2010 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE trailer

•After Driving Off-Road ..................... 220
• POWER STEERING ......................... 220
• 3.6L Engine and 3.0L Diesel Engine ............. 220
• 5.7L Engine ........................... 221
• Power Steering Fluid Check .................. 221
• MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF EQUIPPED) —
5.7L ENGINE ONLY ......................... 222
• PARKING BRAKE .......................... 222
• ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ........... 223
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ 223
• Traction Control System (TCS) ................ 224
• Brake Assist System (BAS) .................. 224
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............... 224
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .............. 225
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) .................. 226
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) ..................... 227
• Ready Alert Braking ...................... 228
• Rain Brake Support ....................... 228
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel Drive Models
With MP3023 Two-Speed Transfer Case Only ........ 228
• ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC OFF
Indicator Light .......................... 229
197

•ADDING FUEL ............................ 242
• Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................... 242
• Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................ 244
• TRAILER TOWING ......................... 244
• Common Towing Definitions ................. 244
• Breakaway Cable Attachment ................. 245
• Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .............. 246
• Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight .............. 246
• Towing Requirements ..................... 247
• Towing Tips ........................... 249
• RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC) . . . 251
• Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........ 251
• Recreational Towing — Quadra–Trac II /Quadra–Drive 
II Four-Wheel Drive Models .................. 252
199

For example, if the driver shifts the transmission
into ERS 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but can shift down
to 2 (second) or 1 (first), when needed.
NOTE:
•If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever
to the left (-), the transmission will down-
shift to the lowest gear that can be at-
tained without overrevving the engine.
The display will show the gear the vehicle
is in and will limit the top gear to the one
displayed.
•
If you push and hold (not tap) the shift
lever to the right (+), the transmission will
exit the gear limiting mode and shift to the
appropriate gear. The display will read D .
3.6L and 3.0L Diesel Engine
When in the DRIVE position, the first tap to the
left (-) will shift down one gear and will display
that gear. For example, if you are in DRIVE and
are in fifth gear, when you tap the shift lever one
time to the left (-), the transmission will down-
shift to fourth gear and the display will show 4.
Another tap to the left (-) will shift the transmis-
sion into third gear. 5.7L Engine
On vehicles equipped with the 5.7L engine,
use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables
an additional underdrive gear which is not
normally used during through-gear accelera-
tions. This additional gear improves vehicle
performance and cooling capability when tow-
ing a trailer on certain grades. ERS 1, 2, and 3
are underdrive gears; ERS 4 is direct drive. ERS
5 (Overdrive) is the same as the normal 4th
gear. When in the DRIVE position in first through
fourth gear, the first tap to the left (-) will display
the ERS designation for the current gear (the
transmission will not downshift). For example, if
you are in DRIVE and are in third (direct) gear,
when you tap the shift lever one time to the left
(-), the display will show 4 (ERS 4 is direct
gear). Another tap to the left (-) will shift the
transmission down to ERS 3 (the added under-
drive gear). When in the DRIVE position in fifth
gear, the first tap to the left (-) will downshift the
transmission and display 5 (ERS 5 is the same
as normal fourth gear). Another tap to the left (-)
will shift the transmission down to ERS 4 (direct
gear).
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Dis-
play
12345*D
Actual
Gear(s) Al-
lowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-5
* Applies to vehicles equipped with 5.7L
engines only.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), move
the shift lever to the left “D(-)” and hold it
there. The transmission will shift to the
range from which the vehicle can best be
slowed down.
207

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fifth gear for
3.6L and 3.0L Diesel engine, fourth and fifth
gears for 5.7L engine). The transmission will
automatically shift to Overdrive, if the following
conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
• the engine coolant has reached normal op-
erating temperature;
• vehicle speed is above approximately
30 mph (48 km/h);
• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been acti-
vated;
• transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is started in extremely cold
temperatures, 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 tem-
perature has risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section.
During cold temperature operation you may
notice delayed upshifts, depending on en-
gine and transmission temperature. This
feature improves the warm-up time of the
engine and transmission.
If the transmission temperature gets ex-
tremely hot, the transmission will automati-
cally select the most desirable gear for op-
eration at this temperature. If the
transmission temperature becomes hot
enough, the “TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP”
message may display, and the transmission
may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down,
the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive,
to the most desirable gear, if the accelerator
pedal is fully pressed at vehicle speeds above
approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode –
If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans-
mission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL
switch. This will improve performance and re-
duce the potential for transmission overheating
or failure due to excessive shifting. When oper-
ating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift into direct gear and Overdrive will be
enabled under steady cruise conditions.
TOW/HAUL Switch
208

