2006 jeep grand cherokee transmission fluid level check

murpht3

04-24-2007, 10:49 AM

I just noticed on this 2006 Grand Cherokee that there is no transmission fluid dip stick (the tube is covered with a cap that says "DEALER USE ONLY"). Anybody know the reason for this? Is there any way I can check the level myself (buy a dipstick?)? If I can't, this means I am stuck bringing it to the dealer for a trans fluid & filter job as well.

murpht3

05-02-2007, 11:06 AM

Nobody has attempted a trans fluid change on this new body style?

You have a 3.7,Right? That has a Mercedes trans called a Nag and they dont want anyone messing with it.I think Mercedes feels most people are to stupid to check trans fluid.The srt 8 6.1 uses the same trans.If you check the maintenance schedule in your owners manual,you will notice that the trans fluid and filter change is not required ever.It is only recommended for the 545rfe trans.That is used with the 4.7 and 5.7.There is a special tool for checking the fluid ,its a dipstick that measures fluid level in millimeters and you are supposed to use a scan tool to check the trans temperature.I was told that Mercedes did not even want Chrysler to put a dipstick tube in the trans.The 05s have dipsticks but I don't know if that works in an 06 because the fill tube is different.

Ramblin Fever

05-24-2007, 03:37 PM

Sounds like the same stupid set-up as on the GM 4L30-E transmissions that GM/Isuzu used in the Rodeo's/Troopers.

Do NOT believe your owners manual if it states that your fluid never needs changed, ALL fluids eventually do wear out!

Many many Isuzu owners believed this as well, as our tranny's are supposed sealed units as well, never supposedly needing serviced - however many Isuzu owners had their tranny's fail between 80-100k because of believing what the manual states.

I was fortunate enough to have owned a '91 Isuzu Rodeo that had the exact same tranny as my '97 Rodeo, only my '91 Rodeo had a dipstick - so I knew for a fact that I needed to figure out how to change the fluid regularly on the '97 as well.

For a closed unit tranny, you generally have to refill from underneith, and yes, at a proper temperature. There is NOTHING wrong with changing transmission fluid every year or every 2yrs, I for one, have NEVER gone over 30k miles without changing the fluid, with excellent life expectancy results.

Every day stop/go driving is HARSH on an auto, and more frequent fluid swaps, the longer your life-span is of that unit.

Joined Feb 5, 2011

4 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · Feb 20, 2011

I gots 2006 wk, with 60k, 4.7L, and the 545 trans. Just had the tranny drained and 2 filters replaced. Was checking the tranny fluid level while hot (operating temp) and saw fluid only slightly above the "cold" holes. Added one quart (all I had--didn't think I'd possibly need more than that). Any guess at how many more quarts to bring it up to the "hot" holes.....? $5 per quart, geez...

Joined Nov 30, 2009

163 Posts

when you checked it was the jeep in neutral?

Joined Nov 16, 2010

404 Posts

See if this gets you better results.

From wkjeeps.com maintenace info.

CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL:

NOTE:
If equipped with a dipstick, use the following procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, it is sealed and should not be tampered with. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly, the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear position ending with the lever in P (Park).
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level should he between the "HOT" (upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operating temperature. The fluid level is only valid if there is a solid coating of oil is seen on both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission below the operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately 70 F (21 C) (room temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at room temperature, it should be between the "HOT" (upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal operating temperature. CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F (10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to produce an accurate reading.

How do you check transmission fluid in a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Bring the vehicle up to operating temperature and check fluid level with engine idling. Push dipstick into transmission fill tube until it bottoms out against the transmission pan and pull out, read fluid level. NOTE: The dipstick will protrude from fill tube when installed.

How do you check transmission fluid on a Jeep Grand Cherokee without dipstick?

If the vehicle does not have a dipstick, the transmission fluid must be checked at the transmission. This requires lifting the car on four jack stands; it must be level to check the fluid. There will be a fill plug on the side of the transmission case. This is not the drain plug located at the bottom of the sump.

jeep grand cherokee transmission fluid level check