2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transfer case

speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
4 ALL TIME to 4 LO or 4 LO to 4 ALL TIME
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into N (Neutral). While the vehicle iscoasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly into the desired position. Do not pause
in transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the trans-
mission into N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn the
engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4LO is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4LO
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
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Quadra-DriveTSystem Ð If Equipped
The optional Quadra-DrivetSystem features three
torque transfer couplings. The couplings include Vari-
Lok front and rear axles and Quadra-Trac IIttransfer
case. The optional Vari-Lok axles are fully automatic and
require no driver input to operate. Under normal driving
conditions the units function as standard axles balancing
torque evenly between left and right wheels. With a
traction difference between left and right wheels the
coupling will sense a speed difference. As one wheel
begins to spin faster than the other, torque will automati-
cally transfer from the wheel that has less traction to the
wheel that has traction. While the transfer case and axle
couplings differ in design, their operation is similar.
Follow the Quadra-Trac IIttransfer case shifting infor-
mation, preceding this section, for shifting this system.
VARI-LOK FRONT AND REAR AXLES Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The optional Vari-Lok axle is fully automatic and requires
no driver input to operate. Under normal driving condi-
tions the unit functions as a standard axle balancing
torque evenly between left and right wheels. With a
traction difference between left and right wheels the
coupling will sense a speed difference. As one wheel
begins to spin faster than the other, torque will automati-
cally transfer from the wheel that has less traction to the
wheel that has traction.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition ON, the ªBrake Warning Lightº in the instru-
ment cluster will light.
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NOTE:The instrument cluster ªBrake Warning Lightº
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. It does
not indicate the degree of brake application.Before leaving the vehicle parked on a hill, you must
make sure the parking brake is fully applied and place
the gear selector in the P (Park) position. Make certain the
transfer case is in gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in P (Park), other-
wise the load on the transmission locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of P (Park).
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
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5

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.
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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
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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.
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NOTE:If you tow a trailer frequently, especially in hilly
country or when the outdoor temperature is high, we
recommend that you change the transmission fluid at
30,000 mile (48 000 km) intervals.
CAUTION!
When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the
load. Otherwise, engine piston damage may result.
Other restrictions apply concerning trailer type, trailer
frontal area and tongue weight. Carefully review the
ªMinimum Vehicle Requirementsº chart in this section
before towing a trailer.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
NOTE:The transfer case must be in the N (Neutral)
position, and the transmission must be in the P (Park)
position for recreational towing.(Recreational towing is
not available on Quadra-Trac I equipped vehicles.)
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Shifting Into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Shift transmission into N (Neutral).
3. Shift transfer case lever into N (Neutral).4. Start engine.
5. Shift transmission into D (Drive).
6. Release brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
7. Shut the engine OFF and place the ignition key into
the unlocked OFF position.
8. Shift transmission into P (Park).
9. Apply parking brake.
10. Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.
11. Release parking brake.
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