How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Beginning in 1993, the Jeep Grand Cherokee replaced the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, sporting a variety of four-wheel drive systems, including permanent full-time four-wheel drive and permanent two-wheel drive systems. These steps apply to all model years of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, although owners of high-mileage, highly modified or heavily driven vehicles may have unique maintenance requirements.

  • Use a one-to-one mixture of Mopar antifreeze coolant in the 5 year per 100,000 mile formula with distilled water to keep your Jeep Grand Cherokee's coolant system running smoothly. While expert recommendations for extreme cold temperatures vary, most agree that anti-freeze performance actually declines if you use more than 70 percent coolant in the mixture.

  • Maintain your Jeep's engine with SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 engine oils. You should avoid using SAE 10W-30 if you expect temperatures to drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter which viscosity of oil you select, it should meet DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

  • Refill your power steering reservoir, as necessary, with Mopar Power Steering Fluid.

  • Pick Mopar DOT-3 SAE J1703 brake fluid when performing routine maintenance on your brakes. DOT-4 fluid is also acceptable if DOT-3 SAE J1703 isn't available, but make sure to use only recommended fluids in order to avoid brake damage or failure.

  • Drain and refill your automatic transmission with Mopar ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid at regular maintenance intervals. The same fluid can be used in the transfer case for Selec-Trac models. Quadra-Trac models require Mopar transfer case fluid, part number 05016796.