1983 Jeep Cherokee Oil Type & Capacity
The 1983 Jeep Cherokee oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 5.9 N, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 5.9 N, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Chief, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Chief, 5.9 N, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Chief, 5.9 N, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 5.9 N, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Laredo, 5.9 N, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Pioneer, 4.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the Pioneer, 5.9 N, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Pioneer, 5.9 N, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T177 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T5 takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 4.2 C, AWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the S, 5.9 N, AWD takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T177: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T5: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 5.9 N, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 5.9 N, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Chief, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T177: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T5: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Chief, 5.9 N, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Chief, 5.9 N, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T177: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T5: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 5.9 N, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Laredo, 5.9 N, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Pioneer, 4.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T177: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T5: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- Pioneer, 5.9 N, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Pioneer, 5.9 N, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T177: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T5: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- S, 4.2 C, AWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- S, 5.9 N, AWD: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 5.9 N, Automatic — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 5.9 N, Standard — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Chief, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Chief, 5.9 N, Automatic — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Chief, 5.9 N, Standard — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 5.9 N, Automatic — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Laredo, 5.9 N, Standard — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Pioneer, 4.2 C, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Pioneer, 5.9 N, Automatic — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Pioneer, 5.9 N, Standard — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Automatic — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T177 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T5 — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 4.2 C, AWD — 4.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 6.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Automatic — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Standard — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| S, 5.9 N, AWD — 5.9L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Above 0Deg.F), 20W-40 (Above 32Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1983 Jeep Cherokee
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Buy the right oil & filter for your Cherokee
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (6.0 quarts needed) on Amazon💡 Capacity Note: Your 1983 Jeep Cherokee holds 6.0 quarts with filter. Since standard jugs are 5 quarts, be sure to pick up extra 1-quart bottles or a 2-pack to reach the full mark on the dipstick.
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Cherokee
🛞 1983 Jeep Cherokee Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1983 Jeep Cherokee Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1983 Jeep Cherokee Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1983 Jeep Cherokee Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
10.5 quarts (9.93 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1983 Jeep Cherokee take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 uses 5W-30; Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 uses 5W-30; Base, 5.9 N, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, 5.9 N, Standard uses 5W-30; Chief, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 uses 5W-30; Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 uses 5W-30; Chief, 5.9 N, Automatic uses 5W-30; Chief, 5.9 N, Standard uses 5W-30; Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 uses 5W-30; Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 uses 5W-30; Laredo, 5.9 N, Automatic uses 5W-30; Laredo, 5.9 N, Standard uses 5W-30; Pioneer, 4.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 uses 5W-30; Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 uses 5W-30; Pioneer, 5.9 N, Automatic uses 5W-30; Pioneer, 5.9 N, Standard uses 5W-30; S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T177 uses 5W-30; S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T5 uses 5W-30; S, 4.2 C, AWD uses 5W-30; S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; S, 5.9 N, AWD uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1983 Jeep Cherokee?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Base, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Base, 5.9 N, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 5.9 N, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Chief, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Chief, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Chief, 5.9 N, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Chief, 5.9 N, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 5.9 N, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Laredo, 5.9 N, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Pioneer, 4.2 C, Automatic holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T177 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Pioneer, 4.2 C, Standard, T5 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; Pioneer, 5.9 N, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Pioneer, 5.9 N, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Automatic holds 6.0 quarts with filter; S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T177 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; S, 4.2 C, 4WD, Standard, T5 holds 6.0 quarts with filter; S, 4.2 C, AWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; S, 5.9 N, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; S, 5.9 N, AWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1983 Jeep Cherokee?
Most 1983 Jeep Cherokee owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Jeep recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1983 Jeep Cherokee?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1983 Jeep Cherokee. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.