Locating the battery in a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. The answer to where is the battery in a 2016 jeep grand cherokee depends on your engine type. Most models hide it under the passenger side front seat, while others keep it under the hood.
This guide will show you exactly where to find it. We’ll cover both locations step by step.
Where Is The Battery In A 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep placed the battery in two possible spots for the 2016 Grand Cherokee. The most common location is under the passenger side front seat. Some models, especially those with the 3.6L engine, have it under the hood near the firewall.
You need to check your specific trim and engine to know for sure. Let’s break it down.
Under The Passenger Seat Location
Most 2016 Grand Cherokees store the battery under the front passenger seat. This includes models with the 3.0L diesel, 5.7L HEMI, and 6.4L SRT engines. The battery sits in a plastic tray bolted to the floor.
To access it, you must move the seat all the way forward. Then tilt the seatback forward too. This gives you room to reach the battery compartment.
Step-By-Step Removal Process
- Move the passenger seat fully forward using the power controls
- Tilt the seatback forward as far as it goes
- Locate the plastic cover on the floor under the seat
- Remove the two 10mm bolts holding the cover in place
- Lift the cover to expose the battery
- Disconnect the negative terminal first (black wire)
- Then disconnect the positive terminal (red wire)
- Remove the hold-down bracket with a 13mm socket
- Lift the battery straight up and out
Be careful when lifting the battery out. It weighs about 40 pounds. Use both hands to avoid dropping it.
Under The Hood Location
Some 2016 Grand Cherokees with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine have the battery under the hood. It sits on the passenger side near the firewall. You’ll see a plastic cover with a battery symbol on it.
This location is easier to access than the seat location. You don’t need to move any seats or remove interior panels.
How To Access The Under-Hood Battery
- Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod
- Look on the passenger side near the windshield
- Remove the plastic engine cover if needed (it just pulls up)
- Locate the black plastic battery cover
- Unclip or unscrew the cover to expose the terminals
- Disconnect the negative terminal first
- Then disconnect the positive terminal
- Remove the hold-down bracket
- Lift the battery out carefully
Some models have a small computer module mounted on top of the battery. You may need to unbolt it and move it aside before removing the battery.
Tools You Will Need
Gathering the right tools makes the job easier. Here is what you need for either location.
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- 13mm socket and ratchet
- Flathead screwdriver
- Battery terminal puller (optional but helpful)
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Memory saver device (recommended)
A memory saver plugs into your cigarette lighter or OBD2 port. It keeps your radio presets and other settings while the battery is disconnected. Without it, you may need to reset your clock, radio stations, and power windows.
Battery Specifications For The 2016 Grand Cherokee
Knowing the right battery size saves you a trip back to the store. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a Group 94R battery. This is also called an H7 battery.
The battery should have at least 700 cold cranking amps (CCA). Some models require 800 CCA for colder climates. Check your owner’s manual for the exact rating.
Here are the key specs.
- Group size: 94R (H7)
- Voltage: 12 volts
- CCA: 700 to 800
- Terminal placement: Right positive, left negative
- Weight: About 40 to 45 pounds
Do not use a different group size battery. It may not fit properly or provide enough power for your vehicle.
Common Problems With The Battery Location
The under-seat battery location causes some headaches. Here are the most common issues owners face.
Corrosion On Terminals
Battery terminals under the seat can corrode faster than under-hood batteries. Moisture from wet shoes and spills gets trapped under the seat. This causes white or blue crust to form on the terminals.
Clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution. Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
Difficult Access
Reaching the battery under the seat is awkward. You have to work in a cramped space with limited visibility. This makes it hard to see the bolts and terminals.
Use a small flashlight and a stubby ratchet to make the job easier. Take your time and don’t force anything.
Battery Drain Issues
Some owners report their battery drains faster with the under-seat location. This is usually due to parasitic draw from the vehicle’s electronics. A bad alternator or a stuck relay can also cause drain.
If your battery keeps dying, have a mechanic test the charging system. They can check for parasitic draw and find the root cause.
