2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fluid Type Specs

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (3.6L Pentastar V6)	SAE 5W-20, API SN Plus or later, Mopar MS-6395	6.0 US Quarts (5.7 Liters)
Engine Oil (5.7L HEMI V8)	SAE 5W-20, API SN Plus or later, Mopar MS-6395	7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil (6.4L SRT HEMI V8)	SAE 0W-40, API SN Plus or later, Mopar MS-12633	7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters)
Engine Oil (6.2L Supercharged Trackhawk HEMI V8)	SAE 0W-40, API SN Plus or later, Mopar MS-12633	7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters)
Engine Coolant	Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology), MS-90032 (Purple/Pink)	14.1 – 15.6 US Quarts (13.3 – 14.7 Liters) depending on engine/cooling system
Transmission Fluid (8-Speed Automatic)	ZF Lifeguard 8 or Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, MS-9602	9.5 US Quarts (9.0 Liters) approximate fill, consult service manual for exact procedure
Transfer Case (Single Speed - NV140)	Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid, MS-9602	1.0 – 1.6 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.5 Liters)
Transfer Case (Two Speed - NV245/MP3023/MP3022)	Mopar Transfer Case Fluid, MS-10216	1.0 – 1.6 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.5 Liters)
Front Differential (3.6L/5.7L)	SAE 75W-85, API GL-5, Mopar MS-90032	1.0 – 1.1 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.0 Liters)
Front Differential (SRT/Trackhawk)	SAE 75W-90, API GL-4, Mopar MS-90032	1.0 – 1.1 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.0 Liters)
Rear Differential (Most Models)	SAE 75W-85, API GL-5, Mopar MS-90032 (specify if Anti-Spin Differential equipped)	1.0 – 1.1 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.0 Liters)
Rear Differential (SRT/Trackhawk)	SAE 75W-140, API GL-5, with Friction Modifier for LSD, Mopar MS-90032	1.2 – 1.3 US Quarts (1.1 – 1.2 Liters)
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to reservoir cap)	As required
Power Steering Fluid	Electro-hydraulic power steering system. Not user-serviceable.
Washer Fluid	Mopar Windshield Washer Concentrate or equivalent all-season washer fluid	As required

Engine Oil

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers several engine options, each with specific engine oil requirements. It is crucial to use the correct oil type and viscosity to ensure proper lubrication and engine longevity.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8: These engines require SAE 5W-20 engine oil meeting API SN Plus or later specifications and Chrysler material standard MS-6395. The API "donut" symbol will indicate the SN Plus rating, signifying protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in turbocharged gasoline direct injection engines, although these engines are naturally aspirated.

  • Capacity: The 3.6L V6 holds approximately 6.0 US Quarts (5.7 Liters), and the 5.7L HEMI holds around 7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters).
  • Intervals: Typically, oil change intervals are recommended every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. However, the vehicle's Oil Change Indicator System will provide the most accurate interval based on driving habits and conditions. Always verify with your owner's manual.

• 6.4L SRT HEMI V8 and 6.2L Supercharged Trackhawk HEMI V8: These high-performance engines demand SAE 0W-40 engine oil meeting API SN Plus or later specifications and Chrysler material standard MS-12633. The specific formulation of this oil is designed to handle the extreme temperatures and stresses of performance driving.

  • Capacity: Both engines hold approximately 7.0 US Quarts (6.6 Liters).
  • Intervals: Due to the performance nature, shorter oil change intervals might be recommended. Always consult your owner's manual or OEM service information for the precise schedule and utilize the vehicle's oil life monitoring system.

Common Pitfalls: Never mix different oil viscosities or types. Using a non-specified oil can lead to premature engine wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential voiding of warranty. Always ensure the oil carries the correct API service rating and the Mopar MS specification.

Engine Coolant

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee utilizes a specialized Organic Additive Technology (OAT) coolant. It is typically purple or pink in color.

• Type/Spec: Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula OAT, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-90032.
  • Capacity: Cooling system capacity varies slightly by engine, generally ranging from 14.1 to 15.6 US Quarts (13.3 to 14.7 Liters).
  • Intervals: This long-life coolant is designed for extended service intervals, typically 10 years or 150,000 miles. However, regular inspection of coolant levels and condition is always recommended.

Common Pitfalls: It is critically important not to mix OAT coolant with other coolant types, such as HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology). Mixing different coolants can lead to chemical incompatibilities, gelling, corrosion, and severe damage to the cooling system components and engine. If a top-off is needed and the exact type is unavailable, distilled water can be used as a temporary measure in small quantities, but the system should be serviced with the correct OAT coolant as soon as possible. Always use a 50/50 mix of concentrated coolant and distilled water for topping off or refilling unless a pre-mixed solution is purchased.

