2016 Jeep Cherokee Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee cooling system holds approximately 9.5 to 10.5 quarts (9.0 to 9.9 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. This guide details the specific coolant requirements and procedures for your vehicle.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 9.5 - 10.5 quarts (9.0 - 9.9 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) in purple color, conforming to Chrysler material standard MS-90032. Do NOT use HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology) coolants.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted coolant or 50% OAT concentrate mixed with 50% distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee was offered with two engine options, each with a slightly different cooling system capacity:

Flush Interval

Maintaining your cooling system with regular flushes is crucial for preventing corrosion and ensuring optimal engine temperature regulation.

• Normal Duty: Replace initially at 10 years or 150,000 miles, then every 5 years or 75,000 miles thereafter.
• Severe Duty: If your vehicle is subjected to heavy towing, frequent off-road driving, or extreme temperatures, consider a flush every 5 years or 75,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is essential to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating and damage. Always perform these steps on a cold engine.

1. Drain: Completely drain the old coolant from the radiator drain cock and, if applicable, the engine block drain plugs.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): Flush the system with distilled water until clear, ensuring all old coolant is removed.
3. Refill: Close all drains. Slowly add the correct Mopar OAT coolant (50/50 mix) to the coolant reservoir until it reaches the MAX fill line. Leave the reservoir cap off.
4. Bleed: Start the engine and let it run with the heater on full blast (hot setting) and the fan on low. This opens the heater core and allows coolant to circulate through the entire system.
5. Monitor Coolant Level: As the engine warms up, the coolant level in the reservoir may drop as trapped air escapes. Continuously top off the reservoir to the MAX line.
6. Squeeze Hoses: Gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge any remaining air bubbles.
7. Check for Air: Some 2016 Jeep Cherokees, particularly those with the 3.2L Pentastar V6, may have a bleed screw located on or near the thermostat housing. Loosen this screw slightly until a steady stream of coolant (without air bubbles) emerges, then retighten.
8. Run to Temperature: Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature. The thermostat will open, and coolant will circulate fully. Continue to monitor and top off the reservoir.
9. Cap and Test Drive: Once the engine is at operating temperature and no more air bubbles appear, install the reservoir cap. Take the vehicle for a short test drive, then allow it to cool down completely.
10. Final Check: After cooling, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and adjust as necessary.

Note on Vacuum Fill: For optimal air removal, especially in complex cooling systems, a vacuum-fill tool is highly recommended. This evacuates all air from the system before refilling, virtually eliminating the risk of air pockets.

Common Cooling System Issues for This Generation

Owners of 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokees (KL generation) may encounter a few common cooling system-related issues:

• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing is a known weak point and can develop leaks over time, often manifesting as a noticeable coolant drip.
• Water Pump Leaks: While less common than thermostat housing issues, water pump leaks can occur, especially as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage.
• Radiator Leaks: Some owners have reported radiator leaks, particularly around the end tanks, which can be caused by manufacturing defects or road debris.
• Heater Core Issues: In some instances, a clogged or failing heater core can lead to reduced cabin heat or, in severe cases, coolant leaks inside the vehicle.
• Coolant System Air Pockets: Due to the design of the cooling system, air pockets can be difficult to bleed out without proper procedure or a vacuum-fill tool, leading to overheating concerns.

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