Your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a true workhorse, whether it’s tackling daily commutes, hauling gear, or tearing up trails on a weekend adventure. This WK2 chassis is renowned for its blend of rugged capability and comfortable refinement.
However, like any high-performing machine, it thrives on proper care. Neglecting routine maintenance, especially something as fundamental as an oil change, can quickly diminish its performance, longevity, and your peace of mind.
At FatBoysOffroad, we believe every owner should feel confident under the hood. We promise to guide you through a complete, DIY-friendly jeep grand cherokee 2017 oil change, empowering you to save cash and boost your mechanical confidence.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything from gathering the right supplies and ensuring safety, to executing the job like a seasoned pro, and even offer some invaluable tips specifically for off-road enthusiasts. Let’s get your Grand Cherokee ready for its next adventure!
Why a Timely Oil Change is Crucial for Your WK2 Grand Cherokee
Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your Jeep’s powertrain. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, dissipates heat, and even helps clean the engine by carrying away contaminants.
Over time, oil breaks down, loses its viscosity, and becomes saturated with combustion byproducts and microscopic metal particles. This degraded oil can no longer protect your engine effectively.
For a 2017 Grand Cherokee, especially one that sees off-road action, towing, or frequent short trips, these stresses accelerate oil degradation. Fresh, clean oil ensures optimal engine performance, better fuel economy, and significantly extends the life of your valuable investment.
Understanding Your Jeep’s Oil Needs
Modern engines, like those found in the WK2 Grand Cherokee, are precision instruments that require specific types of lubricants. Using the wrong oil can lead to premature wear and costly repairs.
Most 2017 Grand Cherokees, particularly the popular 3.6L Pentastar V6, specify a 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic engine oil. The 5.7L HEMI V8 also typically uses 5W-20, while the 6.4L SRT HEMI usually calls for 0W-40 full synthetic.
Always check your owner’s manual for the exact viscosity and API (American Petroleum Institute) service rating recommended for your specific engine. This information is critical for proper engine protection.
Oil change intervals vary based on driving conditions. For normal driving, Jeep typically recommends changing the oil every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, when using synthetic oil. However, if you’re frequently off-roading, towing, or driving in extreme conditions, you should consider more frequent changes, possibly every 5,000 miles.
Gathering Your Arsenal: What You’ll Need for the Job
Before you even think about crawling under your Jeep, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. A well-prepared workspace makes the job safer and far more efficient.
Essential Tools for the DIY Mechanic
- Floor Jack and Jack Stands (or Ramps): Absolutely crucial for safely lifting and supporting your vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Wheel Chocks: To prevent the Jeep from rolling while it’s lifted.
- Oil Filter Wrench: A cap-style wrench that fits your specific oil filter (often 65/67mm for Pentastar, larger for HEMI cartridge filters).
- Socket Wrench Set: You’ll need the correct size socket for your drain plug (typically 13mm or 1/2 inch for the Pentastar, 13mm for the HEMI).
- Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening the drain plug and oil filter to specification, preventing leaks or damage.
- Oil Drain Pan: Large enough to hold your Jeep’s entire oil capacity (around 6-7 quarts for V6, 7 quarts for V8).
- Funnel: To neatly add new oil without spills.
- Rags or Shop Towels: For inevitable drips and clean-up.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect your eyes from splashes and hands from hot oil and chemicals.
- Flashlight or Work Light: To illuminate tight spaces under the vehicle.
The Right Fluids & Filters for Your Grand Cherokee
- New Engine Oil: As per your owner’s manual – correct viscosity (e.g., 5W-20, 0W-40) and API rating. Ensure you buy enough; a Pentastar V6 typically takes 6 quarts, while a HEMI V8 takes 7 quarts.
- New Oil Filter: Always replace the filter with each oil change. For the Pentastar, it’s a cartridge-style filter located on top of the engine. For the HEMI, it’s a spin-on canister filter. We recommend quality brands like Mopar (OEM), Wix, Mann-Filter, or Mobil 1.
- New Drain Plug Crush Washer: A small but vital component. This single-use washer ensures a tight, leak-free seal for the drain plug. Don’t skip it!
Safety First: Prepping Your Jeep Grand Cherokee for Maintenance
Safety is paramount when working under any vehicle. A few minutes spent on proper preparation can prevent serious injury.
