2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Owners Manual

Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the O/D OFF indicator light and TRANS OVER
TEMP warning light in the instrument cluster may come
on. After the transmission cools down, it will return to
normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
²The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usu-
ally after 1±3 miles (1.6±4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pressing the ªO/D
OFFº switch will show that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
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5

Rocking the Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between ªFirstº and R (Reverse),
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
selector in N (Neutral) for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheat-
ing and reduce the risk of transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.CAUTION!
When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving between
ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Selec-TracTOperating Instructions/Precautions
The Selec-Tracttransfer case provides five mode posi-
tions Ð two (rear) wheel drive high mode, part-time four
wheel drive high range, full-time four wheel drive high
range, neutral, and four wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential which allows driving the vehicle in the 4 FULL
TIME position at all times on any given road surface
including dry hard surfaced roads. The 4 FULL TIME
186 STARTING AND OPERATING

mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds which eliminates driveline binding and
component wear that is normally associated with driving
the vehicle in the 4 PART TIME position on dry hard
surfaced roads. This feature provides the safety, security,
and convenience of operating in 4 wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4 PART TIME
and 4LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together through the transfer case inter-axle
differential and force the front and rear driveshafts to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to these positions. The 4 PART
TIME and 4LO positions are intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4 PART TIME and 4LO
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to driveline components.The PART TIME indicator light, located in the instrument
panel, alerts the driver that a four wheel drive mode
which locks the front and rear driveshafts together has
been selected. This light illuminates when the transfer
case is shifted to either the 4 PART TIME or 4LO
positions. There is no light for the 2WD, 4 FULL TIME, or
N (Neutral) positions.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The Selec-Tracttrans-
fer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and there-
fore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal
for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or
rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the trans-
fer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 4 ALL TIME
position at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed
the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
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5

Proper operation of four wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
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:
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range Ð Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4 PART TIME
Part Time 4 Wheel Drive High Range Ð Locks the
transfer case inter-axle differential. Forces the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional
traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4 FULL TIME
Full Time 4 Wheel Drive High Range Ð Employs inter-
axle differential. Allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. All roads surfaces.
188 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
Part Time Four Wheel Drive Low Range Ð Low speed 4
wheel drive. Locks the transfer case inter-axle differen-
tial. Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
2WD to 4 PART TIME or 4 PART TIME to 2WD
Shifting between 2WD and 4 PART TIME can be made
with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in
motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With
the vehicle in motion, two momentary releases of the
accelerator pedal may be required after shifting. This will
STARTING AND OPERATING 189
5

induce a torque interrupt and allow full engagement of
the newly selected position. With the vehicle stationary, it
may be necessary to shift from D (Drive) to R (Reverse)
and back to D (Drive) after shifting. This will allow full
engagement of the newly selected position. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4 PART TIME to 4 FULL TIME or 4 FULL TIME to
4 PART TIME
Shifting between 4 PART TIME and 4 FULL TIME can be
made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle
is in motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
With the vehicle in motion, two momentary releases of the
accelerator pedal may be required after shifting. This will
induce a torque interrupt and allow full engagement of
the newly selected position. With the vehicle stationary, it
may be necessary to shift from D (Drive) to R (Reverse)
and back to D (Drive) after shifting. This will allow full
engagement of the newly selected position. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4 FULL TIME to 4 LO or 4 LO to 4 FULL TIME
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into N (Neutral). While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to 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 to 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
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

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).
Quadra-Trac IITOperating
Instructions/Precautions Ð If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac IIttransfer case is fully automatic in the
normal driving 4 ALL TIME mode. The Quadra-Trac IIt
transfer case provides three mode positions Ð four wheel
drive high range, neutral, and four wheel drive low
range.
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4 ALL TIME
mode. The 4 ALL TIME mode transmits torque to the rear
axle during normal driving, similar to a rear wheel drive
vehicle. When speed difference is increased between the
front and rear driveshafts the majority of engine torque
can be transmitted to the front driveshaft.
When additional traction is required, the 4LO position
can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts togetherand force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. The 4LO position is intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4LO position on dry
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 4 ALL TIME
position at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed
the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
STARTING AND OPERATING 191
5

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