Every gearhead knows that an engine is only as healthy as the oil flowing through its veins. For owners of a rugged 2017 Jeep Cherokee, whether you’re commuting, hitting the trails, or just running errands, understanding the specific 2017 jeep cherokee oil type your rig demands is paramount.
Skimping on oil quality or using the wrong viscosity can lead to serious engine wear, reduced performance, and costly repairs down the road. You want your Jeep to be ready for anything, from daily drives to challenging off-road adventures.
This comprehensive guide from FatBoysOffroad will cut through the confusion, providing you with all the expert knowledge you need. We’ll cover everything from recommended viscosities and API standards to the best brands and a step-by-step DIY oil change. Get ready to give your 2017 Jeep Cherokee the care it deserves.
Understanding the Right 2017 Jeep Cherokee Oil Type
Choosing the correct engine oil isn’t just about grabbing any bottle off the shelf. Your 2017 Jeep Cherokee has specific requirements based on its engine design and manufacturer recommendations.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures optimal engine lubrication, protection against wear, and efficient operation.
Engine Options and Their Oil Needs
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee was available with two primary engine choices, each with distinct oil requirements:
- 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir Engine: This inline four-cylinder engine is known for its efficiency. For this engine, Jeep recommends a 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil. The oil capacity is typically around 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) when performing an oil and filter change.
- 3.2L Pentastar V6 Engine: A popular choice for those seeking more power, especially for towing or off-roading. The Pentastar V6 requires a 5W-20 full synthetic engine oil. Its oil capacity is generally 5.9 quarts (5.6 liters) with a filter change.
Always double-check your owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications for your specific vehicle’s trim and engine.
The Importance of API and ACEA Standards
Beyond viscosity (like 5W-20 or 5W-30), oil specifications include crucial industry standards. These standards guarantee that the oil meets certain performance and protection criteria.
- API (American Petroleum Institute): Look for oils with the API “Starbust” symbol, indicating that the oil meets the current engine protection standard, typically API SN PLUS or newer (like SP). This signifies protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), common in direct-injection turbocharged engines, although less critical for the 2017 Cherokee’s specific engines, it’s a good benchmark for modern oil.
- ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6: This is an energy-conserving standard often found alongside API ratings. It indicates improved fuel economy and emission system protection. For your 2017 Cherokee, oils meeting GF-5 or newer are ideal.
- MS-6395 (Chrysler/FCA Specific): This is a proprietary material standard from Chrysler (now Stellantis) that specifies additional performance requirements beyond generic API/ILSAC ratings. Many quality synthetic oils will explicitly state they meet or exceed the MS-6395 standard on their packaging. This is a strong indicator of compatibility and optimal performance for your Jeep.
Using an oil that meets these standards is critical for maintaining your engine’s warranty and ensuring its longevity.
Decoding Oil Viscosity: Why 5W-20 or 5W-30?
The numbers in “5W-20” or “5W-30” refer to the oil’s viscosity, or its resistance to flow, at different temperatures.
Understanding these numbers helps you appreciate why your Jeep requires a specific grade.
Manufacturer Recommendations: The Golden Rule
The engineers who designed your 2017 Jeep Cherokee’s engine specified these viscosities for a reason. They conducted extensive testing to determine which oil provides the best lubrication at various operating temperatures, protecting critical engine components.
Straying from these recommendations can lead to inadequate lubrication, especially during cold starts or high-temperature operation. This could accelerate wear on bearings, camshafts, and other moving parts.
Always consult your owner’s manual first. It’s the ultimate authority on your vehicle’s specific needs.
Understanding Oil Grades and Climate
The “W” in 5W-20 stands for “winter,” indicating the oil’s performance in cold conditions. The “5” refers to its viscosity at cold temperatures.
The second number (20 or 30) indicates the oil’s viscosity at normal engine operating temperatures. A lower number means thinner oil, which flows more easily.
For most climates, the recommended 5W-20 or 5W-30 is suitable year-round. Modern synthetic oils are formulated to maintain stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
Unless you live in extreme, consistently sub-zero conditions or scorching desert heat, sticking to the factory recommendation is almost always the best approach.
Conventional vs. Synthetic vs. Blends: What’s Best for Your Trailhawk?
