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2005-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2011-2019 Dodge Durango Routine Maintenance FAQ

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2005-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2011-2019 Dodge Durango SUVs are touted as being tough vehicles that will with stand anything life can throw at them. But as rugged as they are, they still need regular maintenance, so what follows is our quick guide to the main things your Grand Cherokee or Durango will need from time to time, taken directly from Haynes manual 50026.

Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.

Oil Change

Engine oil type API grade “certified for gasoline engines”
Oil viscosity  
   3.6L (2015 and earlier), 3.7L, 4.7L and 5.7L 5W-20
   3.6L (2016 and later) 0W-20
   6.1L and 6.4L Hemi V8 0W-40
Note: Confirm engine oil viscosity on the engine oil filler cap.  
Engine oil capacity (with filter change)  
2010 and earlier models  
   3.7L engine 5 quarts
   4.7L engine 6 quarts
   5.7L and 6.1L engines.. 7 quarts
2011 and later models  
   3.6L engine. 6 quarts
   5.7L and 6.4L engines.. 7 quarts
Recommended fastener torque  
Engine oil drain plug  
   3.7L, 4.7L and 5.7L engines.. 25 ft-lbs
   3.6L, 6.1L and 6.4L engines.. 20 ft-lbs
Engine oil filter cap (3.6L V6 engine) 18 ft-lbs

Transmission Fluid Change

Automatic transmission fluid type  
2013 and earlier models Mopar® ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid
2014 and later models Mopar® 2F 8 and 9 speed ATF or Shell® L12108 automatic trans. fluid
Automatic transmission fluid capacity  
2013 and earlier models (drain and refill)  
   NAG1 5.3 quarts
   545RFE and 65RFE  
      2WD 5.5 quarts
      4WD 6.5 quarts
2014 and later models**  
   8HP45 (8-speed) Up to 8.98 quarts
   8HP50 (8-speed) Up to 9.5 quarts
   8HP70 (8-speed) Up to 8.77 quarts
   8HP75 (8-speed) Up to 8.98 quarts
**Dry fill capacity  
Note: All capacities are approximate. Determine the amount of fluid to add by measuring the amount drained, initially add 1/2 of that amount. Then, with the engine running, add 1/2-pint at a time (shifting through each gear position between additions) until the level is correct. It is important to not overfill the transmission.
Recommended fastener torque  
Automatic transmission pan bolts  
   NAG1 transmission 71 in-lbs
   545RFE and 65RFE transmissions 105 in-lbs
   8-speed transmissions 89 in-lbs
Automatic transmission drain plug  
   All 8-speed 8-speed 8HP70 89 in-lbs
   8HP70 80 in-lbs
Automatic transmission fill plug (8-speed transmissions) 26 ft-lbs

Transfer Case and Differential Fluid Change

Transfer case lube type  
All except NV245 and MP2010 Mopar® ATF+4, automatic transmission fluid**
NV245 transfer case, use  MOPAR® NV 247/245 transfer case lube
MP2010 transfer case Shell® ATF 3403/M-115 or ATF 3353
Differential lube type  
2010 and earlier models  
   Rear axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic gear lubricant or equivalent*
   Front axle (4WD models) SAE 75W-140 Synthetic gear lubricant or equivalent*
2011 and later models  
   Rear axle SAE 75W-85 Gear lubricant or equivalent*
   Front axle (4WD models) SAE 75W-85 Gear lubricant or equivalent*
*Limited slip differential add 4 ounces Mopar® limited-slip additive friction modifier or equivalent, to the specified lubricant.
Transfer case lube capacity  
2010 and earlier models  
   NV140 1.4 pints
   NV245 3.8 pints
2011 and later models  
   MP2010. 1.1 pints
   MP3010. 1.4 quarts
   MP3015 1.1 quarts
   MP3023. 2.0 quarts
Front axle (4WD) lube capacity  
2010 and earlier  
   C200F and C200FE 1.8 quarts
2011 and later  
   195FIA 1.2 quarts
   195FIA FE 0.9 quarts
Rear axle***  
2010 and earlier  
   C213R 2.19 quarts
   C213RE. 2.37 quarts
2011 and later  
   195RIA 1.0 quart
   215RII 1.3 quarts
   225RII 1.5 quarts
   230RIA 1.2 quarts
   230RIA (limited-slip) 1.4 quarts
***Add four ounces of friction modifier if equipped with a limited slip differential.
Recommended fastener torque  
Differential cover bolts  
   2010 and earlier  
      C200F and C200FE (front). 41
      C213R and C213RE (rear). 30
Differential fill and drain plugs  
   2011 and later  
      195FIA and 195FIA RE (front) 26
      195RIA and 230RIA (rear) 26
      215RII and 225RII (rear) 37

