How To Change the Coolant in Jeep Grand Cherokee?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Refueling and changing the oil or brake fluid are usual rituals in the life of every Jeep Grand Cherokee driver. Less often arises the question of how often the coolant needs to be changed.

Replacing this fluid on time protects your Grand Cherokee’s engine from overheating - an extremely dangerous malfunction, the trouble of which lies in the fact that it can also occur on a congested highway.

To prevent this from happening, let's figure out together how often you need to change the coolant on Grand Cherokee and how to do it correctly.

Possible Consequences of Untimely Jeep Grand Cherokee Coolant  Replacement

This information will be useful for both beginners and experienced motorists.

Coolant acts as a refrigerant on Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its function is to remove heat from the internal combustion engine. The standard motor heating temperature ranges from 85–90 °C. The slightest excess can be fraught with such consequences as:

• increased fuel consumption;
• loss of motor power;
• expansion of the cylinder body;
• deformation of piston rings;
• oil gets into the exhaust system, etc.

All the factors mentioned above lead to the wear of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s motor elements, which reduces their service life and can cause a stop during the move.

To prevent such situations, you need a coolant that lowers the temperature. It is an essential element of the Grand Cherokee's cooling system.

Another consequence that an untimely filing of coolant can lead to is engine corrosion. The fact is that dust, dirt, residues of combustion products, silicates, etc, are gradually collected in a long-used refrigerant.

As a result, the liquid acquires the color of rust and destroys metal components of the engine upon contact. A corrosion layer is formed that impairs thermal conductivity, heat transfer, and radiator functions, which often leads to overheating and engine wear.

What Are The Main Symptoms Of Coolant Misuse on Grand Cherokee?

A dangerous consequence of improper use of antifreeze is cavitation erosion.

The simplest example of cavitation is the boiling of a kettle. The buzz it makes while doing this is the sound of the collapsing bubbles.

What does this mean for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the cooling system? The fact is that when the collapse of the bubbles occurs near the surface of the metal, even for a long time, the metal erodes.

Small "grooves" appear on the surface, which deepen over time. If this is not detected in time, cavitation can "eat" holes in metal parts.

You can prevent this issue by changing your car coolant regularly, especially if it has extra additives (but remember, this might not apply to all vehicles). If water accumulates excessively in the refrigerant, it provokes the formation of cracks.

Moreover, they can be quite large, and this leads to leaks. Monitoring the state of antifreeze and updating it on time will help to avoid them.

How Often Do I Have To Change The Coolant In Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The period of coolant replacement varies due to factors such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee's model year, age, and mileage.

In most cases, the liquid must be changed after the first 60,000 miles (or 4 years). Then coolant needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles (or 2 years).

The optimal amount of coolant has to remain between "min" and "max" levels. If the coolant amount has decreased to the minimum, you must replace it.

If you notice a slight discoloration of the fluid inside the radiator, it's a sign it needs imminent replacement.

The coolant also has to be replaced when tiny particles or dirt show up on the surface of the fluid, implying an impurity.

The frequency of coolant changes depends on the coolant you use on Jeep Grand Cherokee and the conditions in which you drive the car.

How To Change The Coolant In Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Before starting the coolant changing procedure, we recommend you read your Jeep Grand Cherokee's owner's manual.
Items needed:

• New coolant;
• Drain container;
• Pair of cloth gloves;
• Floor jack;
• A set of sockets or spanners;
• Screwdrivers (crisscross and flat);
• Pliers.

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Now you can move on to the coolant change; just follow the steps below:

• Park the Jeep Grand Cherokee on an even surface and put on the handbrake (if your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, put it on the first gear);
• If you were driving recently, let the vehicle and liquids cool down for 20-30 minutes;
• Open the hood. Locate the expansion tank (it's a plastic container with fluid, check the manual to be sure);
• Turn the cap on the tank anticlockwise, wait for some pressure to release, then take it off completely;
• Use a floor jack to raise the front of your car a bit;
• Remove underneath shieldings (if any);
• Put the container under the radiator and remove the drain valve (check its location in the manual).

Note: Some Jeep Grand Cherokee models may not have a drain valve but a hose, meaning that one has to remove it to drain the liquid;

• Clean the entire system multiple times to be sure that all coolant has been removed;
• Most cars are equipped with a bleed screw, which lets the air assist in draining all the coolant left;
• After all the coolant has been drained, close the drain tap (reattach the hose);
• Inspect your radiator hoses. They have to be in good condition;

• Locate and take off the reserve tank, and drain any remaining coolant. Then put the tank back in its place;
• Remove the expansion tank filler cap. Pour a couple of liters of water to prevent airlock in the cooling system. Make sure that the bleed screw is open;
• Add the necessary quantity of coolant. Then pour a bit more water;
• From time to time, squeeze the radiator top and bottom hoses to release any air left in the system.
• Keep pouring the coolant until you see it pouring from the bleed screw. If you`ve noticed it, close the bleed screw back;
• Pour the coolant level to the “max” mark and screw the expansion tank cap back;
• Check the bleed screw once again to make sure it is firmly closed. Remove the container from beneath;
• Start the engine and run it at idle speed for 5 minutes. Keep it until the electric cooling fan activates. During this period, increase the torque from 2000 to 3000 rpm;
• Stop the engine and let it cool down for 20 minutes. Inspect carefully for any leaks. Check the coolant level as well.

Note: After replacing the coolant in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, drive it and check the liquid level once again on a cold engine. If necessary, add the coolant.

How Do I Know When It's Time To Change The Coolant on Jeep Grand Cherokee?

As well as checking the oil or brake fluid, checking the Jeep Grand Cherokee's coolant level is important. If you still need to do this, your vehicle will begin to give you signs. These are:

Quick overheating. It is the most obvious cause for worry and should prompt you to visit a service center or change the coolant yourself;

The appearance of leaks. Pouring liquid out means that something may be wrong with the tightness, mostly of the radiator hoses;

Sweetish smell. The coolant smells like sweet syrup. If you notice it while driving, something is wrong;

The constant decrease in the coolant. In this case, you must inspect your Jeep Grand Cherokee`s coolant reservoir. If coolant levels drop, a crack(s) might be in the hoses that pump the fluid. If so, you should resort to a car mechanic.

Useful Tips For Coolant Change on Jeep Grand Cherokee

It's always good to know the quirks and features of everything, even coolant. When you're armed with knowledge about it, you also insure yourself from any harm to you and your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Don`t run a coolant check or replacement when the engine is hot! The unexpected overflow may scald you. Furthermore, when it is hot, the level expands and does not show the correct status.

A periodic flush and change, as needed, will improve both the effectiveness of the coolant and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The coolant amount should not decrease before the specified period If it happens, take the car in for a thorough inspection; there could be a leak somewhere.

It is highly recommended to use a manufacturer-advised coolant. Various coolants may have different components in their structure that are good for some Jeep vehicles but not others.

Apart from cooling, coolant also protects your Jeep Grand Cherokee`s engine from corrosion and scale. That's why checking the liquid level inside the reservoir is vital and filling it up if needed. This will greatly improve your vehicle's engine over the long term.

To Wrap Everything Up

Checking and replacing coolant in your Jeep Grand Cherokee is important. It prevents any unpleasant issues like engine overheating, corrosion of the engine components, and other damage to your car.

Coolant replacement is a simple process. However, it requires time, patience, and a sequence of actions. If you need more time to make it, resort to an experienced mechanic at the repair station to do the job.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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