repairs.
The maintenance intervals shown should be
performed as indicated in this section.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 12,500 miles (20 000 km) or
12 months, whichever comes first.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 15 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 reser-
voir, brake master cylinder, and power steer-
ing 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.
• Inspect for the presence of water in the fuel
filter/water separator unit.
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.
344

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)..............117
Adding Fuel ................265
Additives, Fuel ...............264
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter) .........304
Air Conditioner Maintenance .......305
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .......305
Air Conditioning System ..........205
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .....208
Air Filter ...................304
Air Pressure, Tires .............253
Air Suspension ...............236
Airbag .................. 37,43
Airbag Deployment .............44
Airbag Light ........... 42,45,56,159
Airbag Maintenance ............45
Airbag, Side ............. 39,41,43
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) . . . 39,41,43
Alarm (Security Alarm) ..........164
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ......16
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ......8
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......245
Anti-Lock Warning Light ..........163
Anti-Theft System .............164
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........326
Appearance Care .............315 Assist, Hill Start
..............249
Auto Down Power Windows ........25
Automatic Dimming Mirror .........67
Automatic Door Locks ...........21
Automatic Headlights ...........105
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) . . 205
Automatic Transmission .....222,226,313
Adding Fluid ...............315
Fluid and Filter Changes ........313
Fluid Level Check .........314,315
Fluid Type ................313
Special Additives ............314
Autostick ................ 225,230
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet
(Power Outlet) ...............142
Auxiliary Power Outlet ...........142
Battery ...................304
Keyless Transmitter Replacement
(RKE) ...................19
Belts, Seat ................ 30,56
Blind Spot Monitoring ............69
Body Mechanism Lubrication .......305
Brake Assist System ............246
Brake Control System, Electronic .....245
Brake Fluid .................312 Brake System
...............311
Anti-Lock
(ABS) .............245
Fluid Check ...............312
Master Cylinder .............312
Parking ..................244
Warning Light ..............162
Brake/Transmission Interlock .......222
Break-In Recommendations, New
Vehicle ....................55
Bulb Replacement .............322
Bulbs, Light .................58
Calibration, Compass ...........179
Camera, Rear ...............136
Capacities, Fluid ..............326
Caps, Filler Fuel ....................265
Power Steering .............243
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ......310
Car Washes ................316
Carbon Monoxide Warning .........56
Cargo Area Cover .............148
Cargo Area Features ...........146
Cargo Compartment ............146
Light ...................147
Cargo Light .................147
366

Cargo Tie-Downs.............148
Cellular Phone ............. 74,204
Center High Mounted Stop Light .....325
Chains, Tire ................254
Changing A Flat Tire ...........283
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety .....55
Checks, Safety ...............55
Child Restraint .......... 47,49,51,53
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .......51
Child Safety Locks .............21
Clean Air Gasoline .............263
Climate Control ...............205
Cold Weather Operation .........218
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ....204
Compass ..................176
Compass Calibration ...........179
Compass Variance .............177
Computer, Trip/Travel ...........174
Connector UCI ....................183
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) . . 183
Conserving Fuel ..............173
Console, Overhead ............138
Cooling System ..............308
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ......309
Coolant Capacity ............326
Coolant Level ..............310 Disposal of Used Coolant
.......310
Drain, Flush, and Refill .........309
Inspection ................308
Points to Remember ..........311
Pressure Cap ..............310
Radiator Cap ..............310
Selection of Coolant
(Antifreeze) ............. 309,326
Cruise Control (Speed Control) ......117
Cupholders .................144
Customer Assistance ...........356
Data Recorder, Event ............46
Daytime Running Lights ..........107
Defroster, Rear Window ..........150
Defroster, Windshield .........57,207
Diagnostic System, Onboard .......301
Diesel Fuel .................264
Diesel Fuel Requirements .........264
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission .........315
Oil (Engine) ...............302
Power Steering .............243
Disabled Vehicle Towing .........291
Disposal Engine Oil ................304 Door Locks
.................20
Door
Locks, Automatic ...........21
Driving ...................238
Off-Pavement ..............239
Off-Road .................239
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel
Economy ..................173
Electric Remote Mirrors ...........68
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary
(Power Outlet) ...............142
Electronic Brake Control System .....245
Anti-Lock Brake System ........245
Brake Assist System ..........246
Electronic Roll Mitigation ........246
Traction Control System ........246
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) .....246
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise
Control) ................ 115,117
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .....247
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ................. 160,164
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ......289
Hazard Warning Flasher ........282
Jacking ..................283
367

