2010 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE automatic transmission

WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should apply
the park brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the key fob from the ignition switch.
Once the key fob is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
Furthermore, you should never leave children unat-
tended inside a vehicle.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
DRIVE
This range should only be selected when the vehicle is at
a complete stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The
transmission automatically upshifts through fifth gear.
The DRIVE position provides optimum driving charac-
teristics under all normal operating conditions. For addi-
tional shifting information, refer to “AutoStick”in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
Rocking the Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
between DRIVE and REVERSE, while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

Operation
By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position, the shift
lever can be moved from side to side. This allows the
driver to engage the AutoStickmode. Moving the shift
lever to the right (+) or the left (-) will engage the
AutoStick mode. In normal driving mode (Boxed “D”
displayed in the PRNDL), moving the shift lever to the
right (+) will engage the AutoStick mode putting the
transmission in the currently engaged gear. Moving the
shift lever to the Left (-) will engage the AutoStick mode
and downshift the transmission one gear. For example, if
the transmission is in Drive mode (a boxed Dis
displayed in the cluster) and is operating in third gear,
tapping the shift lever to the right (+) will engage
AutoStick mode (while remaining in third gear) and a
boxed 3will be displayed in the cluster. Tapping the
shift lever to the left (-) would also engage AutoStick 
mode, but would force a downshift to second gear, and display a boxed
2in the cluster. Once AutoStick mode
is engaged, a move to the right (+) or left (-) will trigger
a upshift (+) or trigger a downshift (-).
NOTE: In the AutoStick mode, the transmission will
shift up and down when left or right (D-/D+) is manu-
ally selected by the driver.
The transmission will not allow a downshift if the
downshift would result in an engine overspeed condi-
tion. The transmission will always allow a upshift from
first to second gear, however 2nd - 3rd, 3rd - 4th, and 4th
– 5th upshifts will not be allowed if the vehicle speed is
too low to maintain operation in the selected gear. The
transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle
slows to a stop (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear. After a stop, the driver should
manually upshift (D+) the transmission as the vehicle is
accelerated.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

When in the AutoStickmode, as the engine RPM nears
the engine maximum speed, an “UPSHIFT” message will
appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) portion of your instrument cluster. This message
appears in order to alert the driver that the engine speed
is approaching it’s maximum value and a upshift to the
next gear is required. In the event that the driver does not
upshift, the engine control system will automatically do it
for the driver. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
Shifting into or out of the AutoStick mode can be done
at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal. When the driver wishes to engage AutoStick ,
simply move the shift lever to the left or right (D-/D+)
position while in DRIVE. Hold the shift lever to the right for at least one second to
disengage AutoStick. The transmission will now oper-
ate automatically; shifting between the five available
gears.
General Information
•
You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. Tapping the shift lever to
the D+ position (at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. After starting, the driver should continue to
manually upshift (D+) as the vehicle is accelerated.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when AutoStick
is en-
gaged.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 247

•The transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while AutoStickis
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers. NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
The power steering system requires the use of MOPAR
Hydraulic System Power Steering Fluid or equivalent,
which meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-10838.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), or
other types of power steering fluids, when servicing
the power steering system of this vehicle. Damage to
the power steering system can result from the use of
the wrong power steering fluid.
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 249

NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied vehicle speed is
detected, the light will flash and a chime will sound to
alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. 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. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, 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 substitute 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.
•Do not leave the key fob in the ignition switch. A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident. (Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 251

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission GCWR (Gross Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Max. Trailer Tongue
Wt. (See Note)
6.1L Automatic 8,800 lbs (3 992 kg) 35 sq ft (3.25 sq m) 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 308 lbs (140 kg) Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire–Safety
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Trailer and Trailer Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 293

WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the AutoStickfeature (D-) to select a lower gear range.
NOTE: Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting 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 “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING