2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transmission fluid

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Brake Warning Light
The 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 II that monitors engine and auto-
matic transmission control systems. The light will
illuminate when the key is in the ON position
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

²HOOD/GATE/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
²HOOD/GATE/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
²LIFTGLASS/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
²LIFTGLASS/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
²LIFTGLASS/HOOD OPEN (with graphic)
²WASHER FLUID LOW (with graphic)
²COOLANT LOW (with graphic)
²OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
²OIL CHANGE RESET
²CHECK GAUGES
²AUTO HIGH BEAMS ON
²AUTO HIGH BEAMS OFF
²PARK ASSIST DISABLED
²SERVICE SUSPENSION
²SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
²TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP
²CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURE
²SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM
²4WD SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL
²LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
²WARNING! LIMIT SPEED
²CHECK GASCAP
²ESP OFF
²IOD FUSE OUT
²HILL DESCENT CONTROL
²MEMORY #1 POSITIONS SET
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199
4

Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarettesmoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into
N (Neutral) and depress the accelerator slightly for fast
idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
268 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

²the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the ªTOW/HAULº switch has not been activated;
²transmission 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.During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm up time of
the engine and transmission.
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 ªTRANSMISSION
OVER TEMPº message may display and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift followed shortly thereafter by
a downshift may occur. This is a normal part of the
overheat protection strategy when operating in the
ªTow/Haulº mode.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5

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 (using the ERS shift control) between 4
(direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive gear) positions will
demonstrate 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.
NOTE:The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF
before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to ªElectronic
Brake Control Systemº in Section 3 of this manual.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
selector in N (Neutral) for at least one minute after every
292 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 ªFour-Wheel Drive Operationº in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
forward motion. 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 301
5

Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ºTow/
Haulº mode (if equipped) or a lower gear range should
be selected.
NOTE:Using the ºTow/Haulº mode (if equipped) or a
lower gear range while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat build up. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
mission fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in N (Neutral) and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 363
5

NMaintenance-Free Battery................401
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............402
NPower Steering Fluid Check..............403
NBody Lubrication.....................405
NWindshield Wiper Blades................405
NWindshield Washers Ð Front And Rear.....405
NExhaust System......................406
NCooling System.......................407
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......412
NFuel System Connections................412
NBrake System........................413
NFront/Rear Axle Fluid..................415
NTransfer Case........................416NAutomatic Transmission................417
NMaintenance After Off-Road Driving........420
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................421
mFuse Panel...........................426
NInterior Fuses........................426
NUnderhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center)............................429
NUnderhood Fuses (Integrated Power
Module)............................432
mVehicle Storage........................433
mReplacement Bulbs......................434
mBulb Replacement......................435
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE