2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE four wheel drive

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
4 ALL TIME
Normal All Wheel Drive High Range Ð All roads sur-
faces such as ice, snow, gravel, sand, and dry hard
pavement.
N (Neutral)
Neutral Ð Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4LO
Four Wheel Drive Low Range Ð Low speed 4 wheel
drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

²Do not ªrideº the brakes by resting your foot on the
pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.
²When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-
ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission or locking out overdrive whenever pos-
sible.
²Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up,
which could cause rear wheels to spin and result in
loss of vehicle control. Be especially careful while
driving on slippery roads, in close-quarter maneuver-
ing, parking or stopping. Remember, always engage
4-wheel drive when driving on slippery roads (Selec-
Trac only). The Quadra-Trac II transfer case engages
four-wheel drive automatically when required.
²Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control. Under such conditions, engage
4-wheel drive (Selec-Trac only).
²After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
When To Use 4 LO (Low) Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4 LO for additional
traction in moving forward or descending a hill, for
low-speed pulling power or to improve handling and
control on slippery or difficult terrain. Also use 4 LO
range on the road in rain, ice, snow, mud or sand to get
heavy loads rolling, or whenever ªHighº range four-
wheel drive traction is insufficient.
In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4 LO if necessary. Don't
shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction
will be lost.
Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
Hill Climbing
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4 LO. Use first
gear and 4 LO for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose headwaywhile climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing
the compression braking of the engine and transmission
200 STARTING AND OPERATING

to help regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to
control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid
locking or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway byturning the front wheels sharply left and right. This will
provide fresh ªbiteº into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4 LO range. Let the vehicle go slowly down the
hill with all four wheels turning against engine compres-
sion drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5

WARNING!
Temporary-use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50
miles (80 km) or exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Temporary-use spare tires have a total tread life of
3,000 miles (4 800 km). Be sure to follow the warn-
ings which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.
Compact Spare Tire
²
Your vehicle is equipped with either a temporary-use
spare tire or a conventional spare tire. Maintain the
temporary-use spare tire pressure at 60 psi (420 kPa),
and the conventional spare at 33 psi (228 kPa).
²Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use only,
and are not intended for driving more than 50 miles
(80 km) or exceeding 50 mph (80 km/h).
²Never drive your vehicle with more than one compact
spare installed at any time.
²If your vehicle is equipped with Selec-Trac, avoid
using four-wheel drive when a compact spare is
installed. You should use 2WD only unless 4WD is
necessary. 4 FULL TIME should be used if 4WD is
required.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 241
6

Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 264
Engine Fuel.......................... 263
Finish Care............................ 282
Flashers.............................. 236
Hazard Warning....................... 236
Turn Signal.......................... 129
Flat Tire Changing....................... 240
Flipper Glass, Tailgate..................... 15
Flooded Engine Starting................... 177
Fluid Capacities......................... 291
Fluid Leaks............................. 53
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission...............277,278
Engine Oil........................... 256
Power Steering........................ 266
Fog Lights............................. 79
Four Wheel Drive
Operation........................... 186Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 236
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 186
Front Axle............................. 281
Fuel................................. 221
Filler Cap............................ 224
Filler Door........................... 224
Filter............................... 263
Gasoline............................ 221
Gauge.............................. 133
Light............................... 134
Materials Added....................... 224
Octane Rating........................ 221
Requirements......................... 291
Tank Capacity........................ 291
Fuel System Caution..................... 225
Fuses................................ 286
Garage Door Opener..................... 106
GasCap .............................. 224
INDEX 333
10