Every Jeep owner knows the thrill of hitting the trail or cruising the open road. But to keep that adventure alive, especially in a capable machine like the 2018 Grand Cherokee, regular maintenance is non-negotiable. One of the most fundamental tasks is the oil change.
You probably agree that taking pride in your ride, and knowing you’ve kept it running smoothly, is a great feeling. This guide promises to empower you with the knowledge and steps needed to confidently perform your own 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee oil change, saving you time and money while building your DIY skills.
We’ll cover everything from selecting the right oil and tools to the step-by-step process, crucial safety measures, and even some pro tips to ensure your Grand Cherokee stays ready for any journey.
Why a Timely Oil Change Matters for Your Grand Cherokee
Your engine’s oil is its lifeblood. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, dissipates heat, and cleans by suspending contaminants. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness, especially under the demanding conditions a Jeep Grand Cherokee often faces.
Regular oil changes prevent premature engine wear, maintain fuel efficiency, and ensure optimal performance. This is particularly important for off-road enthusiasts who put their vehicles through tougher paces.
Protecting Your Engine: The Heart of Your Jeep
Whether you have the robust 3.6L Pentastar V6, the powerful 5.7L HEMI V8, or even the beastly 6.4L SRT engine, clean oil is vital. It creates a protective film between metal components, preventing destructive metal-on-metal contact.
Dirty oil, full of sludge and abrasive particles, acts like sandpaper inside your engine. This can lead to decreased power, increased fuel consumption, and eventually, costly repairs.
Oil Life Monitor (OLM) and Service Intervals
Your 2018 Grand Cherokee is equipped with an Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system. This intelligent system tracks engine operating conditions, mileage, and temperature to determine when an oil change is due.
While the OLM is a great guide, Mopar typically recommends an oil change at least once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, even if the light hasn’t come on. If you do a lot of towing, heavy off-roading, or short-trip driving, you might need to change it sooner.
Gathering Your Gear: Essential Tools and Supplies for a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change
Before you even think about crawling under your Jeep, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Having everything at hand makes the process smoother and safer.
Required Tools
- Ramps or Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting and supporting your vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Floor Jack: If using jack stands, a sturdy floor jack is needed to lift the vehicle.
- Wheel Chocks: To prevent the Jeep from rolling.
- Socket Wrench Set: You’ll need the correct size socket for your drain plug (often 13mm or 1/2 inch) and potentially for the oil filter housing (specific to engine type).
- Oil Filter Wrench: A cap-style wrench that fits your specific oil filter housing is best.
- Oil Drain Pan: Large enough to hold the entire oil capacity (typically 6-7 quarts for a Grand Cherokee).
- Funnel: To prevent spills when refilling new oil.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from hot oil and chemicals.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes.
- Rags or Shop Towels: For cleaning up spills.
- Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening the drain plug and oil filter housing to specification, preventing leaks or damage.
Essential Supplies
- Engine Oil: Consult your owner’s manual for the correct viscosity and API (American Petroleum Institute) service rating. For many 2018 Grand Cherokees, this will be 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil, especially for the Pentastar and HEMI engines. Always use oil that meets Chrysler’s MS-6395 specification.
- Oil Filter: A new, high-quality oil filter specific to your engine. Mopar filters are recommended, but reputable aftermarket brands like Wix, Bosch, or K&N are also good.
- New Drain Plug Crush Washer (or Gasket): This is a small, inexpensive but critical component. It ensures a tight seal and prevents leaks. Never reuse the old one.
Always double-check your owner’s manual for precise oil type, capacity, and filter part numbers. This information is critical for avoiding engine damage.
The Step-by-Step Process: Performing Your 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get down to business. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful and safe oil change.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle for Safety
Safety is paramount. Start by parking your Jeep on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels (if you’re lifting the front) or in front of the front wheels (if lifting the rear). For an oil change, you’ll typically be working under the front.
Use your floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle and carefully position the jack stands under the frame rails or designated jack points. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring they are stable. Give the Jeep a gentle shake to confirm it’s secure. Wear your safety glasses and gloves.
