Jeep Cherokee Forum - KL Cherokee Tech https://www.cherokeeforum.com/ KL (14+) 2014 Cherokee Forum for all new KL and Cherokee Trailhawk discussion and tech information. en Thu, 21 May 2026 11:29:58 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Jeep Cherokee Forum - KL Cherokee Tech https://www.cherokeeforum.com/ 2015 Cherokee w/tow package, Transmission Fluid Change - How to https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/2015-cherokee-w-tow-package-transmission-fluid-change-how-276176/ Sun, 17 May 2026 23:58:13 GMT Hi, we were finally able to successfully change the automatic transmission FLUID on our 2015 Cherokee. There was so much contradiction and various transmission combos and access points as well as... Hi, we were finally able to successfully change the automatic transmission FLUID on our 2015 Cherokee.
There was so much contradiction and various transmission combos and access points as well as many omissions and mission steps! Such that I had to piece the procedure together and create my own how to notes(sharing below) afterwards, for anyone who is going through the same thing. I am not a professional and I am not an expert. Yet I do try to be thorough and accurate in my sharing. Below is what worked for us and what my understanding is thus far. Don't blame me if yours might be different.2015 Cherokee w/3.2 v6 “Pentastar”, AWD(Active Drive 1), ZF 9 speed transmission(9HP48 ),transfer case & front & rear differentials. W/Optional trailer tow package(dual(not single) piston caliper w/larger-pads front brakes, etc).
-Transmission fluid & other fluids:

Change(PERFORM EVERY 60K MILES or sooner for severe duty. If you have gone much longer than that, after changing and driving the vehicle say 10k miles, do perform another transmission fluid change).



Procedure for 2015 (2014-19 same?) w/Cherokee’s w/9 Speed ZF Auto transmissions, 3.2L=9HP48 trans.

USE Valvoline Maxlife Multi-Vehicle ATF(NOT ATF+4-don’t buy) @ Walmart etc.!(NOT the ATF +4 fluid).

Transmission in total Holds 9-9.5 QTS, BUT you can only Drain & Fill the sump, which holds Only 4-5 QTS.



*NOTE: Models with 4/All wheel drive(aka “Active Drive ..”), also have 2 other components with fluids to check/top off & possibly change if able(read on):

#1, the DK4 P.ower-T.ransfer U.nit-Case. Located behind the engine oil pan(Sends power to the R.ear D.ifferential M.odule unit) &

#2, the RDM’s double compartment oil sumps.

Notes: The front differential is integrated with the PTU and therefore the front differential gets no separate fluid/sump.

In the efficient-normal mode(system has not detected a slipping surface I.e. rain, snow etc), these vehicles are front wheel drive. Rear wheels are activated when automatically called for.



Procedure for PTU(modern transfer case)& Differentials.

(For Transmission-See further below).

Notes:

These all use 75w 90 GL-5 Full Synthetic Gear Oil.

None have a drain plug Because:

These units normally only need:

Metallic debris cleaned from the inside of their magnetic fill plug.

Their fluid condition checked,by dipping your finger into the hole & then finger wiping onto a white cloth/paper towel.

Also topping off of the oil if low at all, and check for leaks.

To add oil into their small fill holes, you’ll need a pointed tip squeeze type bag-bottle or a hand pump.

These do Not need gear oil changing for their life. With normal moderate driving, say at 100k miles, the top of the gear oil is surprisingly clean/still light amber in color, with strong/fresh additives smell.

This is because of several modern changes such as: sealed units(no air-oxidation transfer & no moisture can enter), precision machining, turned off most of the driving time, full synthetic oil.

HOWEVER, with more miles, there can be sludge and wear particles in the lower end of the unit which will accelerate internal wear.

It would be wise to change the gear oils every 150k miles at minimum. Which may double the expected (approx. 200k miles) life span of these unites.

However both the PTU & the RDM’s passenger side sump plug hole have internal gears mostly blocking insertion of reverse pump hose. Although the RDM’s rearward driver’s side sump hole does allow a hose insertion, enabling reverse pumping out the old oil for fresh.