How To Jump Start A 2016 Grand Cherokee
Jump starting a Grand Cherokee with the under-seat battery is different. You cannot easily reach the battery terminals with jumper cables. Jeep provides remote jump start posts under the hood for this reason.
Look for the positive jump post under the hood. It is a red plastic cover near the fuse box on the passenger side. The negative post is a bare metal bolt on the engine block or strut tower.
Jump Start Steps
- Park the donor vehicle close but not touching
- Turn off both vehicles and remove the keys
- Open the hood of the Grand Cherokee
- Locate the positive jump post (red cover)
- Locate the negative ground post (bare metal)
- Connect the red clamp to the positive post
- Connect the other red clamp to the donor battery positive
- Connect the black clamp to the donor battery negative
- Connect the other black clamp to the ground post
- Start the donor vehicle and let it run for 2 minutes
- Start the Grand Cherokee
- Remove cables in reverse order
Never connect the negative clamp directly to the dead battery under the seat. Always use the ground post under the hood.
Battery Replacement Cost
Replacing the battery in a 2016 Grand Cherokee costs between $150 and $300. The price depends on the brand and where you buy it. Premium batteries with higher CCA ratings cost more.
Here is a rough cost breakdown.
- Battery itself: $120 to $200
- Installation fee: $20 to $50
- Core charge (refundable): $10 to $20
- Total with installation: $150 to $270
You can save money by buying the battery online and installing it yourself. Stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Walmart carry the correct battery. Just make sure to bring your old battery in for the core refund.
Signs Your Battery Needs Replacement
Knowing when to replace the battery prevents unexpected breakdowns. Watch for these common signs.
- Engine cranks slowly when starting
- Dashboard lights dim when you turn the key
- Battery warning light comes on
- Swollen or cracked battery case
- Corrosion on terminals
- Battery is more than 3 years old
- You need jump starts frequently
If you notice any of these signs, test the battery with a multimeter. A healthy battery reads 12.6 volts when the engine is off. Below 12.4 volts means it is weak and may need replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is The Battery Located In A 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee With The 3.6L Engine?
Most 3.6L models have the battery under the passenger side front seat. Some early production models may have it under the hood on the passenger side near the firewall.
Can I Replace The Battery In My 2016 Grand Cherokee Myself?
Yes, you can replace it yourself with basic tools. The under-seat location is more difficult but still doable. Use a memory saver to keep your settings.
How Long Does A Battery Last In A 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Most batteries last 3 to 5 years. Extreme temperatures and short trips can shorten battery life. Test your battery annually after the third year.
What Happens If I Disconnect The Battery Without A Memory Saver?
You will lose radio presets, clock settings, and power window memory. Some vehicles may need a relearn procedure for the throttle and transmission. It is best to use a memory saver.
Why Does My 2016 Grand Cherokee Have The Battery Under The Seat?
Jeep moved the battery under the seat to improve weight distribution and free up space under the hood. It also protects the battery from engine heat, which can extend its life.
Final Tips For Battery Maintenance
Taking care of your battery helps it last longer. Here are a few simple tips.
Check the battery terminals every few months for corrosion. Clean them with a wire brush if needed. Make sure the hold-down bracket is tight so the battery does not move around.
If you do not drive your Grand Cherokee for long periods, use a battery maintainer. This keeps the battery charged without overcharging it. A maintainer plugs into a wall outlet and connects to the battery terminals.
In cold weather, park in a garage if possible. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. A warm battery cranks the engine much easier.
If you have the under-seat battery, check for moisture under the seat. Wet carpets can cause corrosion and electrical problems. Dry the area if you find moisture.
Replacing the battery is a straightforward job. With the right tools and this guide, you can do it in about 30 minutes. Just remember to dispose of the old battery properly at a recycling center or auto parts store.
Now you know exactly where the battery is in your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Whether it is under the seat or under the hood, you can handle the replacement with confidence. Keep these steps handy for when your battery finally gives out.