Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 Maintenance Schedule (Pentastar, HEMI & EcoDiesel)

The WK2 Grand Cherokee ran three engine options over its production: the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 5.7L HEMI V8, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel. Each has meaningfully different service requirements. The Grand Cherokee's four-wheel-drive system is more complex than the Wrangler — QuadraDrive II, Quadra-Trac I, and QuadraDrive act differently and require different transfer case service.

Engine oil — three different specifications

The EcoDiesel has the longest oil change interval of any WK2 engine. The HEMI benefits from going slightly shorter than the factory recommendation in high-use scenarios. All three take full synthetic.

• 3.6L Pentastar V6: 0W-20 full synthetic, every 6,000–8,000 miles. Chrysler extended the Pentastar interval to 8,000 miles on later WK2 models. Use genuine OEM oil or a dexos1 Gen2 compatible full synthetic. Capacity: 6 quarts with filter.
• 5.7L HEMI V8: 5W-20 full synthetic, every 5,000–6,000 miles. The HEMI's cylinder deactivation system (MDS) is sensitive to oil quality. MDS-related lifter failures are more common when oil is degraded or the wrong viscosity is used. Stay at 5,000–6,000 miles. Capacity: 7 quarts.
• 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (2014–2020): 5W-40 diesel-specification full synthetic (API CJ-4 or higher). Every 10,000 miles. The diesel has a particulate filter that regenerates automatically — don't interrupt regen cycles by shutting the engine down during highway driving. Capacity: 10 quarts.
• HEMI cylinder deactivation (MDS) maintenance note: Run the engine on a highway drive above 50 mph for at least 20 minutes per week. Consistent city-only driving keeps the deactivated cylinders inactive for too long — the lifters can stick. Spirited highway driving prevents this.

Transfer case & differentials

The WK2's 4WD systems are more varied than the Wrangler lineup. QuadraDrive II with the rear limited-slip differential has additional fluid considerations. Check your build sheet or door sticker to confirm which system you have.

• Transfer case (most WK2 models — NV245G): Mopar ATF+4. Change every 30,000–45,000 miles. For any off-road or towing use, 30,000 miles is the right number. Capacity: approximately 1.0 quart.
• Front differential (Dana 30 — 3.6L base models): 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Every 30,000 miles. The front diff is engaged only in 4WD — it still needs service even if you rarely use 4WD.
• Rear differential (Dana 44 — standard on most WK2): 75W-90 GL-5, every 30,000–45,000 miles. If your WK2 has the QuadraDrive II rear limited-slip differential, add the Mopar friction modifier. Without the additive, you'll notice a chatter on tight turns. Capacity: approximately 2.2 quarts.
• Power Transfer Unit (AWD models): Some WK2 trims use an AWD system with a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) rather than a traditional transfer case. The PTU uses a separate fluid — check your manual for the spec. Neglected PTU fluid is a common source of AWD shudder.

Spark plugs, coolant & brakes

The WK2's spark plug interval depends significantly on engine. The HEMI's conventional plugs need more frequent replacement than the Pentastar's iridium spec.

• Spark plugs (3.6L Pentastar): Every 60,000 miles — OEM iridium spec (Champion RE14MCC4 or equivalent). 6 plugs.
• Spark plugs (5.7L HEMI): Every 30,000 miles with conventional copper plugs, or 60,000 miles with OEM iridium. The HEMI's MDS cylinders can foul plugs faster under light city-only loads. Inspect at 30,000 if you do significant city driving. 16 plugs total.
• Coolant: Orange HOAT coolant (Zerex G-05 or Mopar equivalent). First change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles. The 5.7L HEMI runs hotter than the Pentastar — inspect pH and freeze protection annually. Never use green conventional coolant.
• Brake fluid: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. The WK2 Brembo brake package (Overland/Summit trim) retains heat longer — brake fluid quality matters more on these. DOT 4 is the right spec.
• EcoDiesel fuel filter: Every 20,000 miles. Drain the fuel filter water separator at every service. Poor-quality diesel accelerates filter clogging.

WK2 model-year note. The WK2 received significant powertrain updates in 2014 (EcoDiesel introduction, ZF 8-speed transmission) and 2017 (updated Pentastar timing). Service specs for your specific year may differ from older WK2 references online. Always use your VIN year as the anchor.

The WK2 Grand Cherokee is a capable, comfortable SUV that's also surprisingly serviceable at home. The HEMI owners who avoid MDS lifter problems are the ones who kept oil fresh and drove the engine occasionally at highway speeds. The Pentastar owners who hit 200,000 miles are the ones who serviced the drivetrain fluids — not just the engine oil.