Jeep Cherokee · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Cherokee Transmission Fluid Guide
What transmission fluid does the new Jeep Cherokee use, and how much does it hold? Here is what the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual says about the hybrid transaxle fluid, the Transmission Temperature Warning Light, limp home mode and the other drivetrain fluids.
BN EVT ATF TEAutomatic transaxle fluid
4.5 qtTransaxle fluid capacity (4.3 L)
1.6L HEVHybrid powertrain in the manual
P R N DRotary gear selector
The short answer
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual says to use only BN EVT Transaxle ATF TE in the automatic transaxle, and lists the transaxle fluid capacity as 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). The manual's 1.6L HEV Maintenance Plan does not list a transaxle fluid change, and its engine compartment diagram labels an oil dipstick but no transmission dipstick, and it does not describe an owner transmission fluid check; if you have a transmission concern, have it looked at by a dealer service department.
Cherokee transmission fluid type and capacity
The manual's Chassis Specifications and Fluid Capacities tables list:
| Item | Per the 2026 manual |
|---|---|
| Automatic transaxle fluid | Use only BN EVT Transaxle ATF TE |
| BN EVT Transaxle Fluid TE capacity | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid | AGF308A recommended |
| Rear Drive Module (RDM) gear/clutch fluid | Castrol BOT246FM recommended |
| RDM hydraulic fluid | Castrol BOT248 PLUS recommended |
The manual says to use only BN EVT Transaxle ATF TE in the automatic transaxle. For the other drivetrain fluids it recommends AGF308A for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), Castrol BOT246FM for the Rear Drive Module (RDM) gear/clutch fluid, and Castrol BOT248 PLUS for the RDM hydraulic fluid.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Chassis Specifications; Fluid Capacities), read November 8, 2026.
Does the Cherokee maintenance plan include a transmission fluid change?
The 2026 manual's Maintenance Plan for the 1.6L HEV does not list a transmission or transaxle fluid inspection or change. It does list transfer case fluid inspections and changes, and front and rear axle fluid inspection, with changes if you use the vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing.
The 1.6 liter HEV engine compartment diagram labels an oil dipstick (and the washer bottle, coolant surge tank, oil filler cap, brake master cylinder reservoir, battery coolant reservoir and air cleaner), but no transmission dipstick. The manual also says a long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle).
Among its periodic safety checks, the manual says to check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking for fluid leaks, and if leaks are suspected, to locate and correct the cause immediately.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Maintenance Plan, 1.6L HEV; Engine Compartment; Fluid Leaks; Breaking-In Recommendations), read November 8, 2026.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light comes on to warn of a high transmission fluid temperature, which may occur with strenuous usage such as trailer towing. If it turns on, the manual says to stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once it turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
The manual warns that continuing to drive with the light on could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire, and a caution on the next page says continuous driving with the light on will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure. If the transmission becomes too hot, a message may also appear in the instrument cluster display and the torque level may be reduced until the transmission cools down.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Transmission Temperature Warning Light, warning and caution; Hybrid Transmission), read November 8, 2026.
Transmission limp home mode and how to reset it
Transmission function is monitored electronically. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated, and vehicle speed may vary depending on the fault. The Malfunction Indicator Light, the Service Hybrid System telltale, the red turtle indication and a pop-up message that vehicle speed may be limited may all come on. Limp Home Mode lets the vehicle be driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the transmission.
For a momentary problem, the manual's reset steps are:
- Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
- Place the transmission in PARK, if possible. If not, place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
- Push and hold the ignition switch until the vehicle turns OFF.
- Wait approximately 30 seconds.
- Restart the vehicle.
- Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal operation.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Transmission Limp Home Mode), read November 8, 2026. Even if the transmission can be reset, the manual recommends visiting an authorized dealer as soon as possible; if it cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
Shifting tips that protect the transmission
The Cherokee hybrid transmission uses a rotary electronic gear selector on the center console with PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL and DRIVE. You must press the brake pedal to shift out of PARK (or NEUTRAL when the vehicle is stopped). Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
The manual cautions not to press the accelerator pedal when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage the drivetrain, and that towing the vehicle, coasting or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Automatic Transmission; Hybrid Transmission; Gear Ranges), read November 8, 2026.
Cherokee service at Elgin CDJR
If your Cherokee shows the Transmission Temperature Warning Light or limp home mode, our Jeep service center can check it. Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Jeep Cherokee Transmission Fluid FAQ
What transmission fluid does a 2026 Jeep Cherokee use?
The owner's manual says to use only BN EVT Transaxle ATF TE in the automatic transaxle.
How much transmission fluid does the Cherokee hold?
The manual lists the BN EVT Transaxle Fluid TE capacity as 4.5 quarts (4.3 L).
Does the Cherokee have a transmission dipstick?
The 1.6 liter HEV engine compartment diagram in the manual labels an oil dipstick but no transmission dipstick.
When should the Cherokee transmission fluid be changed?
The manual's 1.6L HEV Maintenance Plan does not list a transmission or transaxle fluid change.
What should I do if the transmission temperature light comes on?
Stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or slightly faster in PARK or NEUTRAL until the light turns off, then continue driving normally.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Bring your Cherokee to Streamwood
Visit Elgin CDJR at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood.
Sources
The guidance on this page is from the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual on Mopar (PDF dated March 30, 2026), read November 8, 2026. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day.