The type of base oil also plays a significant role in performance and protection. For a vehicle like the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, especially one used for off-roading, the choice matters.
Jeep specifically recommends full synthetic oil for both engine variants in the 2017 Cherokee.
Why Full Synthetic is Often the Superior Choice
Full synthetic oils are engineered in a lab to provide superior performance compared to conventional (mineral) oils. They offer several key benefits for your Jeep:
- Enhanced Engine Protection: Synthetics maintain their viscosity better at extreme temperatures, providing a more consistent protective film on engine parts during cold starts and high-heat operation. This is crucial during demanding off-road excursions or heavy towing.
- Longer Drain Intervals: Due to their superior stability and resistance to breakdown, synthetic oils typically allow for longer oil change intervals, often 7,500 to 10,000 miles, as opposed to 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil. Always follow your vehicle’s oil life monitoring system or owner’s manual recommendations.
- Reduced Sludge and Deposits: Synthetics are cleaner, leaving fewer deposits and sludge behind, which helps keep your engine internals pristine and extends its life.
- Improved Fuel Economy: Thinner synthetic oils reduce internal engine friction, which can lead to a slight improvement in fuel efficiency.
For a DIYer tackling their own maintenance, knowing the correct 2017 jeep cherokee oil type prevents costly mistakes. Given these benefits, investing in a high-quality full synthetic oil is a no-brainer for your Jeep.
When a Synthetic Blend Might Suffice
A synthetic blend is a mix of conventional and synthetic base oils. While better than conventional oil, it doesn’t offer the full benefits of a true full synthetic.
For the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, especially with its specific MS-6395 recommendation, a full synthetic is the way to go. Using a blend might save you a few bucks initially, but it could compromise the long-term health and performance of your engine, particularly if you push your Jeep in challenging conditions.
Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation for full synthetic oil.
Essential Tools and Supplies for a DIY Oil Change
Performing your own oil change is a rewarding and cost-effective way to maintain your Jeep. Having the right tools makes the job safe and efficient.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Gathering Your Gear: What You’ll Need
- New Engine Oil: The correct 2017 jeep cherokee oil type (5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic, meeting MS-6395, API SN PLUS/SP). Check your engine type.
- New Oil Filter: A high-quality filter is crucial. Mopar filters are always a safe bet, but premium aftermarket brands like Wix, Bosch, or K&N are also excellent. Ensure it’s the correct filter for your specific engine (cartridge style for 2.4L, spin-on for 3.2L).
- Oil Filter Wrench: A cap-style wrench that fits your new filter perfectly.
- Drain Pan: Large enough to hold all the old oil (at least 6-7 quarts).
- Socket Wrench and Correct Socket: For your oil drain plug (usually 13mm or 1/2 inch).
- Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening the drain plug and oil filter to specification, preventing leaks or overtightening damage.
- Funnel: To prevent spills when refilling the oil.
- Gloves: Nitrile or mechanic’s gloves protect your hands.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from splashes.
- Jack and Jack Stands OR Ramps: To safely lift the front of the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Clean Rags or Paper Towels: For cleanup.
- New Drain Plug Crush Washer (Optional but Recommended): Ensures a leak-free seal.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Your Ride
Before you even think about crawling under your Jeep, prioritize safety:
- Work on a Level Surface: This prevents the vehicle from rolling and ensures accurate fluid level readings.
- Secure the Vehicle: Use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. If using a jack, always lower the vehicle onto sturdy jack stands. Give the vehicle a good shake to ensure it’s stable.
- Engine Temperature: Perform the oil change when the engine is warm but not scalding hot. Warm oil drains more completely, but extremely hot oil can cause severe burns. Let it cool for 15-30 minutes after running.
- Ventilation: If working in an enclosed space, ensure adequate ventilation.
- Proper Disposal: Never dump used oil down a drain or in the trash. Collect it in a sealed container and take it to an auto parts store, service station, or recycling center that accepts used motor oil.
These precautions are non-negotiable. Your safety, and the integrity of your Jeep, depend on them.
Step-by-Step: Changing Your 2017 Jeep Cherokee’s Engine Oil
Now that you’re geared up and safety-conscious, let’s walk through the process of changing your oil.
