2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transmission fluid

non-essential electrical devices or increase en-
gine speed (if at idle). If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging sys-
tem. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an
authorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump
Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies”.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem
with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system. The light will come
on when the ignition is first turned
ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come
on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped
and the shift lever is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running
your vehicle, will usually be drivable, however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as
possible. If the light is flashing when the engine
is running, immediate service is required and
you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
•
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated en-
gine condition. As temperatures rise
and the gauge approaches H,this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass H,the indicator will continuously
flash and a continuous chime will occur until
the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera-
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information. •
Transmission Temperature Light
This light indicates that there is
excessive transmission fluid tem-
perature that might occur with se-
vere usage such as trailer towing.
It may also occur when operating
the vehicle in a high torque con-
verter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road opera-
tion). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or faster, with the trans-
mission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Indicator illuminated will eventu-
ally cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure.
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WARNING!
In some circumstances a Transmission Tem-
perature Indicator, under continued operation,
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust compo-
nents and cause a fire.
Engine Oil Change Indicator System
Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Due” message will flash in the EVIC display for
approximately 10 seconds after a single chime
has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indica-
tor system is duty cycle based, which means
the engine oil change interval may fluctuate,
dependent upon your personal driving style.Unless reset, this message will continue to
display each time you turn the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message
temporarily, press and release the MENU but-
ton. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position
(Do not start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly,
three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK
position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when
you start the vehicle, the oil change indica-
tor system did not reset. If necessary, repeat
this procedure.
Fuel EconomyPress and release the UP or DOWN button until
“Fuel Economy” displays highlighted in the
EVIC and press the SELECT button. Press and
release the UP/DOWN buttons until one of the
following Fuel Economy functions displays in
the EVIC:
•
Average Fuel Economy/Fuel Saver Mode
• Distance To Empty (DTE)
• Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
Press the UP/DOWN buttons to cycle through
all the Trip Computer functions.
The Trip Functions mode displays the following
information:
Average Fuel Economy / Fuel Saver
Mode — If Equipped
Shows the average fuel economy since the last
reset. When the fuel economy is reset, the
display will read “RESET” or show dashes for
two seconds. Then, the history information will
be erased, and the averaging will continue from
the last fuel average reading before the reset.
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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

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate when the
switch has been activated. Pressing the switch
a second time restores normal operation. If the
TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the switch must
be pressed each time the engine is started.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained
high engine speed and load, an upshift, fol-
lowed shortly thereafter by a downshift, may
occur. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will
turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat
protection strategy when operating in the TOW/
HAUL mode.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage, the Trans-
mission Limp Home Mode will be engaged. In
this mode, the transmission will remain in the
current gear (3.6L and 3.0L Diesel engine) or in
direct gear (5.7L engine) until the vehicle is
brought to a stop.To reset the transmission, use the following
procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off, and be sure to turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart
the engine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear
range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the trans-
mission will return to normal operation. If the
problem persists, PARK, REVERSE, and NEU-
TRAL will continue to operate. Only second
gear (3.6L and 3.0L Diesel engine) or third gear
(5.7L engine) will be available in the DRIVE
position. Have the transmission checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy,
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically, at a cali-brated speed, at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This
may result in a slightly different feeling or
response during normal operation in high gear.
When the vehicle speed drops below a cali-
brated speed, or during acceleration, the
clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not en-
gage until the transmission fluid and en-
gine coolant are warm [usually after 1 to
3 miles (1.6 to 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 dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of Overdrive. For ve-
hicles with 5.7L engines (which have two
Overdrive gears), the transmission may
not shift into the top Overdrive gear (nor-
mal fifth gear) until the transmission fluid
and engine coolant are warm.
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•If the vehicle has not been driven in sev-
eral days, the first few seconds of opera-
tion 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 con-
dition is normal and will not cause dam-
age to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after
starting the engine.
Rocking the VehicleIf 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.
NOTE:
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and
Traction Control System (TCS) (if equipped)
should be turned OFF before attempting to
rock the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information. The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning
the wheels or racing the engine, is most effec-
tive. Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and fail-
ure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmission
failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving
between “First” and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h) or
drivetrain damage may result.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac II
Operating
Instructions/Precautions
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully auto-
matic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode.
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case provides
three mode positions:
• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD
HI mode.
Transfer Case Switch
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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 in (51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately
to minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in
20 in (51 cm) of water is less than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine oil, trans-
mission oil, axle, transfer case) to assure the
fluids have not been contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) should
be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving in Snow, Mud and SandIn 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 “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information. Do not shift to a
lower gear than necessary to maintain forwardmotion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery
roads, because 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 trans-
mission to a lower gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW. Use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose forward motion
while climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to
come to a stop and immediately apply the
brakes. Restart the engine, and shift into RE-
VERSE. Back slowly down the hill, allowing the
compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required
to control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and
avoid locking or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion,
or cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle.
Always back carefully straight down a hill in
REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a
hill always drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the
crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and
maintain forward motion by turning the front
wheels slowly. This may provide a fresh “bite”
into the surface and will usually provide traction
to complete the climb.
Traction DownhillShift the transmission into a low gear, and the
transfer case into 4WD LOW range. Let the
vehicle go slowly down the hill with all four
wheels turning against engine compression
drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction. 219

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure accu-
rate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM
(MDS) (IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L
ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine’s eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The
system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
The MDS system may take some time to
return to full functionality after a battery
disconnect.
PARKING BRAKEBefore leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the
shift lever in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
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sive shifting and heat buildup. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before
towing (5.7L engine).
To help maintain a comfortable operating
temperature for your transmission, it is rec-
ommended that when towing a maximum
loaded trailer up steep grades with switch
backs, you should use the ERS function on
the transmission shifter to lock your vehicle
into first gear (5.7L Models Only).
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you expe-rience speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed. Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL and increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
Trailer Hitch Attaching Points
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow
a trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow
hitch must be attached to your vehicle using
the provided attaching points on the vehicle’s
frame. Refer to the following chart to determine
the accurate attaching points. Other equip-
ment, such as trailer sway controls and braking
equipment, trailer equalizing (leveling) equip-
ment and low profile mirrors, may also be
required or strongly recommended.
Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching Points And Overhang Dimensions
Fixed, Detach
and Retractable Hitch
A 1.85 ft. (565 mm)
B 2.09 ft. (636 mm)
C 2.32 ft. (707 mm)
D 2.4 ft. (733 mm)
E 1.62 ft. (494 mm)
F 1.47 ft. (447 mm)
G (Maximum Overhang) 3.59 ft. (1093 mm)
250