How to Check for Cooling System Leaks in a Jeep Grand Cherokee

To keep your Jeep Grand Cherokee cooling system at peak efficiency, it's important to inspect it for leaks at least every 15,000 miles. Identifying these leaks early on can save you money and headaches by preventing permanent damage to the engine. Checking for cooling system leaks doesn't require a broad knowledge base of auto mechanics.

Instructions

1

Relocate the Jeep Grand Cherokee from its usual parking spot and check the ground beneath for coolant leakage. Examine the area for any brightly colored liquid, as most coolant is green, blue or orange. If you can make this step a habit, it's a simple way to check for cooling system leaks every time you move your Jeep.

2

Open the hood and examine the hoses that connect the radiator to the engine and the engine to the heater core. Check for any bulging, splitting or cracking on the hoses. Most times the leaked coolant is very noticeable in the form of fresh coolant, discoloration or corrosion around the damaged area; however, the leaks could be of the pinhole or pinch variety, which only become evident immediately after operation.

3

Examine the water pump and the gasket seal for possible leaks. The water pump on a Jeep Grand Cherokee is behind the engine fan and the gasket seal securely connects the water pump to the engine block. If there is a leak, you should see fresh coolant, discoloration or corrosion around the area.

4

Grab a flashlight and inspect the entire surface of the radiator for leaks. Look on the underside of the radiator as well, as it can sustain damage from road debris and rocks. Again, check for signs of fresh coolant, corrosion or discoloration on the radiator.

5

Remove the radiator cap and fill it with fresh coolant until it's within an inch from overflowing. Touch the radiator to verify that it's cool before taking off the cap. Opening a warm or hot radiator is very dangerous, as it can spew hot coolant and burn anyone in the vicinity, if there's too much internal pressure.

6

Turn on the engine of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and set the heater to high. Let it run like this for about 15 minutes. Shut the engine off and inspect the water pump, gasket seal, radiator and hoses one more time for leaks. If you still can't find the source of leak, it's most likely an internal cooling system leak and you need to consult a cooling system specialist for further assistance.