The steps are straightforward, but attention to detail is key.
Pre-Service Checks and Preparations
- Warm Up the Engine: Drive your Jeep for 5-10 minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature. Then, park it on a level surface and turn it off. Let it cool for 15-30 minutes.
- Gather Tools: Have all your tools and supplies within reach.
- Lift and Secure: Safely lift the front of your Jeep using a jack and immediately place jack stands under the frame rails. Ensure the vehicle is stable. Place wheel chocks at the rear wheels.
- Locate Components: Identify the oil drain plug on the oil pan (usually at the bottom, towards the front or middle) and the oil filter. The 2.4L engine uses a cartridge-style filter housing on top of the engine, while the 3.2L uses a spin-on canister filter typically near the front or side of the engine block.
Draining the Old Oil
- Position Drain Pan: Place your oil drain pan directly under the drain plug.
- Remove Drain Plug: Using the correct socket wrench, loosen and remove the drain plug. Be prepared, as the oil will start flowing immediately. Keep your hands clear of the hot oil stream.
- Inspect Crush Washer: If your drain plug has a crush washer, remove the old one and replace it with a new one (highly recommended to prevent leaks).
- Allow to Drain Completely: Let the oil drain until it’s a slow drip. This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
- Replace Drain Plug: Once drained, clean the drain plug and the area around the oil pan. Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer (if applicable) and tighten it to the manufacturer’s specified torque (refer to your owner’s manual or a service manual, typically around 20-25 ft-lbs). Do not overtighten!
Replacing the Oil Filter
This step varies slightly by engine type:
-
For 2.4L Tigershark (Cartridge Filter):
- Locate the oil filter housing on top of the engine.
- Use your cap-style oil filter wrench to loosen the housing cap.
- Carefully remove the cap and the old filter element. There might be some residual oil, so have rags ready.
- Clean the filter housing and cap. Replace the O-rings on the cap with the new ones provided with your new filter.
- Install the new cartridge filter element into the housing.
- Reinstall the cap and tighten it to the specified torque (usually marked on the cap itself or in the manual).
-
For 3.2L Pentastar V6 (Spin-on Filter):
- Position your drain pan under the oil filter.
- Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter. It may be tight.
- Once loose, carefully unscrew the filter by hand. Be ready for oil to drip out.
- Clean the mounting surface on the engine.
- Take your new spin-on filter and apply a thin film of new engine oil to the rubber gasket. This helps create a good seal.
- Screw on the new filter by hand until the gasket makes contact with the engine block. Then, tighten it an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn by hand. Do not overtighten with a wrench, as this can damage the filter or its seal.
Refilling with Fresh Lubricant
- Lower Vehicle: Carefully lower your Jeep off the jack stands. This ensures an accurate oil level reading.
- Add New Oil: Remove the oil filler cap (usually marked with an oil can symbol). Place a clean funnel into the filler neck. Slowly pour in the recommended amount of your chosen 2017 jeep cherokee oil type. For the 2.4L, start with 5 quarts; for the 3.2L, start with 5.5 quarts.
- Check Level: After pouring, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle in the pan. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again. Check the oil level. It should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
- Top Off: Add small amounts of oil (1/4 to 1/2 quart at a time) and recheck the dipstick until the level is within the safe operating range. Do not overfill!
- Replace Cap: Securely reinstall the oil filler cap.
Post-Change Procedures and Disposal
- Start Engine: Start your Jeep’s engine and let it run for a minute or two. Check for any warning lights (like low oil pressure) and listen for unusual noises.
- Check for Leaks: While the engine runs, quickly check under the vehicle for any oil leaks around the drain plug or oil filter. If you see a leak, shut off the engine and investigate.
- Shut Off and Recheck: Turn off the engine and wait 5-10 minutes for the oil to settle. Check the dipstick one last time to ensure the level is correct.
- Reset Oil Life Monitor: Your 2017 Jeep Cherokee has an oil life monitor. The procedure to reset it is typically found in your owner’s manual (often involves turning the ignition to ON/RUN, depressing the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds, then turning the ignition OFF).