Cooling System Flush and Fill

Coolant type  
2012 and earlier models 50/50 mixture of Mopar® 5 year/100k mile antifreeze/ coolant with HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) and water
2013 and later models 50/50 mixture of Mopar® 10 year/150k mile antifreeze/ coolant with OAT (Organic Additive Technology) and water 
Note: These types of coolants shouldn’t be mixed with other coolants.
Cooling system capacity  
2010 and earlier models  
   3.7L engine 9 quarts
   4.7L and 5.7L engines. 14.5 quarts
   6.1L engines.. 14.8 quarts
2011 and later models  
   3.6L engine 10.4 quarts
   5.7L engine w/o tow package. 15.4 quarts
   5.7L and 6.4L engines w/ tow package. 16 quarts

Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types

Brake fluid type DOT 3 brake fluid
Power steering fluid MOPAR type ATF+4 or equivalent
   Models with typical belt-driven pump Mopar® Hydraulic system Power Steering Fluid
   Models with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) pump Fluid meeting material specification MS-11655 or equivalent
***Do not mix power steering fluid types. Damage may result to the power steering pump and system if any other fluid is used.

Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs

Drivebelt tensioner bolt  
2010 and earlier  
   3.7L, 4.7L and 5.7L engines 30
   6.1L engine. 40
2011 and later  
   3.7L V6 engines 37
   V8 engines 30
Spark plugs  
2010 and earlier  
   3.7L and 4.7L engines. 20 ft-lbs
   5.7L and 6.1L engines. 156 in-lbs
2011 and later  
   3.6L engine 156 in-lbs
   5.7L engine (2012-2014 only) 20 ft-lbs
   5.7L (all other years) and 6.4L engine 156 in-lbs
Wheel lug nuts  
Durango models  
   2015 and earlier 85 to 115
   2016 and later Base models 130
   2018 and later SRT models 110
Grand Cherokee models  
   2010 and earlier models 85 to 115
   2011 through 2013 models 110
   2014 through 2016 models 95 to 125
   2017 and later models  
      Base models 130
      SRT models 110
Brake caliper mounting bolts (non-SRT8)  
Front  
   2010 and earlier models 32
   2011 and later models 41
Rear  
   2010 and earlier models 18
   2011 and later models 20
Brake caliper mounting bracket bolts (non-SRT8)  
Front  
   2010 and earlier 125
   2011 and later 148
Rear (2011 and later) 89
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Maintenance Schedule

The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.

When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).

Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first

  • Check the engine oil level
  • Check the engine coolant level
  • Check the brake fluid level
  • Check the power steering fluid level
  • Check the windshield washer fluid level
  • Check the tires and tire pressures
  • Check the operation of all lights
  • Check the horn operation

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus: 

  • Change the engine oil and filter*
  • Check the wiper blade condition
  • Check and clean the battery and terminals
  • Rotate the tires
  • Check the seat belts
  • Inspect underhood hoses
  • Check the cooling system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
  • Check the brake hoses
  • Check the suspension, steering components and driveaxle boots
  • Check the exhaust pipes and hangers

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus: 

  • Check the brake system*
  • Check the drivebelts and replace if necessary
  • Check the fuel system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
  • Check the transfer case lubricant level
  • Check the differential lubricant level

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus: 

  • Change the brake fluid
  • Replace the air filter element
  • Replace the spark plugs
  • Check the ignition coils

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus: 

  • Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve

Every 72,000 miles

  • Change the transfer case lubricant
  • Change the differential lubricant

Every 60 months (regardless of mileage)

  • Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)

Every 100,000 miles

  • Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter**

 

* Perform all maintenance indicated with an asterisk (*) at 3000 mile/3 month intervals if operated under "severe" conditions. Severe conditions include the following: 

  • Operating often in dusty areas (dirt roads or off-road)
  • Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
  • Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
  • If most of your driving is at freeway speed in temperatures above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C) 

** If operated under one or more of the following conditions, change the or automatic transmission fluid lubricant every 30,000 miles:

  • In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
  • In hilly or mountainous terrain 
  • Frequent trailer towing