2018 Jeep Cherokee: Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee holds between 7.3 and 10.1 quarts (6.9 to 9.6 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine option.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.3 to 10.1 quarts (6.9 to 9.6 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) conforming to MS-12106. This coolant is typically purple.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Using a pre-mixed solution is highly recommended to ensure the correct ratio.

Capacity by Engine Option

The required coolant capacity for your 2018 Cherokee depends on which engine it is equipped with.

Flush Interval

Following the correct service interval is crucial for protecting the aluminum components in your engine and preventing corrosion.

• Normal Service: Jeep recommends a coolant flush and replacement every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If the vehicle is used for towing, frequent short trips, extensive idling, or in extremely hot or cold climates, it's wise to consider shortening this interval to 5-7 years or 75,000-100,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling the coolant on a 2018 Jeep Cherokee requires careful bleeding to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating.

1. Ensure the Engine is Cool: Never open the cooling system on a hot engine.
2. Mix Coolant: If using concentrate, mix it 50/50 with distilled water in a clean container.
3. Locate the Bleeder Screw: The 3.2L V6 engine has a bleeder screw on the thermostat housing to help purge air from the system. The 2.4L engine often self-bleeds, but the process can be slow.
4. Fill Slowly: Slowly add the 50/50 coolant mixture to the coolant reservoir (degas bottle) until it reaches the MAX fill line.
5. Bleed the System:
   • For the 3.2L V6, loosen the bleeder screw while filling to allow air to escape. Tighten it once a steady stream of coolant emerges.
   • For all engines, leave the reservoir cap loose, start the engine, and turn the heat on high.
   • Let the engine run until it reaches operating temperature (the cooling fans will cycle on). You will see the coolant level drop as air is purged.
6. Top Off: Shut off the engine and allow it to cool completely. Top off the coolant in the reservoir to the MAX line and tighten the cap.
7. Recommendation: Due to the complexity of modern cooling systems, using a vacuum-fill tool is the most effective method to prevent airlocks. This tool pulls the system into a vacuum and uses that vacuum to draw coolant in, eliminating any chance of trapped air.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2014-present Jeep Cherokee (KL) generation can experience several cooling-related problems:

• Water Pump Failure: Some owners have reported premature water pump failure, leading to coolant leaks and overheating. Symptoms include a whining noise from the engine bay and coolant drips under the front of the vehicle.
• Thermostat Issues: A failing thermostat can get stuck open (causing the engine to take a long time to warm up and poor heater performance) or stuck closed (leading to rapid overheating).
• Radiator Leaks: Leaks can develop in the radiator core or at the plastic end tanks, often visible as coolant stains or drips.
• Heater Core Problems: While less common, issues with the heater core can cause a lack of heat in the cabin or a film on the inside of the windshield.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.