-

The Fill Plug: Located on the passenger side of the PTU, positioned about at the centerline of the unit, covered with a heat shield(10 & 13mm hex bolts).

The last top shield bolt is inaccessible so move the shield away some). Use common a 3/8” square ratchet end to unscrew the plug. Do not over tighten the plug when reinstalling. These plugs have built in sealing washers so no Teflon tape is needed on the plug threads.



PTU & Note:



(If the old fluid smells sweet, it might actually be ATF fluid which different design models can require.

In that case, your jeep is differently equipped than the 2015 Cherokee model discussed here. You’d need to find a procedure that matches your design).



Simply remove upper Driver’s side fill plug & remove drain plug(use an 8mm(or 5/16”) Allen socket) & drain. Reinstall drain plug, after adding leak proof Teflon tape to plug threads(do NOT over tighten a plug). Hand pump ATF fluid into fill hole until it drips out. Reinstall fill plug w/teflon tape on threads.

Note: Differentials: Instead, !:

Front differential (1.5-.6 QTS) & Rear(4 wheel drive models only)(2.2-.3 QTS).

Rear Differential Fill Plug: 26 Ft. Lbs., PTU Fill Plug: 30 Ft. Lbs., PTU Heat Shield: 10 Ft. Lbs.

Friction modifier Note: No Cherokee models offered a mechanical clutch type LSD. So NO bottle of friction modifier additive required. In fact a friction modifier can interfere with a Trail-hawk model’s “Active Drive Lock” electronic LSD.



A major cause of failure of the RDM & Especially the PRU is driving with 4 tires which were Not replaced at the same time.

Always replace all 4 tires with New, at the same time with the same brand and amount of wear. A difference in the overall diameter of any of the tires compared to the others, will cause activation of the clutch packs and on dry surfaces, causing them high stress and wear.



TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE PROCEDURE:

9 speed(Note: 8 speed found on other Jeep models, the fill level procedure is Not the same/applicable.)

Ref:
  1. REQUIRED: Allow the engine to cool down somewhat. The transmission/fluid must not be too hot.
  2. Using wire of a coat hanger, cut to about 7.75”, bend into the following small dip stick: The Long straight end must be 140 mm(14 cm) long. So it has a straight long wire tail of 140mm and then the following L bends are above it: Bend an L hook “stop handle” on the top end of the “dip stick” wire. More detail: make the L stop handle: 2 flat sides(1 perpendicular and one parallel to the long end), about 1” each. The long straight end of the stick, starts abruptly, after the 2 perpendicular bends. Rough file the first several inches of the wire bottom end so the fluid will stick/level will be obvious to see. The hook will be inserted to rest on the check plug opening with the long tail inside to touch-measure fluid level. Then extract to measure.
  3. Wear Disposable GLOVES. Turn engine off.
  4. Set the emergency/park brake.
  5. Chock rear tires(with a rock etc). Loosen Only the front driver’s wheel lug nuts.
  6. Using a jack and stand, placed under the lower control arm, close to the tire: Jack up the driver’s front wheel, just until off the ground. So that the front of the vehicle is still relatively level.
  7. Remove the front driver’s side tire. Leave the pass front tire & lugs on!
  8. Start engine & turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Then turn engine off.
  9. Access the transaxle-rearward’s “check & fill” bolt plug, from the driver’s side wheel well.
  10. It is Not the somewhat lower diagnostic plug which is close to wheel well area. The plug you want, you must reach deep into the wheel well by the steering strut bellows.The bolt is on top of a rearward metal ledge surface.
  11. Remove the plug using an 8mm(or 5/16”) Allen wrench socket. If for some reason you can not remove it, do not proceed to the draining step.
  12. For good access to the bottom drain plug, you will probably need to remove the plastic under engine cover. Use a 10mm socket.
  13. Using a 10mm Allen wrench, loosen the transaxle’s bottom/obvious drain plug.
  14. Place drain pan under and remove plug. Clean plug & area & reinstall the plug, torque to 26 ft. lbs.(do not over tighten). The plug has a built in washer so no Teflon tape is needed on the threads. Which presents a hazard to the transmission if the tape enters it upon the next draining.
  15. Accurately measure the amount of fluid that drained out. (A used plastic oil container with side measurements etc).
  16. Insert a hand pump tool, adding new fluid to the approx. same quantity that previously drained out.
  17. Clean & reinstall the plug loosely.
  18. Start the engine. With a foot on the brake pedal: Idle for 1 min and then shift manually through all the gears(assures trans valve body passages are full of fluid), pausing 2 seconds in each gear. Now shift into park. Leave engine running.
  19. Using display panel on the instrument cluster and the left side select buttons on the steering wheel, select the “#2 Vehicle Info” & down to “trans. temp”. Press the OK button to display. “Vehicle Info” will display after 5 sec.
  20. Using up/down arrows button, select “Trans. Temp”.
  21. Again remove the check & fill bolt plug.
  22. With engine idling in park/neutral.
  23. As soon as the trans temp climbs to 122 F, min.(212 F max), Insert the cut off coat hanger’s long tail, so that the hook is resting outside the plug hole.
  24. Pull the wire out and measure the fluid level. Review chart below against temp display.
IMG_4632.PNG
  1. As needed, add small amounts using a pump. Until desired chart level is achieved. (Also for cross referencing, consider how much old fluid came out).
  2. Reinstall check/fill plug and torque to 17 ft lbs.(do not over tighten).
  3. Assure there are no leaks.
  4. Reinstall tire, torque lug nuts to 100 Ft lbs.
  5. Remove both jack stands and wheel chucks.
  6. Change fluid again in 60k miles.
  7. Check/service the other fluid levels as mentioned above.
Take care


