2020 Jeep Cherokee Engine Oil and Fluids Instructions
Any car’s performance and lifetime are greatly influenced by its engine oil and other fluids, and the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is no exception. This small SUV’s powerful engine and other crucial parts depend on a precise balance of lubricants and fluids to function properly. It is well known for its tough competence and on-road comfort. We’ll look at the necessary engine oil and fluids in this introduction to the 2020 Jeep Cherokee to make sure it’s prepared to take on both the city jungle and the off-road wilderness. The key to maximizing the Cherokee’s dependability and performance is understanding the function of these fluids and the significance of routine maintenance; in the sections that follow, we’ll go into more detail on each fluid. The proper fluids are the lifeblood of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, from the engine’s core to the wheels that propel this legendary SUV, and understanding how to care for them is crucial for any proud owner. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee, a car renowned for its adaptability to different terrains and versatility, depends on a well-calibrated blend of engine oil and fluids to maintain top performance. Any car’s engine oil is its lifeblood, and the Cherokee is no exception.
It reduces friction and guards against excessive wear and tear by lubricating the engine’s moving parts. Whether the Cherokee has a powerful V6 engine or an effective four-cylinder engine, proper engine oil guarantees that it can give the required performance and efficiency. Other fluids, besides engine oil, are essential to the Cherokee’s functionality and safety. Both the transmission fluid and the brake fluid are essential for effortless gear changes and consistently reliable braking. Power steering fluid makes it easier to manoeuvre through congested city streets and twisting off-road terrain, and coolant maintains the engine’s ideal operating temperature to prevent overheating. For the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, periodic fluid changes and routine maintenance are essential to ensuring its dependability and lifespan. Each of these fluids will be covered in more detail in the sections that follow, along with information on how they work and how crucial it is to maintain your 2020 Jeep Cherokee properly. You can make the most of your car and maintain it prepared for whatever adventure lies ahead by being aware of these details.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L ENGINE 
- Air Cleaner Filter
- Oil Fill Cap
- Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
- Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
- Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
- Battery
- Engine Coolant Reservoir
- Engine Oil Dipstick
3.2L ENGINE
- Air Cleaner Filter
- Oil Filter Access Cover
- Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
- Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
- Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap
- Battery
- Engine Coolant Reservoir
- Engine Oil Dipstick
- Engine Oil Fill
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off. Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
- Crosshatched zone.
- Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
- Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low end of the range and MAX at the high end of the range.
- Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:
Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 quart (1.0 liter) of oil when the reading is at the low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil level to the high end of the range marking.
CAUTION
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield and rear window washers share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is located in the front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water. When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
WARNING
Commercially available windshield washer solvents are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must be exercised when filling or working around the washer solution.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic maintenance required.
WARNING
- Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in the eyes or on the skin, flush the area immediately with large amounts of water. Refer to “Jump Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further information.
- Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to touch each other.
- Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION
- It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery that the positive cable is attached to the positive post and the negative cable is attached to the negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts and free of corrosion.
- If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before connecting the charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to provide a starting voltage.
PRESSURE WASHING
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high-pressure washer is not recommended.
CAUTION
Precautions have been taken to safeguard all parts and connections however, the pressures generated by these machines is such that complete protection against water ingress cannot be guaranteed.
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has the qualified service personnel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which include detailed service information for your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control systems may void your warranty and could result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
WARNING
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
ENGINE OIL
Change Engine Oil — Gasoline Engine
Refer to “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet customers.
Engine Oil Selection — 2.0L Engine
For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API SN PLUS certified and meet the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-13340. An equivalent full synthetic engine oil can be used if it meets API SN PLUS Certification. If SN PLUS or equivalent oil is unavailable then please contact your local dealership for recommendation.
Engine Oil Selection — 2.4L & 3.2L Engine
For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The manufacturer only recommends API Certified engine oils. This symbol certifies 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 engine oils.
CAUTION
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.0L Engine
Mopar API SN PLUS Certified SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Engine Oil which meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-13340 is recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low-temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy.
CAUTION
Failure to use the recommended SN PLUS or equivalent oil can cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Compartment” illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.4L Engine
Mopar SAE 0W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix or equivalent is recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low-temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compartment” in this section. Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number should not be used.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 3.2L Engine
Mopar SAE 5W-20 engine oil or equivalent Pennzoil or Shell Helix is recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to “Engine Compartment” in this section. Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recommended oil quality requirements are met, and the recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are followed.
Synthetic engine oils which do not have both the engine oil certification mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oil
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the addition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service station or governmental agency for advice on how and where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
FAQs
For the 2020 Jeep Cherokee’s 2.4L Tigershark engine, you should use synthetic engine oil in the weights of 5W-20 or 0W-20. For the 3.2L Pentastar V6, use 5W-30 synthetic engine oil.
Depending on your driving habits, it is advised to change the engine oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For further instructions, consult your owner’s handbook.
For the best performance and protection, synthetic oil is advised, however traditional oil can also be used. Make sure to adhere to the suggested oil-change intervals.
The 2.4L engine in the 2020 Jeep Cherokee can contain about 5 quarts of engine oil. About 6 quarts can be stored in the 3.2L V6 engine.
A Mopar MO-349 oil filter or an equivalent is generally used in the 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
Park on a flat surface, wait a few minutes after the engine is switched off, remove the dipstick, clean it, and thoroughly reinstall it before checking the oil level.
If the oil level is low, gradually add the suggested oil type and check the level again until it falls within the required range.
ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid is generally used in the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. For the precise specification, consult your owner’s handbook.
Depending on driving conditions and the kind of transmission, the transmission fluid should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
To ensure proper functioning, it’s preferable to use ATF+4 or a transmission fluid that complies with the manufacturer’s requirements.
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee’s coolant capacity is roughly 14.4 quarts (3.6 gallons).
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee normally uses a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and water, or Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant.
Every five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, the coolant should be changed. For specific advice, consult your owner’s handbook.
While it’s encouraged to use the manufacturer’s recommended fluids, you can also utilize high-quality fluids that adhere to the necessary requirements and standards.
For comprehensive details on fluid specifications and maintenance schedules particular to your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or get in touch with your neighborhood Jeep shop.
2023 JEEP CHEROKEE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Useful Links
View Full pdf: 2020 Jeep Cherokee Owner’s Manual
2020 Jeep Cherokee Fuses Instruction Guide
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