The following covers Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 1993 through 1998. If you drive the vehicle under normal service, you should change the automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. On the other hand, if you drive the car under severe service, change the automatic transmission fluid every 15,000 miles. Check the owner's manual to confirm the recommended transmission fluid for your vehicle model.
Drive the vehicle for 20 minutes on a highway or in stop-and-go city driving. Park the vehicle. Raise and support it on jack stands and position a large drain pan beneath the transmission.
Remove the drain plug, if there is one. You'll need a ratchet with an appropriately sized socket for this step. Wait for the transmission fluid to drain, then replace the drain plug. If there isn't a drain plug, continue to the next step.
Use the ratchet with an appropriately sized socket to remove the retaining bolts from the transmission pan. If you were already able to drain the transmission fluid, go ahead and take off all the bolts. Otherwise, remove the bolts from the front and sides of the pan. Loosen the rear retaining bolts about four turns. Tap the pan loose with a rubber hammer. Let the fluid drain from the seal around the pan flange.
Remove the rear retaining bolts, the pan and the gasket. Clean the pan with a safe solvent and either allow it to air dry or dry it with a clean, lint free cloth. Take off the old fluid filter by removing the screws. Discard the filter. If there is an O ring on the pickup pipe, remove and discard it. Install the new O ring, if equipped, and install the new fluid filter. Tighten the retaining screws to 35 in-lb with a torque wrench.
Place a new gasket on the fluid pan flange. Ensure the gasket holes and the boltholes align. Reinstall the pan onto the transmission and tighten the retaining bolts to 150 in-lb. Return the vehicle to level ground, open the hood and remove the transmission dipstick.
Pour 2 quarts of new transmission fluid through the filler tube. You may use a funnel to help make this easier. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Move the gear selector through each gear, pausing momentarily at each gear. Return the gear selector to "Park" and apply the parking brake. Let the engine continue idling.
Check the transmission fluid level. Add more fluid if necessary to bring the level to the correct position on the dipstick. Drive the vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes to warm up the transmission. Park the Grand Cherokee, recheck the fluid level and add more fluid if necessary.
