2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE torque

build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.
•After 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.
VARI-LOK REAR AXLE — 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.
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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5

After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may
cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You
might not have full braking power when you need it
to prevent an accident. If you have been operating
your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes
checked and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 130 N·m (95 ft. lbs). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service
station.
10. Lower the jack to it’s fully closed position.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
11. Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper loca-
tions.
NOTE:Tire should be stowed with the “beauty” side
up. Storing the tire upside down may result in scratchingor damage to the wheel face. Continue winching up the
tire until you hear the winch “ratchet” three times.
Double check to ensure the tire is snug against the
underbody of the vehicle. Damage to the winch cable
may result if the vehicle is driven with the tire loose.
12. Reinstall the rubber plug into the floor of the cargo
area.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
NOTE:Check the test indicator on top of battery for
battery fluid level. If the indicator is clear, the level is low.
Add water to the proper level and reinstall the vent caps
before attempting to jump start the vehicle.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 303
6

Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick tube, itis sealed and should not be tampered with. Your autho-
rized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid
level is set properly.
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337
7

Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
Inspect the transfer case for fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is
found, the transfer case fluid level can be checked by
removing the filler plug located on the back side of the
transfer case. The fluid level should be at the bottom edge
of the filler plug hole when the vehicle is in a level
position.
Adding Fluid
Add fluid at the filler hole until it runs out of the hole
when the vehicle is in a level position.
Drain
First remove fill plug, then remove drain plug. Recom-
mended tightening torque for drain and fill plugs is
15–25 ft. lbs (20–34 N·m).
CAUTION!
When installing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Maintenance After Off-Pavement Driving
After extended operation in mud, sand or water, or
similar dirty conditions, have your brake discs, brake
linings, and axle joints inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible. This will prevent any abrasive material from
causing excessive wear or unpredictable braking action.
Following off-pavement usage, completely inspect the
underbody of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure,
steering, suspension and exhaust system for damage.
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering and suspen-
sion. Retighten, if required, to torque values specified in
the Service Manual. Also check for accumulations ofvegetation or brush that could become a fire hazard, or
conceal damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion
seals, and propeller shafts.
CAUTION!
Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants and lubricate body compo-
nents, all driveline joints and steering linkage more
often than in normal service to prevent excessive
wear.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............165,246
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 156
Adjustable Pedals....................... 132
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 323
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 325
Air Conditioning........................ 213
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 217
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 326
Air Conditioning System.................. 213
Air Filter.............................. 323
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 264
Airbag................................ 37
Airbag Deployment....................... 49
Airbag Light.......................51,65,165
Airbag Maintenance....................... 51
Alarm..............................22,166
Alarm System........................... 22
Alignment and Balance................... 268
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 210
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 357
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 246
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 165
Anti-Theft System.....................22,166
Appearance Care........................ 340
Auto Down Power Windows................ 26
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 73
Automatic Door Locks..................... 17
Automatic Headlights..................... 113
Automatic Temperature Control............. 218
Automatic Transmission................233,336
Adding Fluid......................... 338
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 336
Fluid Level Check...................... 337
Fluid Type........................... 336
Special Additives...................... 339
Torque Converter...................... 238
Autostick............................. 235
392 INDEX

Safety............................65,254
Sizes............................... 256
Spare Tire........................... 299
Spinning............................ 266
Tread Wear Indicators................... 267
Wheel Mounting....................... 302
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 285
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 238
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 305
Tow/Haul Indicator Light................. 168
Towing............................283,306
Disabled Vehicle....................... 306
Recreational.......................... 290
Traction Control......................... 121
Traction Control Light..................121,166
Traction Control Switch................... 121
Trailer Towing.......................... 283
Cooling System Tips.................... 287
Tips ................................ 287Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 285
Warnings............................ 284
Wiring.............................. 286
Transfer Case........................... 339
Maintenance.......................... 339
Transmission
Automatic........................233,336
Maintenance.......................... 336
Range Indicator....................... 169
Shifting............................. 233
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 21
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 138
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry............ 18
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 267
Turn Signals................... 116,164,353,355
Underhood Fuses.....................346,348
Universal Transmitter..................... 138
Upholstery Care........................ 342
INDEX 407
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