The 2011 jeep grand cherokee 5.7 V8 is a car that has been in production since 2009 and is still producing to this day. The 2011 jeep grand cherokee 5.7 is available in both a four-door or two-door model, with either an automatic transmission or manual. It’s powered by a V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower and 390 ft/lbs of torque, with fuel efficiency rated at 17 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway for the six-speed automatic on the 4×4 models. If you’re looking to change your oil, here are some helpful tips!
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Oil Change [hide]
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Oil Type and Capacity
There’s a reason we carry these Jeep Grand Cherokee motor oil brands. Check your owner’s manual and talk with a technician to select the right JGC engine oil, whether it is Quaker State® Advanced Durability™ conventional oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil with PurePlus™ Technology or Shell Rotella® heavy-duty engine oil. Even though they are proven to be excellent, consumers often do not know the difference between formulations. For instance, both Quaker State and Pennzoil provide extended wear protection in today’s engines. A full-length article answering common questions with product reviews and useful tips about 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 oil changing, but always reference Jeep’s recommendations before going with a new or different motor oil for your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 liter engine requires SAE 5W-20 oil, which comes in a 7 quart container. Quality engine oil is important for a smooth running vehicle and should be a high priority when comparing different brands. Regardless of how well you maintain your jeep grand cherokee 5.7, at some point you will have an oil change issue. When the oil becomes so old that it is no longer useful, it will often start to emit a smell of burning. The car needs to be checked and the oil changed as soon as possible in order to prevent an explosion.
So, the manufacturer recommends that most 5.7 L Ram engines use SAE 5W-20 and for 2500/3500 models with a higher weight rating of 14000 lbs or more, SAE 5W-30 is the best selection. The 5.7 Hemi requires 7 quarts of engine oil, and a full-flow (OPELC) type filter should be changed every time the oil is replaced.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change Intervals
Jeep includes regular motor oil changes as part of the suggested maintenance schedule for your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition to Jeep’s recommended intervals, your Grand Cherokee may need an oil change if the check engine light is on, you hear knock/knock coming from the engine, sense an oil smell in the cabin or there’s excessive exhaust. If you often haul heavy loads, frequent dusty roads, or go off-road or drive a long time at low speeds then you might need to change the oil more than what’s recommended by Jeep. Oil changes are a part of the Jeep Grand Cherokee ownership experience, so it’s important to know how they work. Frequent oil changes are important because our technicians will have more opportunities to diagnose any issues you may be experiencing.
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months for the 2011 jeep grand cherokee. If you are driving an average of 8,000 miles/year and were away from your car for 6 months due to the change in seasons- then it is time to do a deep oil change. Change the engine oil and oil filter, and rotate tires in-between regular routine maintenance intervals to maximize their lifespan. After this, you’ll want to change the oil every 8,000 miles and rotate your wheels every 16,000 miles. It’s always good to inspect things like your CV joints and exhaust system when you can but requiring service on those is unlikely.
For all Grand Cherokee owners, it is important to change the oil every 16,000 miles. Things like off-roading in your Jeep can negatively impact engine performance. When changing the oil, check that the air cleaner filter and air conditioner are working properly as well as keeping an eye on any potential exhaust leaks.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Check
Checking the oil of a Jeep Grand Cherokee can be done effortlessly and should be performed on a monthly basis. Take note that most Jeep vehicles have an oil pressure gauge next to the speedometer – this gauge does not tell you what your oil level is, but our step-by-step guide above will show you how to check the oil level in a 2011 jeep grand cherokee. Checking the oil in your Grand Cherokee is a quick and easy task, as long as you’re not driving. If you do need an oil change, you’ll want to look at the condition of the oil when you have your dipstick out. Dirty or smelling like gas are signs that it’s time for a new one.
- Open the Hood.
- Oil dipstick is located at the top of the engine in a tube. Remove it by loosening the bolt and turning counterclockwise.
- Reinsert the dipstick and then remove it again so you can read the oil level.
If the oil level in your Grand Cherokee is extremely low or empty, check it again the next time you drive. If it’s still below a quarter of a tank when you refill, call for professional help as soon as possible.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 8V Oil Change
All Jeep’s have their engine oil labelled on the top of the cap – it is likely to be 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 or 10W-40. The type of oil should be printed on the cap itself, but if it’s not there then find out for sure before adding new oil.
It is important to wear safety glasses when you are working under your vehicle. All fluids that leave the engine and battery system can be harmful if they come in contact with your eyes or skin, so it’s best to protect yourself.
Tools and parts needed
- Engine oil (see chart below)
- Oil filter (see chart below)
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Floor jack or ramps
- Jackstands
- Funnel
- 13mm open-end or socket wrench
- Shop rags
- Gloves
Put the jeep on ramps. Put the parking brake on and turn off the key. Position chocks behind back tires or use a large block of wood as an endstop.
Note that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee requires removal of the front skid plate when changing oil.
Use the plug on top of the vehicle’s oil filler to release it. This will let oil drain out faster. Slide the nearest container under the filter and loosen it until you can remove it by hand. The filter should be loosened by turning counterclockwise until fully undone by hand. Doing this slowly causes less oil to come out which can then be poured into the drain pan if desired. Oil will still pop up even though you’re taking your time!
Using a clean shop rag, thoroughly wipe away any dirt or dust that surrounds the area where the oil filter is mounted.
Always remove a gasket from the old filter before installing that same gasket to the new filter. Apply a small amount of oil to the rubber seal on the new filter. “Pre-oil” the filter before installing it by putting in just enough that it won’t spill out when reinserted.
Insert and tighten firmly (in clockwise direction) with hands only. An oil filter wrench can be used to ensure that the filter is tightly fitted, but do not use excessive force as this could damage the thread of the fitting.
After opening up the engine, clean off and around the filter with a shop rag to help identify any leaks easier in the future. Once ready, position a drain pan under the oil pan and carefully remove the drain plug counter-clockwise. Letting oil drain for at least 15 minutes will ensure an easier change later on. Be careful not to touch hot exhaust pipes while doing this!
Thread the drain plug about halfway and tighten to 20-25 ft. lbs./27 N·m (clockwise). Lap a clean shop rag around the top of the metal threads on the oil drain plug and continue until it is wrapped 3/4-1 inch underground. Break into small pieces if necessary, but do not leave any pipe cleaner segments over 7 inches long. Clean up all areas with a cloth or other nonabrasive material.
Replace the oil pan on top of the engine and be sure to dispose of all used oil into plastic 2-gallon empty laundry detergent bottles before recycling it periodically.
Reach under the car and look for any tools you may have accidentally left behind. Lower the vehicle to floor level and remove your jack stands.
Use the funnel to pour oil into the engine. Hemi models typically use 1/4 to 1/2 quart less than recommended, but as long the old motor oil has had enough time to drain out and a new filter is in place, it’s not necessary save money–filling up more than needed isn’t going to lead to an unsafe overfill.
Run the engine for a few minutes, then inspect the filter for any leakage. Do not run the engine in a closed garage and stay clear of belts and spinning components while checking for leaks on the ground underneath. Oil dripping to the floor is normal when you have an oil change.
Shut off the engine and let the car sit for 10 minutes to create time for any necessary adjustments. Keep an eye out for wet spots on top of, below, or near your jeep’s engine compartment; this could signal an oil leak and everyone can be certain that it needs attention sooner than later.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change Light Reset Instructions
Learn how to reset the oil change required light for any model of Jeep Grand Cherokee by using the gas pedal. Oil changing is easy if you take your time and follow the step-by-step instructions, but it can be a pain in the neck if you are trying to rush through it.
- Put the key in and turn it to the RUN position.
- If your vehicle comes with a separate ignition button, hold it for two seconds and then do not touch the brake pedal.
- Press down on the GAS PEDAL three times.
- Put your foot on the accelerator pedal and firmly press it down 3 times over 10 seconds.
- In order to reset the oil life indicator, turn off the ignition and start your engine until you see it change display.
- If the message continues to illuminate long after you start your engine, repeat this procedure until the message no longer illuminates.
Driving a car can become frustrating when it taps out and needs repairs. But, you’ll avoid this pain if you make sure to change your engine oil every 10,000 miles.
