2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE engine overheat

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor, and
the Fan Control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 297
6

Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New spark plugs should be
installed at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion” label in the engine compartment for spark plug
information.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
converter as an emission control device.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
7

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add antifreeze/coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals andchildren, do not store ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child, contact a
physician immediately. Clean up any ground spills im-
mediately.
Engine Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the antifreeze/coolant level is adequate.
With the engine idling, and warm to normal operating
temperature, the level of the antifreeze/coolant in the
bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
not need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
antifreeze/coolant freeze point or replacing antifreeze/
coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the
coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 323
Block Heater......................... 232
Break-In Recommendations................ 63
Compartment......................... 311
Cooling............................. 329
Exhaust Gas Caution..................64,280
Fails to Start.......................... 231
Flooded, Starting...................... 231
Fuel Requirements..................277,357
Jump Starting......................... 303
Oil ..............................316,357
Oil Change Interval.................... 317
Oil Disposal.......................... 320
Oil Filter............................ 320
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 320
Oil Selection.......................... 357
Overheating.......................... 297
Starting............................. 230Temperature Gauge..................... 167
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 319
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 319
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 50
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 15
Event Data Recorder...................... 51
Exhaust Gas Caution...................64,280
Exhaust System......................... 328
Exterior Finish Care...................... 341
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 323
Engine Fuel.......................... 323
Engine Oil........................... 320
Finish Care............................ 341
Flashers.............................. 296
Hazard Warning....................... 296
Turn Signal.....................164,353,355
Flipper Glass, Tailgate..................... 24
396 INDEX

Trip ................................ 168
Off-Pavement Driving..................250,344
Off-Road Driving.....................250,344
Oil, Engine............................ 316
Capacity............................ 357
Change Interval....................... 317
Dipstick............................. 316
Filter............................... 320
Identification Logo..................... 319
Materials Added to..................... 320
Pressure Warning Light.................. 166
Recommendation...................318,357
Viscosity..........................319,357
Onboard Diagnostic System..............313,314
Opener, Garage Door..................... 138
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 74
Overdrive............................. 236
Overdrive OFF Switch.................... 236
Overhead Console....................... 137Overheating, Engine...................168,297
Owner’s Manual........................ 389
Paint Care............................. 340
Paint Damage.......................... 340
Panic Alarm............................ 19
Park Assist System, Rear.................. 127
Parking Brake.......................... 244
Passing Light........................... 116
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 132
Pets.................................. 63
Pets, Transporting........................ 63
Phone, Cellular.......................... 76
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 76
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 260
Polishing and Waxing..................... 341
Power
Distribution Center..................... 346
Door Locks........................... 17
402 INDEX