2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Change Guide

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L Hemi V8 (MDS engine) is a serious SUV, and the 5.7L Hemi has specific oil requirements tied to its cylinder deactivation system. Using the wrong spec causes MDS shudder and solenoid wear. Here's the complete DIY oil change.

Why Oil Spec Matters for the Hemi MDS

The 5.7L Hemi uses the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) — cylinder deactivation that shuts down 4 of 8 cylinders at light load. The MDS solenoids are hydraulically actuated by engine oil. Wrong viscosity causes rough MDS transitions and premature solenoid wear.

Use 5W-20 full-synthetic meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec. Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 is an excellent match and Chrysler-approved. Do not use 5W-30 — the Hemi's hydraulic MDS system is calibrated for 5W-20 viscosity.

What You'll Need

• Oil: Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 (or equivalent MS-6395 certified 5W-20)
• Filter: Mopar MO-090 (OEM), Wix 57502, or Mobil 1 M1-104A
• 14mm drain plug socket, large filter wrench (64mm)
• Drain pan (9-quart capacity), funnel, torque wrench

Oil capacity: 7.0 quarts (6.6L) with filter Drain plug torque: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm) Interval: Every 5,000–6,000 miles with full-synthetic

Step-by-Step

1. Warm engine — 5 minutes.
2. Raise and support on jack stands — GC weighs ~4,700 lbs. Solid placement critical.
3. Remove oil filler cap.
4. Position drain pan — drain plug on driver's side of oil pan toward rear.
5. Remove drain plug — 14mm, counterclockwise. Let drain 5–7 minutes.
6. Remove oil filter — large spin-on filter, passenger side, use 64mm filter wrench.
7. Inspect drain plug gasket — Mopar crush washer: part number 6507452AA. Replace if deformed.
8. Reinstall drain plug — Torque to 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm). Lighter than expected — Hemi uses steel insert in aluminum pan. Overtightening pulls the insert.
9. Prep new filter — oil on O-ring.
10. Install filter — hand tight plus 3/4 turn.
11. Add 6 quarts 5W-20 — start engine, check for leaks, then check dipstick. Total capacity 7 quarts.
12. Do not overfill — excess oil foams, foam-circulating MDS solenoids misbehave.
13. Reset Oil Life Monitor — Hold OK on steering wheel until OLM appears, hold again to reset to 100%.

Hemi-Specific Notes

Cold start tick: Brief tick (1–3 seconds) on cold startup is normal — oil pressure building in MDS solenoid passages. Tick persisting beyond 10–15 seconds may indicate worn lifters (a known Hemi issue at high mileage — early detection allows lifter tray replacement vs. full engine work).

Final Thoughts

Seven quarts of MS-6395 certified 5W-20, a Mopar-spec filter, and 20 ft-lbs on the drain plug. That's the whole job. For more Grand Cherokee and Hemi DIY guides, browse all articles at /blog or unlock everything with an OwnerDrop Starter plan at $29.99/mo.