]]> KL Cherokee Tech jimtmcdaniels https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/2015-cherokee-w-tow-package-transmission-fluid-change-how-276176/ 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee PTU RECALL as of May 14, 2026 https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/2019-2023-jeep-cherokee-ptu-recall-may-14-2026-a-276174/ Sun, 17 May 2026 21:07:27 GMT Hello all, my first post here. FYI: I JUST found out today, as of May 14, Jeep is recalling 61,000 cars to replace the PTU and has no fix yet. Have a look at what the NTSA has to say at... Hello all, my first post here. FYI: I JUST found out today, as of May 14, Jeep is recalling 61,000 cars to replace the PTU and has no fix yet. Have a look at what the NTSA has to say at https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=26V290000 I called MOPAR customer service, and they said they were "caught with their pants down" on this and will not run away from the problem and get it fixed. (they are working on it) He also said that the fact that NHTSA did not say 'stop driving the vehicle' was the good news. Considering what I am reading below, it seems the vehicle can suddenly lose power at any time and cause a 'crash'. They advise that when parking, use the parking brake, and if on an incline, turn the wheels. Oh, and they want you to tell them if you 'feel' any problems when driving. YIKES, what shall we do???

1 Unrepaired Recalls associated with my VIN

May 07, 2026

Manufacturer Recall Number 40D
NHTSA Recall Number 26V-290
Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Summary: Some 2019-2023 MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles may have been built with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which may fail internally. An internally failed PTU can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable Loss of Motive Power at any speed or rolling in PARK.
Safety Risk: A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A vehicle that rolls in PARK can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning or injury to others outside the vehicle.
Remedy: FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles. The remedy is under development.
Manufacturer's Notes: For more information, visit recalls.mopar.com or call 1-800-853-1403. Please have your VIN ready when calling. ]]> KL Cherokee Tech Orchunter https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/2019-2023-jeep-cherokee-ptu-recall-may-14-2026-a-276174/ Service Transmission msg P0887 code https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/service-transmission-msg-p0887-code-276172/ Sat, 16 May 2026 20:14:23 GMT 2016 KJ..55K. So out of nowhere,cruising down I95 ...service transmission msg. First ever. No aparent side effects then jeep would not accel , no downshift with gas. Tranny temp rises quickly with... 2016 KJ..55K. So out of nowhere,cruising down I95 ...service transmission msg. First ever. No aparent side effects then jeep would not accel , no downshift with gas. Tranny temp rises quickly with almost no movement. Pulled over for 10 min all normal for 30 miles then same thing. Milked it 100 miles home pulled it over every time tranny started "slipping" found code P0887. Confirmed and permanent. Erased the confirmed...still have the permanent. How do i get rid of that? Will check battery and alt later with meter. Info page shows battery v around 13 while running, about 1/4 inch below 14 ]]> KL Cherokee Tech bluejeep2001 https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/service-transmission-msg-p0887-code-276172/ Suggested Resources to Start Building Knowledge https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/suggested-resources-start-building-knowledge-276169/ Fri, 15 May 2026 03:45:50 GMT Hello all,

Please let me know what suggestions you have for relatively contained ways to build knowledge around working on my KL's. Off the top of my head, some ideal examples would be:
"this book" has a bunch of great information on the workings of KL's
"this youtube channel" is heavily focused on KL maintenance and has a number of excellent videos
"mopar offers online classes, like x, y, z" here's a link to a few good ones

