2018 Jeep Cherokee — Complete Fluid Type Specifications

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine oil — 2.4L Tigershark	0W-20 meeting FCA Material Standard MS-6395 (API SN or later)	~5.5 qt (5.2 L) w/filter — verify in owner’s manual
Engine oil — 3.2L Pentastar	5W-20 meeting FCA MS-6395 (API SN or later)	~6.0 qt (5.7 L) w/filter — verify in owner’s manual
Engine coolant — 2.4L	Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile OAT, purple, meeting Chrysler MS-12106 (50/50 mix)	~7.6–8.6 qt (7.2–8.1 L) total fill — verify
Engine coolant — 3.2L	Mopar OAT, purple, MS-12106 (50/50 mix)	~9.5–10.6 qt (9.0–10.0 L) total fill — verify
Automatic transmission (948TE 9‑speed)	Mopar ZF 9 Speed ATF (ZF Lifeguard 9 equivalent) — do NOT use ATF+4/Dexron/Mercon	Service fill ~4–5 qt (3.8–4.7 L); dry fill ~8–9 qt (7.6–8.5 L) — verify by VIN
PTU/transfer unit (AWD models)	API GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (Mopar)	~0.5–0.8 L (0.5–0.8 qt) — verify in OEM service info
Front differential (AWD, if separate)	API GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (Mopar)	~0.5–1.0 L — verify by axle code
Rear differential (AWD/RDM)	API GL-5 gear oil; many trims use 75W-85; some tow/Trailhawk may specify 75W-90 or 75W-140	~0.6–1.0 L — verify by axle/RDM tag
Brake fluid	DOT 3, meeting Chrysler MS-4574 (FMVSS 116 DOT 3)	Fill as needed; system ≈0.7–1.0 L for a full flush
Power steering	Electric power steering (EPS) — no serviceable fluid	N/A
Windshield washer	Conventional premix washer fluid (freeze-rated for climate)	~2.5–4.0 qt (2.4–3.8 L) — verify
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (export diesel only)	DEF meeting ISO 22241 (32.5% urea)	Typically 3–5 gal (11–19 L) — if equipped; verify

Engine oil

2018 Jeep Cherokee models were offered with the 2.4L Tigershark I4 and the 3.2L Pentastar V6. Both require engine oils that meet FCA Material Standard MS-6395.

• 2.4L Tigershark: Use SAE 0W-20 meeting MS-6395. Capacity is about 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter. Always confirm with the owner’s manual for your exact VIN/engine.
• 3.2L Pentastar: Use SAE 5W-20 meeting MS-6395. Capacity is about 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter.

Intervals: Follow the oil life monitor. Under normal service, FCA often allows up to 10,000 miles/12 months; severe service (short trips, towing, dust) warrants 5,000–7,500 miles. Use a quality filter and verify oil spec on the jug label—“MS-6395” should be explicitly listed.

Pitfalls:

• Do not substitute oils that lack MS-6395, even if viscosity matches.
• Avoid overfilling; these engines are sensitive to oil level. Check after warmup and a 5-minute drain-back.

Engine coolant

Use Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile OAT (purple) meeting Chrysler MS-12106. The 2018 Cherokee uses OAT chemistry—do not mix with HOAT or traditional green silicated coolant.

• Color: Purple from factory (can appear pinkish when diluted). Color is not a spec—MS-12106 is.
• Capacities (approximate): 2.4L ~7.6–8.6 qt (7.2–8.1 L); 3.2L ~9.5–10.6 qt (9.0–10.0 L). Always verify by VIN and consult the service manual.
• Mix: 50/50 with distilled water unless buying Mopar premix.

Intervals: FCA calls this a 10-year/150,000-mile coolant under normal conditions. Inspect annually; replace sooner if contaminated or if non-OAT fluid was ever added.

Pitfalls:

• Never mix OAT (MS-12106) with HOAT (MS-9769) or universal green—sludge and gasket issues can result. If mixed, perform a thorough flush.
• Properly bleed air using the designated vents; air pockets can trigger overheating.

