Assumption: Your Grand Cherokee has the ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP70) which is the common setup on the 5.7L. I’m also including a clearly-labeled alternative for the older 5-speed just in case.

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🔧 Grand Cherokee - Transmission Fluid & Filter Service

This job is a drain-and-refill with a filter service, not a “full flush.” On the 8-speed, the filter is built into the transmission pan, so you typically replace the pan/filter assembly and refill the fluid to the correct level at a specific transmission temperature.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Support the SUV with jack stands on solid, level ground; never rely on a jack.
• 🔥 Transmission fluid can be hot; let it cool and wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ The transmission level is set with the engine running; keep hands/clothes away from rotating parts.
• 🔌 No battery disconnect is normally required for this service.
• 🚫 Use only the correct ATF spec for your transmission; the wrong fluid can cause shifting problems.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Scan tool with transmission fluid temperature data (specialty)
• Socket set (8mm-15mm)
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)
• Torx bit socket set (T25-T40)
• Hex bit socket set (5mm-10mm)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Plastic scraper
• Brake cleaner spray
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) correct spec for your transmission - Qty: 6-8 quarts
• Transmission pan with integrated filter (ZF 8-speed style) - Qty: 1
• Transmission pan bolt set - Qty: 1
• Fill plug seal/O-ring - Qty: 1
• Drain plug seal/O-ring - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧭 Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• ⬆️ Raise the front (and ideally level the whole SUV) using a floor jack and support with jack stands.
• 🧼 Clean dirt around the transmission pan area using brake cleaner spray and shop towels so debris doesn’t fall inside.
• 🌡️ Set up your scan tool with transmission fluid temperature data now (you’ll need it for the final level check). Correct fluid level depends on temperature.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify which transmission procedure to follow

• If your pan is a molded/composite style and the filter is part of the pan, follow Path A (ZF 8-speed).
• If your transmission has a separate replaceable filter and a more traditional metal pan, follow Path B (5-speed NAG1).

Step 2 (Path A): Remove underbody shields (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop plastic retainers (a trim tool is a flat pry tool that removes clips without breaking them).
• Use an 8mm socket and ratchet to remove shield bolts.
• Set shields and hardware aside in order.

Step 3 (Path A): Drain the transmission fluid

• Place a drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the transmission pan.
• Use the correct hex bit socket (commonly 8mm) with a ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain fully.

Step 4 (Path A): Remove the transmission pan/filter assembly

• Use a Torx bit socket and ratchet to remove the pan bolts evenly around the pan.
• Support the pan as the last bolts come out; more fluid will spill.
• Lower the pan straight down to avoid splashing.

Step 5 (Path A): Clean the mating surface

• Use a plastic scraper to remove any stuck gasket material or residue.
• Spray a little brake cleaner spray onto shop towels and wipe the surface clean.
• Do not gouge the transmission case sealing surface. Clean and smooth is the goal.

Step 6 (Path A): Install the new pan/filter assembly

• Position the new pan/filter assembly in place by hand.
• Start all bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench and the correct Torx bit socket to tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs) for ZF-style pan bolts.

Step 7 (Path A): Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new seal/O-ring if your plug uses one.
• Use the correct hex bit socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs) if using the common ZF-style drain plug.

Step 8 (Path A): Fill the transmission (initial fill)

• Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission pan/case.
• Use the correct hex bit socket with a ratchet to remove the fill plug.
• Use a fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump in the correct ATF until it begins to run back out of the fill hole.
• Install the fill plug finger-tight for now (you’ll final-set level next).

Step 9 (Path A): Set the final fluid level at temperature

• Start the engine and keep the SUV safely supported on jack stands.
• With your foot on the brake, slowly move the shifter through all gears, pausing 2-3 seconds in each, then return to Park.
• Use your scan tool with transmission fluid temperature data (specialty) to monitor trans fluid temperature.
• When fluid temperature is within the typical ZF level-check window of 30-50°C (86-122°F), remove the fill plug using the correct hex bit socket.
• Pump ATF in using the fluid transfer pump (specialty) until it just starts to spill out in a steady thin stream.
• Wait until it becomes a light drip, then reinstall the fill plug.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the fill plug: Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs) for the common ZF-style fill plug.

Step 10 (Path A): Reinstall shields

• Reinstall underbody shields using an 8mm socket, ratchet, and any clips with a trim clip removal tool.
• Make sure nothing is touching the exhaust or driveshaft.

Step 11 (Path B - 5-speed NAG1): Drain, pan drop, filter, and refill (alternate)

• Use the same safe lifting steps with a floor jack and jack stands.
• Drain fluid into a drain pan (10-quart minimum) and remove the pan using the appropriate socket set (8mm-15mm).
• Replace the separate filter, install a new pan gasket, and torque pan bolts evenly using a torque wrench.
• Refill with the correct ATF spec through the correct fill point for that transmission, then verify level per the service method.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧾 With the engine running, check for leaks around the pan and both plugs using a bright light and shop towels.
• 🛣️ Road test 10-15 minutes, then recheck for leaks again.
• 🌡️ If you notice delayed engagement or odd shifts, recheck level again at the correct temperature window using your scan tool.
• 🧼 Clean any spilled ATF off the exhaust with brake cleaner spray to prevent smoke/odor.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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