Transmission Fluid

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

• Type/Spec: This transmission typically requires ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid or an equivalent Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-9602. It is crucial to use the correct fluid type for this sophisticated transmission.
  • Capacity: The approximate fill capacity is around 9.5 US Quarts (9.0 Liters). However, transmission fluid changes are often complex and involve specific procedures to ensure accurate fluid levels. Always consult the OEM service manual for the exact procedure.
  • Intervals: While some manufacturers consider these transmissions "filled for life," FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) recommends inspection at 60,000 miles and changing if the vehicle is used for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent towing. For general use, consult your owner's manual for recommended inspection and change intervals, typically in the 100,000-mile range. However, for optimum longevity, many independent repair shops recommend a fluid and filter change closer to 60,000-80,000 miles, especially with heavy use.

Common Pitfalls: Never use "universal" ATF or a fluid that does not specifically state compliance with ZF Lifeguard 8 or the Mopar MS-9602 specification. Using the wrong fluid can cause serious transmission damage, erratic shifting, and premature failure.

Transfer Case Fluid

Transfer case fluid requirements vary depending on the specific 4WD/AWD system equipped in your Grand Cherokee.

• Single-Speed Transfer Cases (e.g., NV140): These typically use Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-9602.

  • Capacity: Approximately 1.0 – 1.6 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.5 Liters).

• Two-Speed Transfer Cases (e.g., NV245, Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II): These require a dedicated Mopar Transfer Case Fluid, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-10216.

  • Capacity: Approximately 1.0 – 1.6 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.5 Liters).

Common Pitfalls: Do not interchange transfer case fluids. Using ATF+4 in a transfer case designed for dedicated transfer case fluid (and vice versa) can lead to premature wear and failure. Always verify your specific transfer case type and the corresponding fluid specification in your owner's manual.

Differential Fluid

Differential fluid needs also vary by axle and whether the vehicle is equipped with a limited-slip differential (LSD).

• Front Differential (3.6L/5.7L Models): Requires SAE 75W-85, API GL-5 gear oil, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-90032. Capacity is around 1.0 – 1.1 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.0 Liters).

• Front Differential (SRT/Trackhawk Models): Requires SAE 75W-90, API GL-4 gear oil, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-90032. Capacity is around 1.0 – 1.1 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.0 Liters).

• Rear Differential (Most Models): Requires SAE 75W-85, API GL-5 gear oil, meeting Chrysler material standard MS-90032. If equipped with an Anti-Spin Differential (LSD), a friction modifier additive must be used. Some fluids come pre-formulated with the modifier; otherwise, it must be added separately. Capacity is around 1.0 – 1.1 US Quarts (0.95 – 1.0 Liters).

• Rear Differential (SRT/Trackhawk Models): Requires SAE 75W-140, API GL-5 gear oil, specifically formulated with a friction modifier for the limited-slip differential. This also meets Chrysler material standard MS-90032. Capacity is around 1.2 – 1.3 US Quarts (1.1 – 1.2 Liters).

Common Pitfalls: Using the incorrect weight or specification of gear oil can lead to differential whine, premature wear, and potential failure. For LSD-equipped differentials, omitting the friction modifier will cause chatter and grinding during turns. Always verify your differential type and fluid requirements in your owner's manual.

Brake Fluid

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee typically uses a glycol-based brake fluid.

• Type/Spec: Refer to the cap on your brake fluid reservoir. It will specify either DOT 3 or DOT 4. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point and is often used in vehicles with more advanced braking systems or those that see heavier use. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it is incompatible with systems designed for DOT 3/4 and can cause seal damage.
  • Intervals: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion in the braking system. It is generally recommended to flush and replace brake fluid every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, irrespective of mileage, more frequently in humid climates.

Common Pitfalls: Using DOT 5 fluid in a DOT 3/4 system will cause severe damage. Always ensure the fluid is fresh and from a sealed container, as brake fluid quickly absorbs moisture from the air.

Power Steering Fluid

Many modern Jeep Grand Cherokee models are equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering systems. This system is generally NOT user-serviceable.

• Type/Spec: If your vehicle has an electro-hydraulic system, there is no conventional power steering pump or reservoir to check/fill. If you suspect an issue, professional diagnosis is required.

Common Pitfalls: Do not attempt to add fluid to a sealed electro-hydraulic power steering system. Consult your owner's manual to confirm your specific power steering system type.

Washer Fluid

This is a straightforward fluid requirement.

• Type/Spec: Use a high-quality, all-season windshield washer fluid, such as Mopar Windshield Washer Concentrate or an equivalent premixed solution. Ensure it offers freeze protection appropriate for your climate.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not offer a diesel engine option in the North American market, thus DEF is not applicable for this model year in this region.

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