Step 2: Warm Up the Engine (Briefly)
Start the engine and let it run for 5-10 minutes. This warms the oil, making it less viscous and allowing it to drain more completely. However, be careful – the oil will be hot!
Step 3: Locate and Remove the Drain Plug
With the engine off and the vehicle safely supported, slide your oil drain pan underneath the oil pan, directly below the drain plug. The oil pan is typically a large, flat metal pan on the bottom of the engine.
Using your socket wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for hot oil to come out once the plug is removed. Once it’s loose, you can often unscrew it by hand. Pull it away quickly to avoid a hot oil shower.
Allow the oil to drain completely. This can take 10-15 minutes. While it’s draining, inspect the drain plug and set aside the old crush washer. Clean any oil residue from the drain plug.
Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter
While the oil is draining, locate the oil filter. Depending on your 2018 Grand Cherokee’s engine, it might be a traditional spin-on filter or a cartridge filter housed within a plastic or metal housing.
For cartridge filters (common on Pentastar V6s), use your oil filter wrench to loosen the housing cap. Be aware that some residual oil will likely spill out. Carefully remove the old cartridge filter and O-rings. Clean the filter housing thoroughly.
For spin-on filters (common on HEMI V8s), use your oil filter wrench to loosen it. Spin it off by hand, being careful to catch any draining oil in your pan. Ensure the old rubber gasket from the filter isn’t stuck to the engine block.
Before installing the new filter, lubricate the new filter’s rubber gasket (for spin-on) or new O-rings (for cartridge) with a thin layer of fresh oil. This helps create a good seal. Install the new filter and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. For spin-on filters, this is usually hand-tight plus a quarter to half turn. For cartridge housings, use your torque wrench to tighten to the specified torque (often around 25 Nm or 18 ft-lbs).
Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug
Once the old oil has finished draining, clean the area around the drain plug opening on the oil pan. Install the new crush washer onto your clean drain plug.
Carefully thread the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once finger-tight, use your torque wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer’s specification. This is usually around 20-25 ft-lbs (27-34 Nm). Do not overtighten, as this can strip the threads on the oil pan, leading to a much bigger problem.
Step 6: Refill with Fresh Engine Oil
Using your funnel, slowly pour the correct type and amount of new engine oil into the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact capacity. It’s generally better to underfill slightly and then top off after checking the dipstick.
For a 3.6L Pentastar V6, you’ll typically need around 6 quarts. For a 5.7L HEMI V8, it’s usually 7 quarts. Always confirm this in your owner’s manual.
Step 7: Check Oil Level and Inspect for Leaks
After pouring in the new oil, replace the oil filler cap. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute. This allows the oil to circulate and fill the new filter. Turn off the engine.
Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle back into the oil pan. Then, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be within the “safe” range. Add more oil gradually if needed, rechecking the dipstick each time.
While the engine is running, carefully look under the vehicle (without putting your body directly underneath) for any signs of leaks around the drain plug or oil filter. If you see drips, shut off the engine and investigate immediately. Tighten slightly if needed, but remember not to overtighten.
Post-Change Checks and Proper Disposal
Once you’ve completed the oil change, there are a few more steps to wrap things up safely and responsibly.
Lower the Vehicle and Final Checks
Carefully lift the vehicle off the jack stands with your floor jack, then remove the stands. Slowly lower the Jeep back to the ground. Remove the wheel chocks.
Take your Grand Cherokee for a short test drive. Listen for any unusual noises and keep an eye on your oil pressure gauge. When you return, check for leaks one last time. Reset your Oil Life Monitor according to your owner’s manual instructions.
Responsible Oil Disposal
Never pour used engine oil down the drain or into the ground. It’s a hazardous waste that can severely pollute the environment. Most auto parts stores, service stations, and municipal waste facilities accept used motor oil for recycling, often free of charge.
Pour the old oil from your drain pan into the empty new oil containers or a dedicated used oil jug. Take it to a recycling center as soon as possible.
Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips
Even experienced DIYers can encounter issues. Here are some common problems and “pro” insights to help you avoid them.
Stripped Drain Plug or Oil Pan Threads
This is a costly mistake. Always thread the drain plug by hand first to ensure it’s not cross-threading. Use a torque wrench to tighten it to specification. If you feel resistance before it’s snug, stop immediately and re-thread. If the threads are stripped, you might need a new oil pan or a repair kit (like a Fumoto valve or oversized drain plug), but it’s best to seek professional help.
Wrong Oil Type or Viscosity
Using the wrong oil can lead to engine damage. Always refer to your owner’s manual. Modern engines, like those in the 2018 Grand Cherokee, are designed for specific oil types (e.g., full synthetic) and viscosities (e.g., 5W-20). Don’t guess.
Leaking Oil Filter or Drain Plug
Often caused by not replacing the crush washer, not properly lubricating the filter gasket/O-rings, or incorrect torque. Double-check these areas if you see a leak after the oil change.
Pro Tip: Pre-Fill the Oil Filter
For spin-on filters, you can pre-fill the new filter with a small amount of fresh oil before installing it. This helps reduce the time the engine runs with low oil pressure during the initial start-up after the change.
Pro Tip: Inspect Your Undercarriage
While you’re under the Jeep, take a moment to visually inspect other components. Look for worn bushings, damaged CV boots, loose suspension components, or signs of fluid leaks. This proactive check can catch small issues before they become major problems, especially for off-roaders.
Extending Your Engine’s Life: Beyond the Oil Change
An oil change is a crucial step, but it’s part of a larger maintenance picture for your Grand Cherokee. Especially if you’re an off-road enthusiast, robust maintenance is key to reliability when far from civilization.
Regularly check other fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid). Inspect your air filter, cabin filter, and tire pressure. A well-maintained vehicle is a reliable companion on any adventure, whether it’s a cross-country trip or tackling challenging trails.
If you encounter any issues during your oil change that you’re unsure about, or if you suspect a more serious problem, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic. Sometimes, a professional eye can save you from bigger headaches down the road. For tricky situations on the trail, always prioritize safety and consider reaching out to park rangers, experienced adventurers in your group, or a recovery service if you’re truly stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Grand Cherokee Oil Change
What is the recommended oil type for a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Most 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokees (3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8) require 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets Chrysler’s MS-6395 specification. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact viscosity and specification for your specific engine variant.
How often should I change the oil in my 2018 Grand Cherokee?
The Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system will indicate when an oil change is due, but Mopar generally recommends at least once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you drive under severe conditions (towing, extreme temperatures, heavy off-roading, frequent short trips), consider more frequent changes, possibly every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Can I use conventional oil instead of synthetic?
For modern engines like those in the 2018 Grand Cherokee, full synthetic oil is usually specified and highly recommended. Conventional oil will not provide the same level of protection, especially under varying temperatures and heavy loads, and may void your warranty. Stick to what your owner’s manual prescribes.
What should I do if my drain plug is stripped?
A stripped drain plug is a serious issue. If you catch it early, sometimes an oversized drain plug or a self-tapping repair kit can provide a temporary fix. However, the most reliable long-term solution is often replacing the oil pan, which is a more involved repair. It’s best to consult a professional mechanic in this situation.
How do I reset the oil change light on my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The procedure varies slightly by trim level, but generally, you turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine). Press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds. Then turn the ignition to the “OFF” position. The oil change light should reset. Refer to your owner’s manual for precise instructions.
Performing a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee oil change is a rewarding and fundamental maintenance task that any DIY enthusiast can tackle. By taking the time to do it right, you’re not just saving money; you’re developing a deeper understanding of your vehicle and ensuring its longevity.
Remember, attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are key. Keep your Grand Cherokee’s engine running strong, and it will continue to deliver reliable performance for all your adventures.
Stay safe, stay maintained, and get out there and explore!
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