Jump Starting..............287
Engine Air Cleaner ................304
Break-In Recommendations .......55
Compartment .........298,299,300
Compartment Identification . . 298,299,300
Cooling ..................308
Exhaust Gas Caution .........29,56
Fails to Start ...............218
Flooded, Starting ............218
Fuel Requirements .........262,326
Jump Starting ..............287
Multi-Displacement ...........244
Oil .................. 302,326
Oil Change Interval ...........302
Oil Disposal ...............304
Oil Filter .................304
Oil Selection .......... 302,303,326
Oil Synthetic ...............303
Overheating ...............282
Starting ..................216
Temperature Gauge ...........164
Engine Oil Viscosity ............303
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ........303
Enhanced Accident Response Feature . . 44
Entry System, Illuminated ..........17
Ethanol ...................263 Event Data Recorder
............46
Exhaust Gas Caution ........29,56,307
Exhaust System ............ 56,307
Exterior Finish Care ............316
Exterior Lights ................58
Filters Air Cleaner ................304
Engine Oil ................304
Finish Care .................316
Flashers ..................282
Hazard Warning .............282
Turn Signal ......... 58,160,323,324
Flipper Glass, Liftgate ...........27
Flooded Engine Starting .........218
Fluid Capacities ..............326
Fluid Leaks .................58
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....313,314,315
Brake ...................312
Engine Oil ................302
Power Steering .............243
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts . . 327
Fog Light Service .............323
Fog Lights ............ 108,160,323
Fog

Lights, Rear ..............164 Folding Rear Seat
.............100
Forward Collision Warning . . . 129,170,180
Four Wheel Drive ........... 231,234
Operation ................231
Systems .................231
Four Wheel Drive Operation .......231
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .........282
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..........289
Front Axle (Differential) ..........312
Fuel .....................262
Additives .................264
Conserving ................173
Diesel ..................264
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ........265,266
Gasoline .................262
Gauge ..................163
Light ...................170
Octane Rating ..............262
Requirements ..............326
Saver Mode ...............173
Tank Capacity ..............326
Fuel Optimizer ...............173
Fuel Saver .................173
Fuel System Caution ............265
Fuses ....................318
368

Bulb Replacement...........322
Cargo ..................147
Center Mounted Stop ..........325
Daytime Running ............107
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .......105
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator .................251
Exterior ..................58
Fog ............... 108,160,323
Fuses ...................318
Hazard Warning Flasher ........282
Headlights ............. 322,323
Headlights On With Wipers .......106
High Beam Indicator ..........160
Hill Descent Control Indicator .....160
Illuminated Entry .............17
Low Fuel .................170
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) .............159
Map Reading ..............109
Reading ............... 109,138
Rear Fog .................164
Rear Servicing ..............324
Rear Tail .................324
Seat Belt Reminder ...........162
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ......164
Service ..................322 Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator)
.........159
Side Marker ...............324
SmartBeams ...............106
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ....160
Tow/Haul Indicator ...........160
Traction Control .............251
Turn Signal ......... 58,105,323,324
Vanity Mirror ................69
Locks .....................20
Automatic Door ..............21
Child Protection ..............21
Door ....................20
Power Door ................21
Steering Wheel ..............14
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ...................51
Lubrication, Body .............305
Maintenance Free Battery .........304
Maintenance Procedures .........301
Maintenance Schedule ........332,344
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine) ..............159
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .....101
Memory Seat ................101 Memory Seats and Radio
.........101
Methanol .................. 263
Methanol Fuel ...............263
Mini-Trip Computer ............174
Mirrors ....................67
Automatic Dimming ............67
Electric Powered .............68
Electric Remote ..............68
Exterior Folding ..............68
Heated ...................68
Outside ..................67
Power Folding ...............68
Rearview ..................67
Vanity ...................69
Mode Fuel Saver ................173
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ......8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ......257
Mopar Parts ................301
Multi-Displacement Engine System . . . 244
Multi-Function Control Lever .......105
New Vehicle Break-In Period ........55
Occupant Restraints .........29,41,44
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ....39,41,43
370