Automatic transmission fluid (948TE 9-speed)

Fluid: Mopar ZF 9 Speed ATF (often cross-referenced to ZF Lifeguard 9). Do not use ATF+4, Dexron, Mercon LV, or any “universal” ATF.

Capacities: A typical service drain/refill is ~4–5 quarts (3.8–4.7 L). A dry fill is roughly 8–9 quarts (7.6–8.5 L). Exact volumes vary by build; always set final level via the factory procedure and temperature window.

Intervals: Commonly labeled “filled for life,” but many shops service at 60,000–100,000 miles under severe use (towing, hot climates). Only use the correct fluid and a clean fill environment; this unit is sensitive to contamination and fluid mismatch.

Pitfalls:

• There is no traditional dipstick. Level must be checked at a specified fluid temperature using the service tool/procedure.
• Mixing in ATF+4 or Dexron/Mercon will cause shift quality issues—avoid “multi-vehicle” ATFs not explicitly stating ZF 9-speed compatibility.

PTU/transfer unit (AWD models)

AWD Cherokees use a Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Most applications specify an API GL-5 gear oil, commonly SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 (Mopar).

• Capacity: Approximately 0.5–0.8 L. Always verify the spec and fill volume in OEM service information for your specific AWD system (Active Drive I/II/Lock).

Intervals: Inspect at 30,000–60,000 miles and service sooner if towing or frequent off-road use. PTUs run hot; fresh GL-5 gear oil helps longevity.

Pitfalls:

• Access may be tight; confirm both fill and drain plugs break free before draining.
• Do not overfill—follow the level plug spec and vehicle attitude (level ground).

Front and rear differentials (AWD)

Most KL Cherokee AWD axles call for API GL-5 gear oil. Many trims specify SAE 75W-85; some heavy-duty/tow or Trailhawk configurations may list 75W-90 or 75W-140 in the rear. There is no clutch-type limited-slip that needs friction modifier in the typical RDM—do not add LSD additive unless your axle tag or service info explicitly requires it.

• Front differential (if separate from PTU): ~0.5–1.0 L.
• Rear differential/RDM: ~0.6–1.0 L.

Always verify by axle tag, build code, or OEM service data for your VIN.

Intervals: 60,000 miles is a good baseline under severe use (towing, off-road, frequent AWD engagement). Shorten intervals when submerged-water crossings occur.

Pitfalls:

• GL-5 only—do not use GL-4 or generic “gear oil” lacking the GL-5 rating.
• Some RDMs have unique fill procedures—follow the OEM steps to avoid aeration.

Brake fluid

Use DOT 3 brake fluid meeting Chrysler MS-4574 (FMVSS 116 DOT 3). Do not use silicone DOT 5. DOT 4 can be compatible in emergencies, but stick with DOT 3/MS-4574 unless the master cylinder cap or OEM documentation specifies otherwise.

Capacity: A complete flush typically uses under 1 liter.

Intervals: Replace every 2–3 years regardless of mileage, or sooner if moisture content is high (>3%) or fluid appears dark.

Pitfalls:

• Keep fluid off painted surfaces. Use only sealed containers to avoid moisture ingress.

Power steering

The 2018 Cherokee uses electric power steering (EPS). There is no serviceable power steering fluid or reservoir.

Windshield washer fluid

Use a quality premixed washer fluid appropriate for your climate (e.g., -20°F blue in winter, de-icer where needed). Capacity varies by build; expect ~2.5–4.0 quarts. Top off as needed.

Pitfalls:

• Do not dilute winter fluid with water in freezing conditions.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) — if equipped (export diesel only)

Some export-market Cherokees use a diesel engine that requires DEF meeting ISO 22241 (32.5% urea). North American gasoline models do not use DEF.

• Capacity: Typically 3–5 gallons (11–19 liters). Verify in the owner’s manual for your engine/market.
• Service: Top off when the message appears; never add anything but ISO 22241–compliant DEF.

Pitfalls:

• Do not get DEF in the diesel tank; contamination can cause severe damage.
• Store DEF properly—heat and sunlight degrade it; crystallized residue can be cleaned with warm water.

Always verify final fluid types and exact capacities in your owner’s manual or OEM service information by VIN, especially for AWD/axle variations and export models.

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