The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is a capable and versatile vehicle that demands specific maintenance to ensure longevity. Using the correct lubricants is essential for protecting the engine from wear, maintaining fuel efficiency, and ensuring that transmission and differential components operate smoothly under heavy loads. This guide details the precise fluid specifications, capacities, and compatible AMSOIL products designed to maximize the performance of this specific powertrain.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For the 3.6L engine requiring 0W-20 viscosity, owners have several premium options ranging from maximum protection to budget-conscious choices. Below are the primary motor oil recommendations, along with the matching filters required for a complete service.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides the highest level of protection, allowing for extended service intervals up to 25,000 miles while offering 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers 37% more cleaning power than OE oil and guarantees protection for up to 20,000 miles between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An affordable yet high-performance option that fights sludge and deposits, offering guaranteed protection for 15,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge, boost detergent power, and help older engines last longer.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns and offers a larger capacity for contaminants compared to many competing filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket alternative with media improvements over OEM-branded filters, suitable for conventional oil change intervals.
- WIX Air Filter – Features premium media that improves upon the filtration quality of original equipment manufacturer filters to ensure clean airflow.
Engine Oil and Maintenance
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the 2016 Grand Cherokee is designed to operate on 0W-20 viscosity motor oil across all temperatures. The total fluid capacity, including the filter replacement, is 5.9 quarts. It is critical to torque the oil drain plug to 20 ft/lbs to prevent leaks or thread damage. For vehicles running on E85 or M85 fuels, AMSOIL recommends using the appropriate viscosity for the manufacturer’s recommended drain interval, as extended oil drains in these cases should be validated through oil analysis.
While the engine is robust, modern vehicles often experience stop-and-go driving that generates heat and sludge. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 offers superior thermal stability, protecting the engine even when subjected to severe service conditions like towing or extreme climates. The Extended-Life variant provides excellent cleaning power to keep internal components running smoothly, while the High-Mileage formula includes enhanced anti-wear additives for vehicles with significant road hours.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee typically comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP45 or 845RE). These transmissions are sensitive to fluid quality, as they manage complex shift patterns and thermal loads. The total fill capacity for the transmission is 9 quarts. AMSOIL recommends using a fluid that meets or exceeds the demanding specifications of this gearbox.
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is a top-tier choice that withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures without thinning out. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting in cold weather. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides robust protection against wear at a competitive price point, protecting the transmission from sludge and ensuring long-term reliability.
Differential and Transfer Case Lubrication
For models equipped with four-wheel drive, the transfer case and front and rear differentials require specific lubrication to handle the stress of off-road use and heavy payloads. The MP3023 transfer case variant holds 4 pints and requires synthetic lubrication compatible with Mopar ATF+4 specifications. The MP2010 variant holds 1.1 pints. For the front (1.7 pints) and rear (1.9 pints) differentials, a synthetic GL-5 AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is required.
AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended for transfer case applications, providing the necessary friction modifiers and thermal stability for limited-slip applications. For the gear differentials, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube offers advanced protection against wear, rust, and corrosion. It contains friction modifiers designed for limited-slip differentials and helps reduce operating temperatures to extend the life of seals and gears.
Coolant and Brake Fluid
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the longevity of the 3.6L engine. The cooling system capacity is 10.5 quarts. AMSOIL offers two primary options depending on the desired application. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed 50/50 formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is compatible with all cooling system metals and hoses without the need for additional additives. For those preferring concentrated coolants, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant requires mixing with water and offers up to 150,000 miles or 5 years of protection in passenger cars and light trucks, with even longer service intervals available for heavy-duty applications.
Brake fluid maintenance ensures consistent pedal feel and safety. The recommended hydraulic brake fluid for this vehicle is DOT 3, meeting MS-4574 specifications. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is formulated to provide excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems. It maintains stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring safe braking performance in both freezing winters and hot summer days.
Additional Fluids and Maintenance
For vehicles facing long periods of inactivity, such as seasonal storage, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months and fights ethanol corrosion. If the engine will be idle for an extended time, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil protects internal components from rust. To maintain peak performance and fuel economy, AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver can restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors. Additionally, AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor can be used to lubricate the fuel system and upper cylinders, compatible with capless fuel systems.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee sits firmly as a leader in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. Produced by Jeep, a brand with a storied history in off-road capability and American manufacturing, the Grand Cherokee represents a blend of rugged utility and refined on-road comfort. The specific 3.6L V6 engine featured in this model is renowned for its smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency, serving as the standard engine for most trims before the arrival of the Hemi V8 or the efficient EcoDiesel variants.
This generation of the Grand Cherokee is built on the WK2 platform, which shares architectural roots with the Dodge Durango but is tuned for a more sophisticated driving experience. Owners often appreciate its class-leading interior space, high-quality materials, and a suspension system that offers excellent ride quality regardless of the load. The available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system allows the vehicle to handle severe terrain with ease, while the sophisticated electronic controls make it approachable for daily commuting.
Despite its luxury credentials, the Grand Cherokee remains a practical family hauler with a robust build. The 3.6L engine, in particular, is favored for its balance of torque and reliability, making it a common choice for those who tow small trailers or carry heavy gear without the need for the larger V8. Regular maintenance, particularly of the fluids and filters discussed, is key to keeping this versatile SUV running as smoothly as the day it rolled off the assembly line. Whether used for mountain trails or city commutes, the Grand Cherokee demands lubricants that can withstand the varied demands of modern driving.