Obviously, I can search google and youtube, but I'm hoping for something more comprehensive than a vid here, or forum post there. I'll absolutely take any and all suggestions, the more info I have the better, but ideally, I'd MUCH prefer to have a few excellent sources rather than like dozens or more that each have little bits and pieces here and there. I'd like to start building my understanding from the ground up, having owned my KL's for nearly a decade, but only now starting to venture into maintaining them myself.

Thanks! ]]> KL Cherokee Tech INITIALCONDITIONS https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/suggested-resources-start-building-knowledge-276169/ Unable to communicate With Driver Door Module https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/unable-communicate-driver-door-module-276162/ Tue, 12 May 2026 02:34:09 GMT Need help diagnosing a strange electrical/network issue on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee KL after replacing the power liftgate. **Original issue:** The power liftgate would open a few inches, then... Need help diagnosing a strange electrical/network issue on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee KL after replacing the power liftgate.

Original issue:
The power liftgate would open a few inches, then automatically close. I disconnected the battery for ~10 minutes to reset the system but it didn’t help. I inspected the wires going to the liftgate and all looked good. I then replaced the motorized liftgate strut which had a module inside it with a used OEM unit from another 2016 Cherokee. After replacement, the liftgate started working perfectly again.

Immediately after driving the vehicle:
  • Odometer started blinking continuously
  • Driver-side master window switch stopped controlling:
  •  
    • Driver window
    • Front passenger window
  • Passenger window still works from passenger switch
  • Rear windows still work from driver window switch
  • Everything worked perfectly before the liftgate replacement andbattery disconnect
Diagnostics/troubleshooting so far:
  • Ran multiple PROXI alignments using AlfaOBD + VLink
  • PROXI completed successfully every time but it did not fix the blinking odometer.
  • I then went over the fuse's in the engine bay and pushed down on all the fuses (not sure what possessed me to do this but the next PROXI alignment worked.
  • Blinking odometer is now gone after PROXI
  • BCM communicates normally
  • Liftgate module communicates normally
  • Passenger Door Module communicates normally
  • Passenger Door Module has U0199 (“Lost Communication With Door Module”)
  • AlfaOBD CANNOT communicate with the Driver Door Module (DDM)
Things I’ve checked/tested:
  • Visually checked fuse F38 (good)
  • Visually inspected driver door harness in rubber boot between door/body
  • No visible broken wires
  • Performed wiggle test on harness with ignition ON → no change
  • Removed door panel and replaced DDM with another used OEM DDM from junkyard
  • Same exact symptoms with replacement DDM
  • Still cannot communicate with DDM after replacement
Additional notes:
  • Issue started BEFORE touching the driver door panel or DDM connectors, so I don’t think I caused a pin/connector issue during diagnosis
  • Since TWO different DDMs behave the exact same way, I’m starting to suspect either:
  •  
    • DDM power/ground issue
    • CAN communication issue between BCM/body harness and DDM
    • BCM not waking/addressing DDM properly after battery disconnect/PROXI event
At this point I’m planning to:
  • Verify power and ground directly at DDM connector
  • Check CAN voltages/continuity on DDM CAN pair
  • Inspect body-to-door harness connector more closely
Only problem is im not sure how to do these things but i guess ill learn. Would appreciate any advice from anyone familiar with KL Cherokees, Chrysler CAN networks, or weird post-PROXI/battery disconnect issues. ]]> KL Cherokee Tech Bosco26 https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/unable-communicate-driver-door-module-276162/ Key FOB Programming Question? https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/key-fob-programming-question-276143/ Wed, 06 May 2026 17:58:35 GMT I need to program a couple of new Smart Key Fobs for a 2014 KL Trailhawk. I have JSCAN, Appcar FCADiag, and AlphaOBD software I can use. The jeep uses the Smart Key FOB not the Fobik. Images below... I need to program a couple of new Smart Key Fobs for a 2014 KL Trailhawk. I have JSCAN, Appcar FCADiag, and AlphaOBD software I can use. The jeep uses the Smart Key FOB not the Fobik. Images below for reference.