- Dispose of Old Oil: Pour the old oil from your drain pan into the empty new oil containers or a dedicated sealed container. Take it to an appropriate recycling facility.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully changed your Jeep’s oil! This routine maintenance is vital for its long-term health, especially if you venture off-road.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Oil-Related Issues
Even experienced DIYers can encounter issues. Knowing what to look out for can save you headaches and potential engine damage.
Overfilling and Underfilling: The Dangers
- Overfilling: Too much oil can cause aeration (foaming) as the crankshaft whips through the excess oil. This reduces lubrication effectiveness, increases oil temperature, and can damage seals, leading to leaks. It can also cause increased engine pressure and potential catalytic converter damage.
- Underfilling: Not enough oil means inadequate lubrication, especially at high RPMs or during hard cornering when oil can slosh away from the pickup tube. This leads to excessive friction, heat, and rapid engine wear, potentially resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
Always aim for the middle of the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on your dipstick. It’s better to be slightly under than significantly over.
Choosing the Wrong Oil: What Happens?
Using an incorrect 2017 jeep cherokee oil type can have several negative consequences:
-
Wrong Viscosity:
- Too Thick: Can make cold starts difficult, reduce fuel economy, and strain the oil pump. It might not flow quickly enough to critical components, causing wear.
- Too Thin: May not provide adequate protection at high operating temperatures, leading to metal-on-metal contact and premature wear.
- Wrong Specification (e.g., non-synthetic, missing MS-6395): Can lead to faster oil breakdown, sludge formation, reduced engine protection, and potentially void your engine warranty. Modern engines, like those in the Cherokee, are designed for specific oil properties.
Dealing with Leaks After an Oil Change
If you notice oil drips after your change, here are common culprits:
- Loose Drain Plug: The most common cause. Recheck the torque.
- Damaged or Missing Crush Washer: If you didn’t replace the crush washer or if it was damaged during installation, it won’t seal properly. Replace it.
- Loose Oil Filter: Ensure the oil filter is hand-tight (for spin-on) or torqued correctly (for cartridge housing). Check that the old filter gasket isn’t stuck to the engine block (a common mistake with spin-on filters).
- Damaged Oil Filter Gasket/O-rings: Inspect the new filter’s gasket or the O-rings on the cartridge filter cap for any nicks or improper seating.
Address leaks immediately. Even small leaks can lead to significant oil loss over time and can cause damage to other components (like belts) or create fire hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Jeep Cherokee Oil Type
How often should I change the oil in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee?
For most 2017 Jeep Cherokees using full synthetic oil, the recommended interval is typically between 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6-12 months, whichever comes first. However, always refer to your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s oil life monitoring system. If you do a lot of heavy towing, off-roading, or short-trip driving in extreme temperatures, consider more frequent changes.
Can I use a different oil viscosity if I live in a very hot or cold climate?
For the vast majority of climates, the manufacturer-recommended 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil is designed to perform optimally year-round. Modern synthetic oils have excellent viscosity stability. Only in extremely rare, consistently severe conditions (e.g., sustained -20°F or 120°F+) might a slight deviation be considered, and only after consulting your owner’s manual or a certified Jeep technician.
What oil filter brand is best for my Jeep Cherokee?
Mopar (Chrysler’s OEM parts division) filters are always a safe and reliable choice, as they are designed specifically for your engine. High-quality aftermarket brands like Wix, Bosch, K&N, Fram (premium lines), or PurolatorONE are also excellent options that meet or exceed OEM specifications. Avoid generic, no-name filters.
Will using the wrong oil void my warranty?
Potentially, yes. If an engine failure can be directly attributed to using an incorrect oil type or a non-compliant oil (e.g., conventional oil when synthetic is required, or an oil not meeting the MS-6395 standard), your warranty claim could be denied. Always use oil that meets all the specifications outlined in your owner’s manual.
Mastering the specifics of your 2017 Jeep Cherokee oil type is a fundamental step in responsible vehicle ownership. By understanding the correct viscosity, adhering to synthetic recommendations, and performing regular oil changes, you’re investing directly in the longevity and performance of your Jeep.
Whether you’re hitting the pavement or tackling tough trails, a well-lubricated engine is a happy engine. Take pride in your DIY maintenance, pay attention to the details, and your Cherokee will serve you faithfully for years to come. Stay safe and stay comfortable!
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