- Park on Level Ground: Ensure your Jeep is on a flat, stable surface. This prevents unexpected rolling and allows for proper drainage.
- Engage Parking Brake: Always activate your parking brake firmly.
- Chock Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if you’re lifting the front, or in front of the front wheels if you’re lifting the rear.
- Warm Up Engine (Slightly): Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil drains more completely, but avoid a hot engine as it can cause burns.
- Locate Jack Points: Consult your owner’s manual for the approved jacking points. These are reinforced areas designed to safely support the vehicle’s weight.
- Lift Vehicle Safely: Use your floor jack to carefully raise the front of the Jeep. Once at the desired height, immediately place jack stands under the frame rails near the jack points. Gently lower the Jeep onto the jack stands, ensuring they are stable and secure. If using ramps, drive onto them slowly and carefully.
- Safety Check: Once the Jeep is on jack stands or ramps, give it a good shake. If it moves, re-secure it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Performing Your Jeep Grand Cherokee 2017 Oil Change: Step-by-Step
With safety measures in place and tools ready, it’s time to get your hands a little dirty. Follow these steps carefully for a successful jeep grand cherokee 2017 oil change.
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Locate and Loosen the Drain Plug:
Position your oil drain pan directly under the oil pan drain plug. For the 3.6L Pentastar and 5.7L HEMI, the oil pan is typically located towards the front or middle of the engine, under the vehicle. Use your socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. Be ready for the oil to come out once the plug is removed.
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Drain Old Oil:
Carefully remove the drain plug, allowing the old engine oil to flow into the drain pan. It’s often best to pull the plug straight out to avoid a sudden gush. Let it drain completely, which can take 10-15 minutes. The oil will be dark and may contain some sediment.
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Remove Old Oil Filter:
While the oil drains, locate the oil filter. For the 3.6L Pentastar, it’s a cartridge filter assembly on top of the engine, usually near the front. For the 5.7L HEMI, it’s a spin-on canister filter located on the side or bottom of the engine block. Place a rag or small secondary pan underneath to catch drips.
Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the filter. Once loose, carefully unscrew it by hand. Be prepared for some residual oil to spill out. For cartridge filters, remove the old filter element and the old O-rings from the filter housing cap.
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Prepare and Install New Oil Filter:
For cartridge filters, install the new O-rings (usually supplied with the new filter) onto the housing cap and lubricate them with a thin film of fresh engine oil. Insert the new filter element into the housing. For spin-on filters, apply a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter. This helps create a good seal and makes future removal easier.
Hand-tighten the new filter or filter cap until snug. Then, use your oil filter wrench (or socket for the cap) to tighten it to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Overtightening can damage the filter or housing, leading to leaks.
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Reinstall Drain Plug:
Once the oil has finished draining, clean the area around the drain plug opening on the oil pan. Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Then, use your torque wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually around 20-25 ft-lbs for most Jeep engines). Do NOT overtighten, as this can strip the threads in the oil pan.
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Add New Engine Oil:
Place your funnel into the engine’s oil fill port (usually clearly marked with an oil can symbol). Slowly pour in the recommended amount and type of new engine oil. Start with one quart less than the full capacity, then check the dipstick.
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Check Oil Level & Inspect for Leaks:
After adding the oil, remove the funnel and replace the oil fill cap. 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 to check the level. It should be within the “safe” or “full” marks. If low, add small amounts and recheck. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute. This circulates the new oil. Shut off the engine, wait a few minutes, and recheck the dipstick. Also, visually inspect under the vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug or oil filter.
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Lower Vehicle:
Once you’ve confirmed no leaks and the oil level is correct, use your floor jack to slightly raise the Jeep off the jack stands. Carefully remove the jack stands, then slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground.
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Reset Oil Life Monitor:
This is a crucial final step. For most 2017 Grand Cherokees: turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine). Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds. Turn the ignition “OFF.” When you restart the vehicle, the “Oil Change Required” message should be gone.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Operation
When working on your Grand Cherokee, attention to detail makes all the difference. Always use genuine Mopar parts or high-quality aftermarket equivalents, especially for filters.
Consider pre-filling spin-on oil filters with fresh oil before installation. This reduces the time the engine runs without full oil pressure on startup. However, be cautious not to overfill, and this isn’t applicable to cartridge filters.
