2020 Jeep Cherokee Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee cooling system typically holds between 9.0 to 12.0 quarts (8.5 to 11.4 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 9.0 to 12.0 quarts (8.5 to 11.4 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology) meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-90032. This is typically a purple- or pink-colored coolant.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted or mix 50% concentrate with 50% distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

The coolant capacity for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee varies slightly based on the engine installed:

• 2.0L I4 DOHC DI Turbo Engine with ESS: Approximately 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters)
• 2.4L I4 DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine: Approximately 9.0 quarts (8.5 liters)
• 3.2L V6 24-Valve VVT Engine with ESS: Approximately 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters)

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Adhere to the following flush intervals:

• Normal Duty: Replace coolant every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow, operate in extreme temperatures, or drive in dusty conditions, consider inspecting your coolant more often and potentially flushing it sooner, around 5 years or 75,000 miles.

Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding maintenance schedules.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding your 2020 Jeep Cherokee's cooling system properly is essential to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before starting. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
2. Drain: Loosen the radiator drain plug (petcock) located at the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely into a suitable container.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): For a full flush, after draining, refill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then cool and drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear. This removes old coolant and contaminants.
4. Refill: Close the radiator drain plug. Slowly add the Mopar OAT coolant (50/50 mix) to the coolant reservoir or directly to the radiator until it reaches the 'FULL' mark.
5. Bleed: Start the engine with the heater on high (this opens the heater core valve, allowing coolant to circulate through it). As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, allowing coolant to flow through the entire system. Watch the coolant level in the reservoir and add more as needed. You may need to gently squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air bubbles.
6. Bleed Screw (if equipped): Some engines may have a bleed screw on a hose or thermostat housing. If present, open this screw until a steady stream of coolant emerges, then close it.
7. Drive Cycle & Recheck: Drive the vehicle, monitoring the temperature gauge. After the engine cools completely, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary. It may take a few drive cycles for all air to be purged.

Note: The 2020 Jeep Cherokee cooling system is generally self-bleeding, but careful attention during refilling and allowing the engine to cycle through warmth and cool-down periods is key.

Common Cooling System Issues

While generally reliable, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee and similar generation vehicles can experience a few common cooling system issues:

• Thermostat Housing Leaks: Plastic thermostat housings can become brittle over time and develop leaks. Often, the entire housing and thermostat are replaced together.
• Water Pump Failure: Like any mechanical pump, the water pump can eventually fail, leading to leaks or inefficient coolant circulation. Symptoms include a whining noise, coolant leaks, or overheating.
• Radiator Leaks: Road debris or age can cause damage to the radiator, leading to leaks.
• Coolant Temperature Sensor Issues: A faulty coolant temperature sensor can provide incorrect readings to the engine control module, leading to inaccurate temperature gauge readings or poor engine performance.
• Heater Core Clogs: Less common, but poor coolant maintenance can lead to a clogged heater core, resulting in a lack of heat inside the cabin.

Regular inspection of hoses for cracks or bulges, checking for leaks, and maintaining the correct coolant type and level are the best preventative measures.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.