🔧 Grand Cherokee - Automatic Transmission Fluid Service

This job replaces the automatic transmission fluid and services the transmission pan/filter assembly on your Grand Cherokee. The 5.7L AWD Limited uses the 65RFE automatic transmission, which requires the correct ATF+4 fluid and a careful fluid level check at the proper temperature.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Transmission fluid gets very hot. Let the vehicle cool before removing the pan.
• ⚠️ Support the Grand Cherokee securely on jack stands before going underneath. Never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep the vehicle level during filling and level checking. An angled vehicle can give a false fluid reading.
• ⚠️ Use only ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid. The wrong fluid can cause shift problems or transmission damage.
• ⚠️ Do not overfill. Too much fluid can foam and cause poor shifting.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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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)
• Ratchet 3/8-inch drive
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Torque wrench inch-pound
• Torque wrench foot-pound
• Plastic scraper
• Brake cleaner spray
• Clean lint-free rags
• Long-neck funnel
• Transmission fluid dipstick tool 9336A (specialty)
• Scan tool with transmission temperature data (specialty)
• Infrared thermometer (optional)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 6-8 quarts
• Automatic transmission filter - Qty: 1
• Automatic transmission pan gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission pan magnet cleaning supplies - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Grand Cherokee on a flat, level surface.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels.
• A transmission dipstick tool is a measuring stick used because this vehicle may not have a normal owner-service dipstick.
• A scan tool is an electronic diagnostic tool that reads live data, including transmission fluid temperature.
• Warm the transmission slightly by driving for 5-10 minutes, then let it cool until it is safe to touch the pan.
• Do not start the job if you cannot check transmission temperature. The final fluid level depends on temperature.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Vehicle

• Use wheel chocks to secure the wheels.
• Use a floor jack to lift the Grand Cherokee at the proper frame lift points.
• Place jack stands under the frame support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Keep the vehicle as level as possible from front to rear and side to side.
• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.

Step 2: Locate the Transmission Pan

• Slide the drain pan under the automatic transmission pan.
• Use a flashlight if needed to identify the pan directly under the transmission.
• The transmission pan is the wide metal pan held on by many small bolts.

Step 3: Loosen the Transmission Pan Bolts

• Use an 8mm socket or 10mm socket, depending on the pan bolt head fitted, to loosen the pan bolts.
• Loosen the bolts around the rear and sides first.
• Leave a few bolts loosely installed at the front edge to control the pan as fluid drains.
• Gently lower one corner of the pan and let the fluid drain into the drain pan.
• Tip: Go slowly to avoid a fluid splash.

Step 4: Remove the Transmission Pan

• Use the 8mm socket or 10mm socket to remove the remaining pan bolts.
• Support the pan with one hand while removing the last bolts.
• Carefully lower the pan because more fluid will still be inside.
• Pour the remaining fluid into the drain pan.

Step 5: Clean the Pan and Magnet

• Use brake cleaner spray and clean lint-free rags to clean the inside of the transmission pan.
• Remove the magnet from the pan and wipe off the gray metallic paste.
• Reinstall the magnet in the same location.
• Use a plastic scraper to clean the gasket surface on the pan.
• Do not use a metal scraper because it can gouge the sealing surface.

Step 6: Remove the Transmission Filter

• Use a 10mm socket if filter retaining bolts are fitted.
• Pull the transmission filter straight down by hand after removing any retaining bolts.
• Expect extra fluid to drain from the filter area.
• Make sure the old filter seal comes out with the filter. If it stays in the transmission, remove it carefully by hand.

Step 7: Install the New Transmission Filter

• Lubricate the new filter seal with a small amount of clean ATF+4 fluid using a gloved finger.
• Push the new filter straight into place by hand.
• If bolts are used, install them with a 10mm socket.
• Tighten filter bolts snugly only. Do not overtighten small filter bolts.

Step 8: Install the Pan Gasket and Pan

• Place the new transmission pan gasket on the clean pan.
• Lift the pan into position by hand.
• Start all pan bolts by hand first to prevent cross-threading.
• Use an 8mm socket or 10mm socket to lightly snug the bolts in a crisscross pattern.
• Use an inch-pound torque wrench to tighten the pan bolts evenly to Torque to 12 Nm (105 in-lbs).

Step 9: Lower the Vehicle Enough to Fill Safely

• Use the floor jack to slightly raise the vehicle off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands.
• Lower the Grand Cherokee back onto level ground with the floor jack.
• Keep the parking brake set and the wheels chocked.

Step 10: Add Initial ATF+4 Fluid

• Open the transmission fill tube cap near the rear of the engine bay.
• Use a long-neck funnel to add 4 quarts of ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid.
• Do not add all the fluid yet. The final amount must be set by temperature and dipstick reading.

Step 11: Start the Engine and Circulate Fluid

• Start the engine and keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
• Move the gear selector slowly through Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and back to Park.
• Pause 2-3 seconds in each position.
• Leave the engine idling in Park on level ground.

Step 12: Check Transmission Temperature

• Connect the scan tool to the diagnostic port under the driver-side dash.
• Use the scan tool to read transmission fluid temperature live data.
• The correct level check is done with the engine idling, transmission in Park, and fluid near normal checking temperature.
• If using an infrared thermometer as a backup, aim it at the transmission pan, but the scan tool reading is preferred.

Step 13: Set the Final Fluid Level

• Insert the transmission fluid dipstick tool 9336A fully into the fill tube until it bottoms.
• Remove the tool and read the fluid height on the tool.
• Compare the dipstick tool reading to the temperature chart supplied with the 9336A tool.
• Use the long-neck funnel to add ATF+4 in small amounts, about 1/4 quart at a time.
• Recheck with the dipstick tool after each small fill.
• Stop when the reading matches the proper range for the current transmission temperature.
• Tip: Small additions prevent overfilling.

Step 14: Inspect for Leaks

• With the engine still idling, use a flashlight to inspect around the transmission pan gasket.
• Look for drips around the pan edges and bolt areas.
• If a seep is found, shut the engine off and use the inch-pound torque wrench to verify pan bolts are Torque to 12 Nm (105 in-lbs).

Step 15: Reinstall the Fill Tube Cap

• Remove the long-neck funnel.
• Wipe the fill tube area with a clean lint-free rag.
• Reinstall the transmission fill tube cap securely by hand.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive gently for 10-15 minutes and verify smooth shifting.
• Park on level ground and recheck for leaks under the transmission pan.
• Recheck the fluid level again with the scan tool and transmission dipstick tool once the transmission is warm.
• Dispose of old ATF properly at a recycling center or parts store that accepts used fluid.
• If shifting feels delayed, harsh, or slipping, stop driving and recheck the fluid level before continuing.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$270 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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