How to Change Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Fluid

Changing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) of your Grand Cherokee is quite essential. The manufacturer recommends doing this after every 30,000 miles but it is best to have it done after every 20,000 miles for extra precaution. You can either have it done by the professionals at Kelly CDJR, or you can also change the fluid yourself.

Majority of individuals believe that it is very tricky to change the transmission fluid, but in reality, it is quite easy if you know the proper procedure. Following are the steps you must follow in order to successfully change the transmission fluid of your Grand Cherokee with ease:

 
1. The first step is to get your Cherokee warmed up. This can easily be done by driving around your vehicle for about 20 minutes. This will warm up the fluid and will easily drain it out from the transmission properly as compared to cold fluid.
 
2. Next, you have to raise the vehicle up with the help of a jack. Before crawling under the car, ensure that it is well supported.
 
3. Once you are under the vehicle, start locating the transmission fluid pan. It is situated slightly past the engine bay and is rectangular and flat. If it has a drain plug then you need a ratchet to remove it.   
       Before doing that, place a drain container underneath it so that all the transmission fluid is collected in the container.
 
4. If there isn't any drain plug, simply loosen the transmission pan so that the fluid can be drained out. Once your drain container is ready, unplug the bolts from any of the three sides of the pan and slightly loosen the fourth one.
 
5. Once the fluid is completely drained, remove the gasket and the fluid pan.
 
6. Remove the screws and take off the fluid filter. Afterwards, if your vehicle has an o-ring then you must take it off too. Install a new fluid filter and o-ring then tighten up the screws properly.
 
7. Now, start wiping the transmission fluid pan rim of your Grand Cherokee and the surrounding areas where it bolts on the transmission case. Make sure all the debris and ATF has been properly cleaned off. Install a new gasket on the pan in a way that the bolt holes and gasket holes line up.
 
8. Get the fluid pan reinstalled on the transmission and securely tighten the all the bolts. If you have a torque wrench, it is best to tighten the bolts to 150 in-lbs.
 
9. Using a funnel, pour in about 2 quarts of automatic transmission fluid in the fluids dipstick tube. Now, it is time to start up your engine and leave it idle for few minutes. Place your foot on the brake and start switching gears from park to the low driving gears while pausing for a few seconds in between. This will enable the transmission fluid to start flowing through the transmission and cover all of its parts.
 
10. Check the level of the transmission fluid and accordingly fill it up. Go on a short drive of about 5 to 10 minutes then again check the levels of ATF. If needed, refill to reach the recommended level.

There you go; you have successfully changed the transmission fluid of your Grand Cherokee. However, if you are still unsure or are reluctant to perform this process, it is best to get it done by the professionals to avoid any potential damages and unnecessary repair costs. Visit Kelly CDJR in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, or Emmaus to avail their services.