Smart Remote Fob is on the right, Fobik on the left.

I should be able to pull the 4-pin code, not sure about the 5-pin rolling code though. I know generally I need the 4-pin for remotes.
Any info on the process would be helpful.

Also has someone put together like a known list of BCM configuration changes together for the KL's?

Thanks for the help.
]]> KL Cherokee Tech ElecTape https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/key-fob-programming-question-276143/ Key FOB Programming? https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/key-fob-programming-276142/ Wed, 06 May 2026 15:48:49 GMT I need to program a couple of replacement fobs for the little woman's 2014 KL Trailhawk.
I have AlphaOBDII, Appcar FCADiag, JScan software at my disposal. She has the Smart Key FOB, not the FOBIK remote.
FOBIK Smart Key FOB
Image on Left = FOBIK
Image on Right = Smart Remote FOB

I'm pretty sure I can pull the 4-pin code, but not sure about the 5-pin rolling code. Which of these software's will allow me to program the Smart Remote FOB?

Appreciate the help.

Also does anyone know of a list of know BCM changes for the KL models?

Appreciate any help! ]]> KL Cherokee Tech ElecTape https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/key-fob-programming-276142/ code po520 https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/code-po520-276138/ Wed, 06 May 2026 00:12:23 GMT hello, i have a 2014 Cherokee with a 3.2. a code po520 has pop up, does anyone know where the oil pressure switch is? thanks hello, i have a 2014 Cherokee with a 3.2. a code po520 has pop up, does anyone know where the oil pressure switch is? thanks ]]> KL Cherokee Tech 46wl https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/code-po520-276138/ Engine stop/start light coming on https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/engine-stop-start-light-coming-276134/ Mon, 04 May 2026 15:22:42 GMT I have a 2016 Cherokee Latitude 3.2L, 116,000 miles. The Engine stop/start light comes on after about a half hour of driving. Doesn't seem to hurt anything while driving, but the light being on is annoying. Can I fix it or do I have to take it in to the dealership? ]]> KL Cherokee Tech mtrocket https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/engine-stop-start-light-coming-276134/ Right D-pillar impact sensor location? https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/right-d-pillar-impact-sensor-location-276119/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:23:09 GMT So I have a 2016 Cherokee Sport with an intermittent air bag light, and on my piece of crap scanner, it's telling me I have an issue with my Right D-pillar impact sensor. I have scoured Youtube and the internet and can't for the life of me find any information on where the sensor is located. Anybody out there know? Thanks in advance!! ]]> KL Cherokee Tech Bowmanconsult https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/right-d-pillar-impact-sensor-location-276119/