2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee A/C Refrigerant Capacity & PAG Oil Specs

As an ASE-certified HVAC technician, I get asked about A/C specs for late-model SUVs every single day in the shop. If you are working on a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you need exact numbers to ensure peak cooling performance without risking catastrophic compressor failure.

Because this vehicle falls well after the industry’s 2014+ transition to newer refrigerants, the 2019 Grand Cherokee uses R-1234yf. Always check your under-hood OEM emissions and A/C decal for trim-specific variations, but below are the most common specifications for the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L V8 engines.

Disclaimer: Handling automotive refrigerants requires an EPA Section 609 certification. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when servicing A/C systems.

Quick Answer: 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee A/C Specs

• Refrigerant Type: R-1234yf (The Jeep Grand Cherokee transitioned away from R-134a in prior years).
• Full System Charge: 22.0 oz (624 grams) for standard single-zone/dual-zone front A/C systems. (Note: Always verify with the under-hood sticker as exact trim packages can vary slightly).
• A/C Compressor Oil Type: PAG 46 (specifically ND-Oil 12 or a PAG 46 explicitly formulated for R-1234yf systems).
• A/C Oil Capacity: Approximately 4.2 oz (125 mL) total system capacity.
• Service Port Locations:
  • Low-Side Port: Located on the passenger side of the engine bay, on the larger aluminum line near the firewall/strut tower.
  • High-Side Port: Located near the front right of the engine bay, on the smaller aluminum line just behind the radiator/condenser assembly.

Why R-1234yf Matters

If you are used to working on older vehicles, you might be shocked by R-1234yf. Starting in 2014, automakers began transitioning to this new refrigerant to meet strict EPA environmental standards, as it has a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than R-134a.

However, this transition matters heavily for service and repair:

• Cost: R-1234yf is substantially more expensive per ounce than R-134a.
• Flammability: It is classified as mildly flammable (A2L).
• Equipment: You cannot use R-134a manifold gauges or recovery machines on an R-1234yf system. The service ports are physically different, and R-1234yf requires a specialized, explosion-proof recovery and charging machine that performs a system purity check before recovering the gas.

Recharge Procedure (High-Level)

When recharging a 2019 Grand Cherokee, never charge by pressure alone using a "death kit" from an auto parts store. The only correct way to service modern low-capacity systems is by weight.

1. Recover: Safely recover the existing R-1234yf using an approved machine.
2. Evacuate: Pull a deep vacuum (at least 29.9 inHg) for a minimum of 30–45 minutes to boil off any moisture in the system.
3. Leak Test: Hold the vacuum for 10-15 minutes to ensure the system is sealed.
4. Charge by Weight: Using a digital refrigerant scale or an automated A/C machine, inject exactly 22.0 oz (624g) of R-1234yf into the system. Overcharging by even 2 ounces will cause high head pressures and shut down the compressor.

Common A/C Problems for This Vehicle

The WK2 generation (2011-2021) Jeep Grand Cherokee is a robust vehicle, but its climate control system has a few known weak points:

• Condenser Leaks: The A/C condenser sits right up front and is highly susceptible to rock strikes and road debris. If your system is empty, check the bottom corners of the condenser for oily residue (a tell-tale sign of a leak).
• Evaporator Core Failures: While less common on the 2019 than on the 2011-2014 models, evaporator leaks behind the dashboard still occur. This is a labor-intensive repair requiring full dash removal.
• Blend Door Actuators: Often mistaken for a refrigerant issue, a clicking noise under the dash followed by warm air on one side of the cabin usually points to a failed blend door actuator, not a low charge.
• Compressor Clutch Issues: Listen for a metallic rattling or a failure of the clutch plate to engage when the A/C button is pressed.

When to Call a Pro

Because the 2019 Grand Cherokee uses R-1234yf, DIY servicing is strongly discouraged unless you have invested in the correct gauges, a vacuum pump, a highly accurate refrigerant scale, and an EPA 609 certification. Attempting to top off this system blindly will likely result in an overcharge, potentially blowing the compressor seals or thermal expansion valve (TXV). Furthermore, venting R-1234yf to the atmosphere is illegal.

If your Jeep is blowing warm air, the safest and most cost-effective route is often taking it to a professional who has the $5,000+ R-1234yf machine required to do the job right the first time.

Find a certified A/C shop on Repairius.