check engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 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.
596 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 597

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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 599

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 require
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.
602 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 require 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 603

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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 “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 629

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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S630 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo Area Features...................... 268
Cargo Compartment ...................... 268
Light ............................. 270
Cargo Light ............................ 270
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 273
Cellular Phone ....................... 121,394
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 621
Certification Label ....................... 521
Chains, Tire ............................ 496
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 549
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 479
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 576
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 94
Checks, Safety ........................... 94
Child Restraint .................... 81,84,86,89
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............85,86
Child Safety Locks ........................ 35
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 510 Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 607
Climate Control ......................... 394
Clock ............................. 330,339
Cold Weather Operation ................... 417
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 393
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 491
Compass .............................. 317
Compass Calibration ..................... 319
Compass Variance ....................... 318
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 314
Connector UCI .............................. 353
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 353
Conserving Fuel ......................... 311
Console, Overhead ....................... 240
Contract, Service ........................ 649
658 INDEX

Oil Selection..................... 580,622
Oil Synthetic ........................ 581
Overheating ........................ 548
Starting ........................... 413
Temperature Gauge ................... 294
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 581
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 581
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 76
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 23
Ethanol ............................... 510
Event Data Recorder ...................... 80
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 48,95,513
Exhaust System ....................... 95,589
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 605
Exterior Lights .......................... 98
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 582
Engine Oil ......................... 582 Engine Oil Disposal
................... 582
Finish Care ............................ 605
Flashers .............................. 548
Hazard Warning ..................... 548
Turn Signal ................. 98,287,618,620
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 517
Engine Oil ......................... 516
Fuel Requirements ................. 513,515
Maintenance ........................ 517
Replacement Parts .................... 517
Starting ........................... 516
Flipper Glass, Liftgate ..................... 45
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 417
Fluid Capacities ......................... 622
Fluid Leaks ............................. 98
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..........601,602,603
Brake ............................. 598
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INDEX 661

Light Bulbs............................. 98
Lights .............................. 98,180
Airbag ...................... 74,79,96,285
Anti-Lock .......................... 292
Automatic Headlights ................. 181
Back-Up ........................... 620
Brake Assist Warning .................. 476
Brake Warning ...................... 290
Bulb Replacement .................... 617
Cargo ............................. 270
Center Mounted Stop .................. 621
Daytime Running .................... 183
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 180
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 476
Exterior ............................ 98
Fog ............................ 287,619
Fuses ............................. 610
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 548
Headlights ...................... 617,618Headlights On With Wipers
............. 181
High Beam Indicator .................. 287
Hill Descent Control Indicator ........... 287
Illuminated Entry ..................... 23
Low Fuel .......................... 306
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 285
Map Reading ....................... 186
Reading ........................ 186,240
Rear Servicing ....................... 620
Rear Tail ........................... 620
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 290
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 293
Service ............................ 617
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 285
Side Marker ........................ 620
SmartBeams ........................ 182
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 288
Tow/Haul Indicator .................. 287
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INDEX 665