•This light only shows that the parking
brake is applied. It does not show the
degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. Apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make
it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
•
Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Do not leave the key fob in the ignition
switch. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake sys-
tem serviced by an authorized dealer imme-
diately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
electronic brake control system that includes
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction
Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All five of
these systems work together to enhance ve-
hicle stability and control in various driving
conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Brake
Lock Differential (BLD), Ready Alert Braking,
Rain Brake Support and, if it has four-wheel
drive with the MP 3023 two-speed transfer
case, Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining ve-
hicle control under adverse braking conditions.
The system controls hydraulic brake pressure
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skid-
ding on slippery surfaces during braking.
223

High Range (Four-Wheel Drive Models)
On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in
4WD HIGH range. Whenever the vehicle is
started or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4WD LOW range or NEUTRAL
back to 4WD HIGH range, the ESC system will
be in this “On” mode. This mode should be
used for most driving situations. ESC should
only be turned to “Partial Off” mode for specific
reasons as noted below.
Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing
the “ESC OFF” switch. When in “Partial Off”
mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the
BLD feature described in the TCS section, has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. All other stability
features of ESC function normally. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep
snow, sand, or gravel conditions and more
wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is
required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again,
momentarily press the “ESC OFF” switch. This
will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driv-
ing with snow chains, or starting off in deep
snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing
the “ESC OFF” switch. Once the situation
requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pressing the “ESC OFF”
switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.4WD Low Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in
4WD LOW range. Whenever the vehicle is
started in 4WD LOW range, or the transfer case
(if equipped) is shifted from 4WD HIGH range
or NEUTRAL to 4WD LOW range, the ESC
system will be in the “Partial Off” mode.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize
an excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
The system may reduce engine power and
apply the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC will
become active automatically once an exces-
sively swaying trailer is recognized. No driver
action is required. Note that TSC cannot stop all
trailers from swaying. Always use caution when
towing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue
weight recommendations. Refer to “Trailer Tow-
ing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information. When TSC is functioning, the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will
flash, the engine power may be reduced and
you may feel the brakes being applied toESC OFF Switch
226

individual wheels to attempt to stop the trailer
from swaying. TSC is disabled when the ESC
system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)The HSA system is designed to assist the driver
when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill.
HSA will maintain the level of brake pressure
the driver applied for a short period of time after
the driver takes their foot off of the brake pedal.
If the driver does not apply the throttle during
this short period of time, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down
the hill. The system will release brake pressure
in proportion to the amount of throttle applied
as the vehicle starts to move in the intended
direction of travel.HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for
HSA to activate:
•
Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate)
grade or greater hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direc-
tion (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward
gear; vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE
gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward
gears when the activation criteria have been
met. The system will not activate if the vehicle is
placed in NEUTRAL or PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e.,
less than 8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer, when the system will not
activate and slight rolling may occur. This
could cause a collision with another vehicle or
object. Always remember the driver is respon-
sible for braking the vehicle. Towing with HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a
grade when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•
If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, your trailer brakes may be activated
and deactivated with the brake switch. If so,
when the brake pedal is released, there
may not be enough brake pressure to hold
the vehicle and trailer on a hill and this
could cause a collision with another vehicle
or object behind you. In order to avoid
rolling down the hill while resuming accel-
eration, manually activate the trailer brake
prior to releasing the brake pedal. Always
remember the driver is responsible for
braking the vehicle.
(Continued)
227

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is
loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gascap indica-
tor will display in the EVIC telltale
display area. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the SELECT button to turn off the
message. If the problem continues, the mes-
sage will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
TRAILER TOWINGIn this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and trailer tongue weight. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its loaded and ready for operation 
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be sup-
ported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination. NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and have an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
244