2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE traction control

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time — babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
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▫Turn Signals.........................116
▫High Beam Switch....................116
▫Passing Light........................116
▫Headlight Time Delay..................117

Windshield Wipers And Washers............117
▫Mist...............................118
▫Speed Sensitive Intermittent Wiper System . . . 118
▫Rain Sensing Wipers—If Equipped.........119

Tilt Steering Column....................120

Traction Control — If Equipped............121

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)— If
Equipped............................124

Rear Park Assist System— If Equipped.......127▫Rear Park Assist Sensors................128
▫Rear Park Assist Warning Display.........128
▫Enable/Disable The Rear Park Assist System . . 130
▫Service The Rear Park Assist System........130
▫Cleaning The Rear Park Assist System......131

Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped...........132

Electronic Speed Control..................134
▫To Activate..........................134
▫To Set At a Desired Speed...............134
▫To Deactivate........................134
▫To Resume Speed.....................135
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............135
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............135
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 69
3

WARNING!
Tilting the steering wheel column while the vehicle
is moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering
column, you could lose control of the vehicle and
have an accident. Adjust the tilting mechanism only
while the vehicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked
before driving.
TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System monitors the amount of
wheel spin in each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, the pressure to the brake system of the slipping
wheel(s) is modulated to provide enhanced acceleration.
The system operates at speeds typically encountered in
city traffic driving. 4WD models also include unique
logic in 4 HI or 4 LO (if equipped) to enhance off-road
capabilities.The “Traction Control Indicator Light,” located in the
instrument cluster, will flash when the Traction Control
System is active.
To turn the system OFF, press the switch, located below
the climate controls in the center stack, until the “Traction
Control Indicator Light” turns on and stays on. Also, a
Traction Control Indicator Light
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3

“TRACTION SYS DISABLED” message will be displayed
in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Refer to Section 4 of this manual.
To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time, until the “Traction Control Indicator Light” turns
off.When the Traction Control System has been turned off
using the switch, a feature of the system remains active.
This feature functions similar to a limited slip differential
and controls the wheel spin across an axle. If one wheel
on an axle is spinning faster than the other, the system
will apply the brake of the spinning wheel and allow
more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that is not
spinning.
NOTE:
•The “Traction Control Indicator Light” comes on mo-
mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
This will occur even if you used the switch to turn the
system OFF.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the Traction
Control System will be ON even if it was turned OFF
previously.
•The Traction Control System will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is active.
Traction Control Switch
122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

There are two Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) messages associated with the Traction Control
System. Refer to Section 4 of this manual.
Traction Sys Disabled
This message will be displayed if the Traction Control
System has been turned off using the switch, or if there is
a temporary condition that will will result in partial or no
Traction Control System function. The “Traction Control
Indicator Light” will be on when the system is disabled
or only partial function is allowed. The “TRACTION SYS
DISABLED” message and the “Traction Control Indicator
Light” being illuminated without the switch being de-
pressed is not an indication that service of the electronic
brake system is required.Service Elec Brake System
This message will be displayed if a condition exists that
may require servicing the electronic brake system. When
this message is displayed and the “Traction Control
Indicator Light” is on, there is a malfunction of the
Traction Control System. If the “SERVICE ELEC BRAKE
SYSTEM” message continues to be displayed after sev-
eral ignition cycles and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)— IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) enhances directional
control and reduces driving wheel spin of the vehicle
under various driving conditions.ESP corrects for over/understeering of the vehicle by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel. Engine torque
is also limited. The “ESP Indicator Light,” located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESP system becomes active.ESP Indicator Light
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

than the other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel and allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
it may be desirable to switch off the ESP by pressing the
ESP switch.
With the ESP switched off, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are cancelled. Therefore, the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
If the “ESP Indicator Light” begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions. When the “ESP
Indicator Light” is illuminated continuously, the ESP is
switched off. To return to the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by ESP, press the ESP switch (the “ESP IndicatorLight” in the instrument cluster goes out). Avoid spin-
ning one drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to
the drive train.
NOTE:
•The “ESP Indicator Light” comes on momentarily each
time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active.
There are two Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) messages associated with the Electronic Stability
Control System. Refer to Section 4 of this manual.
ESP System Disabled
This message will be displayed if the ESP System has
been turned off using the switch, or if there is a tempo-
rary condition that will result in partial or no ESP
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

8. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
9. Security Alarm System Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
10. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
continuous chime will sound when this light turns on.Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped. The indicator light will flash when the ESP or
TCS System is active and helping to improve vehicle
stability. If the indicator light is on solid, ESP or TCS may
not be able to function normally.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL