INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Brake Warning Light
The red BRAKE warning light will come on
when the ignition is first turned on, and stay on
briefly as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb re-
paired promptly. If the light stays on longer, it may be an
indication that the parking brake has not been released.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is off, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction
or low fluid level. In this case, the light will remain on
until the cause is corrected. If a brake malfunction is
indicated, immediate repair is necessary and continued
operation of the vehicle in this condition is dangerous.3. Turn Signal Indicator Light
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
4. High Beam Indicator Light
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
5. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
•LIFTGATE/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGATE/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGLASS OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGATE/HOOD OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/GLASS/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/GLASS/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/GATE/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/GATE/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGLASS/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGLASS/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGLASS/HOOD OPEN (with graphic)
•WASHER FLUID LOW (with graphic)
•FUEL LOW (with graphic)
•CHECK GAUGES
•AUTO HIGHBEAM ON
•AUTO HIGHBEAM OFF
•PARK ASSIST DISABLED
•SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
•TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP
•CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURE
•SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM
•4WD SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL
•LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
left “D(-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth speed (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from 3rd gear to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
•the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” button has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSION
OVER TEMP” message may display and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cooldown, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift followed shortly thereafter by
236 STARTING AND OPERATING
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in Over-
drive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Manually shifting between 3 (third gear) and 4 (fourthgear) positions (using the ERS shift control) will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
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 D (Drive) and R (Reverse),
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING
and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 inches. The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.Driving 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 4WD LOW if necessary.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in P (Park), and turn the ignition
to OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the discharged battery. Connect the other end
of the same cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then connect the other end to
a non-paint metal surface on the engine of the vehicle
with the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good
contact on the engine.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
NOTE:To start the vehicle following connection of a
booster battery, the Security Alarm System must first be
disabled by cycling a front door key cylinder or by using
the keyless entry transmitter.
WARNING!
Jump starting can be dangerous. To avoid personal
injury or damage to electrical components in vehicle,
observe the following warnings:
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn
or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to contact
your eyes, skin, or clothing. Don’t lean over a battery
304 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................324
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............325
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............326
▫Body Lubrication.....................327
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................327
▫Windshield Washers — Front And Rear.....328
▫Exhaust System......................328
▫Cooling System.......................329
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......334
▫Brake System........................334
▫Automatic Transmission................336
▫Transfer Case........................339
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid..................340▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................340
Fuse Panel...........................345
▫Interior Fuses........................345
▫Underhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)..............346
▫Underhood Fuses
(Integrated Power Module)..............348
Vehicle Storage........................350
Replacement Bulbs......................350
Bulb Replacement......................351
▫Head Light..........................351
▫Front Turn Signal.....................353
▫Front Fog Light......................354
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Your new Grand Cherokee requires the use of a new
Power Steering Fluid. This new fluid is specially formu-
lated to ensure the long life of the power steering system.
The power steering system requires the use of Mopar
Hydraulic System Power Steering Fluid (P/N
05142893AA), or equivalent, which meets
DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10838.
CAUTION!
Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or
other types of power steering fluids when servicing
the power steering system of this vehicle. Damage to
the power steering system can result from the use of
the wrong power steering fluid.
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
“DaimlerChrysler Dealership.”
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE