2016 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Fluid Check

Maintaining your 2016 Jeep Cherokee's transmission is crucial for its longevity and performance. A key aspect of this maintenance is regularly checking the transmission fluid. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check the transmission fluid in your 2016 Jeep Cherokee, ensuring you catch any potential issues early on.

Understanding the Importance of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, coolant, and hydraulic fluid within your vehicle's transmission. It reduces friction between moving parts, dissipates heat generated during operation, and enables the transmission to shift gears smoothly. Over time, transmission fluid degrades due to heat, friction, and contamination. This degradation can lead to:

Reduced fuel efficiency
Rough or delayed shifting
Transmission overheating
Premature transmission failure

Therefore, regular transmission fluid checks are essential for preventing these problems and extending the life of your 2016 Jeep Cherokee's transmission. Checking and replacing the fluid when necessary can save you significant money on costly repairs down the line.

Is Your 2016 Jeep Cherokee Equipped with a Dipstick?

This is a critical first step. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee presented a bit of a challenge in terms of transmission fluid checking, as not all models are equipped with a traditional transmission fluid dipstick. Whether or not you have a dipstick depends on the specific transmission type installed in your Cherokee.

Vehicles without a dipstick typically use a sealed transmission system, considered "filled for life" under normal driving conditions. However, even sealed transmissions require fluid checks eventually, especially if you engage in heavy towing, off-roading, or experience extreme driving conditions. Checking these transmissions requires specialized tools and knowledge and is best left to a qualified mechanic. We'll address this scenario later.

Vehicles with a dipstick offer a much simpler method for checking the fluid level and condition. If you find a dipstick marked for transmission fluid, proceed with the following instructions. The location is usually under the hood, near the transmission itself and often marked in red or orange.

Checking the Transmission Fluid on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee (with Dipstick)

If your 2016 Jeep Cherokee has a transmission fluid dipstick, follow these steps to check the fluid level and condition:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather the following:

Clean lint-free rag: For wiping the dipstick.
Gloves: To protect your hands.
Funnel (optional): For adding fluid if necessary.
The correct type of transmission fluid: Consult your owner's manual to determine the specific type recommended for your 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Using the wrong type of fluid can damage your transmission. Mopar ATF+4 is a common recommendation, but always verify.

2. Warm Up the Engine

Start your 2016 Jeep Cherokee and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up the transmission fluid. This will provide a more accurate reading. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.

3. Locate the Transmission Fluid Dipstick

As mentioned earlier, the transmission fluid dipstick is typically located under the hood, near the transmission. It's often marked with a bright color (usually red or orange) and labeled "Transmission Fluid." Consult your owner's manual if you're having trouble locating it.

4. Remove and Wipe the Dipstick

Carefully pull the transmission fluid dipstick out of its tube. Use a clean, lint-free rag to wipe the dipstick clean. This will remove any old fluid and allow you to get an accurate reading.

5. Reinsert and Remove the Dipstick Again

Fully reinsert the dipstick into its tube, making sure it's seated properly. Then, pull it out again to check the fluid level.

6. Check the Fluid Level

Observe the fluid level on the dipstick. There will be markings indicating the "MIN" (minimum) and "MAX" (maximum) levels, or "HOT" and "COLD" levels, depending on your model. The fluid level should be between these markings. If the fluid level is below the "MIN" or "COLD" line (after warming the engine), you'll need to add fluid.

7. Inspect the Fluid Condition

Examine the color and smell of the transmission fluid. Healthy transmission fluid should be a clear, reddish color. If the fluid is dark brown or black, or if it smells burnt, it indicates that the fluid is old, contaminated, and needs to be replaced. Burnt-smelling fluid is a strong indicator of a serious transmission issue.

8. Add Fluid if Necessary

If the fluid level is low, use a funnel to add the correct type of transmission fluid to the dipstick tube. Add fluid gradually, checking the level with the dipstick after each addition. Avoid overfilling, as this can also damage the transmission.

9. Replace the Dipstick

Once you've finished checking the fluid level and condition, and have added fluid if necessary, securely replace the dipstick in its tube.

Checking the Transmission Fluid on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee (Without Dipstick)

If your 2016 Jeep Cherokee does not have a transmission fluid dipstick, checking the fluid level is more complex and requires specific tools and expertise. It involves removing a fill plug on the transmission and checking the fluid level. This is best left to a qualified mechanic for the following reasons:

Safety: Working under a vehicle requires proper safety precautions, including using jack stands.
Specialized Tools: You'll need specific tools to access and remove the fill plug.
Correct Fluid Level: Determining the correct fluid level without a dipstick can be tricky.
Potential for Damage: Incorrectly performing the check can damage the transmission.

Instead of attempting this yourself, schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic to have them check the transmission fluid level and condition. They can also advise you on whether a fluid change is necessary.

When to Change the Transmission Fluid

The recommended interval for changing the transmission fluid in your 2016 Jeep Cherokee varies depending on driving conditions. Consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. However, as a general guideline:

Normal driving conditions: Change the fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Severe driving conditions (towing, off-roading, frequent stop-and-go traffic): Change the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Also, change the fluid if you notice any of the following:

Dark or burnt-smelling fluid
Rough or delayed shifting
Transmission slipping

Conclusion

Regularly checking the transmission fluid in your 2016 Jeep Cherokee is an essential part of preventative maintenance. Whether your vehicle has a dipstick or not, understanding the process and knowing when to seek professional help will help ensure the longevity and performance of your transmission. If you're unsure about any aspect of checking or changing your transmission fluid, it's always best to consult with a qualified mechanic.