2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel Oil & Maintenance Guide

AMSOIL diesel oil guide for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines

What oil does a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel take?

For the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0L 6-cylinder (Engine Code [M] EXF M Diesel Turbo), the required oil viscosity is 5W-40. The engine oil capacity is 8.1 quarts when performing an oil change with a filter. AMSOIL recommends using high-quality synthetic diesel oils such as Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil or Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil.

AMSOIL product recommendations

The following AMSOIL products are specifically listed for your 3.0L diesel engine and related maintenance components.

Engine Oil Options

Product Name Viscosity Part Code
AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil 5W-40 DEOQT-EA
AMSOIL Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil 5W-40 ADOQT-EA

Note: The AMSOIL lookup note for this engine specifies using API CJ/CK-4 oil that meets MS-10902. Low ash diesel engine oil is required. Oil meeting Cummins CES 20081 standards may also be used.

Oil Filter

Product Name Part Code
WIX Oil Filter WL10060-EA

Transmission Fluid (8-speed 8HP70/8HP75)

Product Name Part Code
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF ATLPK-EA
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF OTLQT-EA

Engine Coolant

Product Name Part Code
AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze/Coolant ANTPC1G-EA
AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant ANT1G-EA

Engine Oil Specifications and Details

Proper lubrication is critical for the longevity of the 3.0L turbo diesel engine. Ensure you follow the capacity and torque requirements during service.

Oil Capacity and Torque

Description Specification
Oil Capacity (with filter) 8.1 quarts
Oil Viscosity 5W-40
Oil Drain Plug Torque 33 ft/lbs

Note: After refilling, always check the oil level.

Transmission Fluid Capacity

Transmission Type Total Fill Capacity
8-speed 8HP70 8.8 quarts
8-speed 8HP75 9 quarts (Not confirmed from source data for exact total fill, listed as 9)

Coolant Capacity

Component Capacity
Engine Coolant 12 quarts

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle

  • Low Ash Requirement: This engine requires low ash diesel engine oil.
  • Oil Specifications: The AMSOIL lookup note references API CJ/CK-4 and MS-10902 standards. It also notes that oil meeting Cummins CES 20081 standards may be used.
  • Filter Service: Using a premium media filter like the WIX WL10060-EA can help reduce engine wear and offer OEM drain intervals.

Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help

Diesel engines face unique stresses such as soot loading and high heat. The following table outlines how specific AMSOIL products address these needs.

Concern Why it matters AMSOIL Product How it may help Important Limitation
Engine Wear High pressure in diesel engines causes component friction. DEOQT-EA Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. Requires proper oil change intervals.
Extreme Temperatures Viscosity changes can affect lubrication during startup or heavy load. ADOQT-EA Excels in extreme temperatures. Not a substitute for mechanical repair.
Transmission Heat Heavy towing generates significant heat in the 8-speed transmission. ATLPK-EA Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. Diagnosis required for existing leaks.

Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle

Based on owner reports, owners should be aware of the following areas:

  • Electrical Systems: There have been numerous complaints regarding electrical system issues and wiring.
  • Engine Performance: Some users have reported engine-related malfunctions or fluid leaks within the engine compartment.
  • Fuel System: Diesel fuel system components are a noted area of interest for owners.
  • Cruise Control: Electrical short circuits may affect cruise control functionality.

Note: NHTSA complaints are owner reports and should not be treated as verified defects.

Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes

Official NHTSA recall research for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee identified the following:

  • Transmission Park Lock Rod: A recall (Campaign 18V280000) was issued because an incorrect park lock rod may have been installed, which could prevent the transmission from shifting into ‘PARK’.
  • Cruise Control Software: A recall (Campaign 18V332000) addressed a defect where a wiring short circuit could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. Owners were advised to stop using cruise control until a software flash was performed.

Important: Always verify open recalls by your specific VIN through the NHTSA website or a certified Jeep dealer.

About this vehicle

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is part of the fourth-generation (WK2) series of mid-size SUVs, produced between mid-2010 and 2022. This generation utilizes a unibody chassis designed to balance on-road comfort with off-road capability.

This specific model features a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code [M] EXF M Diesel Turbo). Diesel engines in this class are typically utilized for improved fuel efficiency and increased torque, making them popular for long-distance driving and utility-focused use cases such as towing. Maintenance for these vehicles often involves specialized requirements that differ from gasoline counterparts, including monitoring Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) levels, maintaining the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and ensuring high-quality fuel filtration to prevent injector issues.

Owners of this diesel variant should prioritize regular inspection of cooling systems and turbocharger components. Because these engines are often used for heavy-duty applications, selecting a high-quality synthetic lubricant that meets the required API and OEM standards is essential for engine longevity.

Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance

How much oil does my 3.0L Jeep Diesel take?

The 3.0L diesel engine requires 8.1 quarts of oil when replacing the filter.

What is the correct oil viscosity for a 2018 Grand Cherokee Diesel?

The recommended viscosity for this application is 5W-40.

Can I use standard diesel oil in my Jeep?

The AMSOIL lookup note specifies that low ash diesel engine oil is required for this vehicle. It also references API CJ/CK-4 and MS-10902 standards.

What should I do if my cruise control won’t turn off?

This was a subject of an NHTSA recall regarding electrical wiring shorts. You should contact a dealer to check for software updates or repairs related to Campaign 18V332000.

Does AMSOIL offer a kit for my oil change?

Yes, AMSOIL offers kits such as the Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil 5W-40 paired with a WIX Oil Filter (WL10060-EA) to simplify the process.

How often should I change my transmission fluid?

While specific intervals are not provided in this data, AMSOIL products like ATLPK-EA are designed to withstand heavy towing and challenging terrain.


Disclaimer: The information provided is based on available source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified technician to confirm specifications before performing maintenance.

Scroll to Top