Welcome to the JeepSpecs.com in-depth page on WJ Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission service & maintenance. We have organized as much information as we could find into a helpful article below. Is something incorrect or missing? Please get in touch with us and we’ll fix it! Show
FLUID CAUTIONS:ATF+4® MUST always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4®. ATF+4® is compatible with ATF+3 and can be used to top off vehicles that currently have ATF+2 or ATF+3. DO NOT use ATF+2 or ATF+3 to top off vehicles that have ATF+4® fluid The use of non-recommended fluids can result in transmission failure. The usual results are erratic shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid this condition by using recommended fluids only. A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid pressures to be low and develop slower than normal. If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing the same conditions occurring with a low level. In either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxidation and varnish buildup which interferes with valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful. FLUID ADDITIVES:DaimlerChrysler strongly recommends against the addition of any fluids to the transmission, other than those automatic transmission fluids listed above. Exceptions to this policy are the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. Various “special” additives and supplements exist that claim to improve shift feel and/or quality. These additives and others also claim to improve converter clutch operation and inhibit overheating, oxidation, varnish, and sludge. These claims have not been supported to the satisfaction of DaimlerChrysler and these additives must not be used. The use of transmission “sealers” should also be avoided, since they may adversely affect the integrity of transmission seals. FILTER SEAL CAUTION (545RFE):The primary oil filter seal MUST be fully installed flush against the oil pump body. DO NOT install the seal onto the filter neck and attempt to install the filter and seal as an assembly. Damage to the transmission will result. Install the new primary oil filter seal in the oil pump inlet bore. Seat the seal in the bore with the butt end of a hammer, or other suitable tool. Place replacement filter in position on valve body and into the oil pump. Install screw to hold filter to valve body. Tighten screw to 40 in. lbs. torque. CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL:All WJ transmissions have a dipstick to check oil level. It is located on the right side of the engine (passenger side). The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdrawing the dipstick. MODEL 45RFE or 545RFE: (used with V8 engines only) 1. Transmission fluid must be at normal operating temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F). The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK) and N (NEUTRAL) positions. 2. The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle on level ground. 3. Apply parking brakes. 4. Place the selector lever in P (PARK) to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. 5. Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep dirt from entering tube. 6. Remove dipstick and check fluid level as follows: (a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area or area between “COLD” and “HOT”. (b) Correct maximum level is to “HOT” arrow mark. (c) Incorrect level is at or below “COLD” line. The fluid level will be approximately at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at 70° F fluid temperature. (d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopar ATF +4 Automatic Transmission fluid to restore correct level. Do not overfill. MODEL 42RE:1. Transmission fluid must be at normal operating temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F). 2. Position vehicle on level surface. 4. Apply parking brakes. 5. Shift transmission momentarily into all gear ranges. Then shift transmission back to NEUTRAL. 6. Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep dirt from entering tube. 7. Remove dipstick and check fluid level as follows: (a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area. (b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow mark. (c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line. (d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopar ATF +4 Automatic Transmission fluid to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
How do you check transmission fluid on a Jeep Grand Cherokee without dipstick?If the vehicle does not have a dipstick, the transmission fluid must be checked at the transmission. This requires lifting the car on four jack stands; it must be level to check the fluid. There will be a fill plug on the side of the transmission case. This is not the drain plug located at the bottom of the sump.
Where is the transmission dipstick on a Grand Cherokee Jeep?Our research indicates that your vehicle does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. These types of transmissions are designed to be maintenance free. In order to check the transmission fluid, your vehicle likely has check valve on the bottom of the transmission on the bottom of your car.
Does a Jeep Cherokee have a transmission dipstick?Your Jeep Cherokee will be happy to know that the search for the right Transmission Dipstick products you've been looking for is over! Advance Auto Parts has 1 different Transmission Dipstick for your vehicle, ready for shipping or in-store pick up.
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