2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tires

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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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

12. Tire Pressure Monitor Warning Light
This light will turn on continuously when there
is a low tire pressure condition. The light will
also turn on if a problem exists with any tire
sensor. When a system fault is detected, the
indicator lamp will flash repetitively for ten seconds. The
flash cycle will repeat every ten minutes or until the fault
condition is removed and reset. The light will remain on
or flashing until the tire pressure is properly set or the
problem with the sensor is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the tire and loading information placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes thetire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla-
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the tire and loading information
placard. (See page 269 for more information.)
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 167
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Tire Pressure Display — If Equipped
Shows the current pressure of all 4 road tires.
NOTE:Tires heat up during normal driving conditions.
Heat will cause the tire pressure to increase from 2 to 6
psi (14 to 41 kPa) during normal driving conditions. Refer
to “Tire Inflation Pressures” in Section 5 for additional
information.
Miles to Service
Shows the distance remaining to require service.
NOTE:This display can be reset to the set service
interval by pressing and holding the RESET button for 3
seconds.
Blank Screen
Shows a blank screen. Pressing the C/T button returns to
the compass/temperature display.
Automatic Compass Calibration
This compass is self-calibrating which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is
new, the compass may appear erratic and the CAL
symbol will be displayed.
After completing one 360 degree turn, with the vehicle
traveling less than 5 mph (8 km/h), in an area free from
large metal or metallic objects, the CAL symbol will turn
off and the compass will function normally.
Tire Pressure Display
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Anti-Lock Brake System..................246

Vari-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped..........249

On-Road Driving Tips...................249

Off-Road Driving Tips...................250
▫When To Use 4WD Low Range — If
Equipped...........................250
▫Driving Through Water.................250
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........251
▫Hill Climbing........................251
▫Traction Downhill.....................252
▫After Driving Off-Road.................253

Multi Displacement System (MDS) - 5.7L
Engine Only..........................254

Tire Safety Information...................254▫Tire Markings........................254
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........258
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........259

Tires — General Information...............263
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................264
▫High Speed Operation.................265
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................266
▫Tire Spinning........................266
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................267
▫Replacement Tires.....................267
▫Alignment And Balance.................268

Tire Pressure Monitor System..............269
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring — Base System.....269
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

and Traction Control, provides resistance to any wheel
that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer to
wheels with traction.
NOTE:The Quadra-Trac Isystem is not appropriate
for conditions where LOW range is recommended. Refer
to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in this section.
Quadra-Trac IIOperating
Instructions/Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac IItransfer case is fully automatic in the
normal driving 4 HI mode. The Quadra-Trac IItransfer
case provides three mode positions — four wheel drive
high range, neutral, and four wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4 HI mode.
This transfer case divides engine torque almost evenly
with 48 percent of engine torque to the front axle and 52
percent of engine torque to the rear axle. When speed
differences are increased between the front and rear driveshafts, the transfer case can transmit up to 100 percent of
available engine torque to the front or rear drive shafts.
When additional traction is required, the 4 LOW position
can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together
and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. The 4 LOW position is intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4 LOW position on dry
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4 LOW, the engine speed
is approximately three times that of the 4 HI 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.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

To release the parking brake, pull up slightly, press the
center button, then lower the lever completely.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving. Failure to do so can lead to brake failure.
NOTE:Parking brake adjustment and maintenance
should be performed by your authorized dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low-speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot
lightly on the brake while this test is occurring you may
feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
apparent on ice and snow. This is normal.
The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
WARNING!
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
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