Inspect the old oil as it drains. Look for metal flakes, milky consistency (indicating coolant), or excessive sludge. These can be early warning signs of more serious engine issues. If you notice anything unusual, it might be time for a professional diagnostic.
Properly dispose of your used engine oil. Most auto parts stores and service stations accept used oil for recycling, often free of charge. Never pour it down a drain or dispose of it in household trash.
Post-Change Checks & Off-Road Readiness
After your fresh jeep grand cherokee 2017 oil change, take it for a short test drive. Pay attention to any unusual noises, smells, or dashboard warning lights. After the drive, park on level ground, wait a few minutes, and recheck the oil level and look for any new leaks.
For off-roaders, having fresh, clean oil is even more critical. Demanding conditions like steep climbs, prolonged low-speed crawling, and heavy dust exposure put immense strain on your engine and its lubricants. Fresh oil ensures maximum lubrication and cooling efficiency, protecting against overheating and premature wear when you’re far from civilization.
Before any major off-road trip, it’s a good practice to check your oil level. After a particularly dusty or water-fording adventure, consider an earlier oil change than usual. Dust can ingrain itself into the oil, and water contamination can severely degrade its protective properties.
Troubleshooting Common Oil Change Issues
Even experienced DIYers can encounter a snag. Here are a few common issues and how to tackle them.
Stuck Drain Plug: If the drain plug is overtightened, it can be tough to remove. Try using a longer wrench for more leverage. If it’s truly seized, you might need to heat the oil pan slightly (carefully, with a heat gun, not an open flame) to expand the metal, but this is a last resort and best left to a professional if you’re unsure.
Stripped Drain Plug Threads: This is a serious issue. If the drain plug doesn’t tighten properly, you’ve likely stripped the threads in the oil pan. Do NOT drive the vehicle. You’ll need an oversized drain plug kit or, in worst-case scenarios, a new oil pan. Prevention is key here – always use a torque wrench.
Oil Spill: Accidents happen. Have plenty of rags and absorbent material (like cat litter) on hand. Clean up spills immediately to prevent environmental contamination and slip hazards.
Oil Light Stays On: If your oil pressure light or “Oil Change Required” message persists after a fresh oil change and resetting the monitor, stop driving. Recheck your oil level. Ensure the oil filter is correctly installed. If the light remains, it could indicate a more serious issue like a faulty oil pressure sensor or a deeper engine problem, and professional diagnosis is required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Oil
How often should I change the oil in my 2017 Grand Cherokee?
For normal driving, Jeep recommends a change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, especially with synthetic oil. However, for severe duty (off-roading, towing, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions), consider changing it every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
What type of oil does a 2017 Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar engine take?
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 typically requires 5W-20 API certified synthetic blend or full synthetic engine oil. Always confirm with your owner’s manual. The oil capacity is approximately 6 quarts.
Can I use conventional oil instead of synthetic?
While some older engines might tolerate it, modern Jeep engines, especially the 2017 Grand Cherokee, are designed for synthetic or synthetic blend oils. Using conventional oil may not provide adequate protection, especially under stress, and could lead to premature wear or void your warranty. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
What are the signs of low engine oil?
Common signs include the oil pressure warning light illuminating on your dashboard, a ticking or knocking sound from the engine, a burning oil smell, or visible oil leaks. Regularly checking your dipstick is the best preventative measure.
Is it okay to go slightly over the recommended mileage for an oil change?
While a few hundred miles over won’t instantly destroy your engine, it’s not recommended, especially if you routinely push the limits of your vehicle. Over time, the protective properties of oil degrade, increasing wear. It’s always best to adhere to or even slightly precede the recommended intervals, particularly for off-road enthusiasts.
Performing your own jeep grand cherokee 2017 oil change is a rewarding and practical skill. Not only does it save you money, but it also gives you a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s health and builds confidence in your DIY capabilities.
By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you’ll ensure your WK2 Grand Cherokee continues to perform reliably, whether you’re cruising the highway or conquering challenging trails. Regular maintenance is the backbone of any reliable off-road rig.
Keep your engine running strong, listen to its needs, and it will take you wherever your adventures lead. Stay safe and stay comfortable!
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