2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transmission

•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating temperature.
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 to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” 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 “TRANSMISSION
OVER TEMP” 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.
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 transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift into direct gear and Overdrive will be enabled
under steady cruise conditions.
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 restoresnormal 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, followed 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 abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear (3.6L engine) or in direct
gear (5.7L engine) until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 355

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 en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear (3.6L 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 transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally, at a calibrated speed, at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch may not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally 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
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

gear) positions will demonstrate that the transmission
is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. For vehicles
with 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive gears),
the transmission may not shift into the top Overdrive
gear (normal fifth gear) until the transmission fluid
and engine coolant are warm.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission 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 con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac IOperating Instructions/
Precautions – If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time four-
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.
NOTE: The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate
for conditions where 4WD LOW range is recommended.
Refer to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 357

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.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
4WD AUTO
This range is used on surfaces such as ice, snow, gravel,
sand, and dry hard pavement.
NOTE:Refer to “Selec-Terrain – If Equipped” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for further information on the vari-
ous positions and their intended usages.
NEUTRAL
This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing”
in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 359

4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It locks the
front and rear driveshafts together and forces the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. It provides
additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
NOTE:Refer to “Selec-Terrain – If Equipped” for
further information on the various positions and their
intended usages.
Shifting Procedures
4WDHIto4WDLOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL, and press the
“4WD LOW” button once on the transfer case switch. The
“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition ex-
ists, a “For 4x4 Low Slow Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put
Trans in N Press 4 Low” message will flash from the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Transfer Case Switch
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL, and press the
“4WD LOW” button once on the transfer case switch. The
“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete.
NOTE:
•If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a transfer
case motor temperature protection condition exists, a
“For 4x4 High Slow Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans
in N Press 4 Low” message will flash from the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
•Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty mayoccur due to the mating clutch teeth not being prop-
erly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur.
The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to
3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster
than 3 mph (5 km/h), the transfer case will not allow
the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with a pen,
etc.) for four seconds until the LED light by the switch
starts to blink indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is
complete. A “To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift
Procedure in Owners Manual” message will display on5
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to allow more driver control of vehicle while maintain-
ing safe handling controls. The vehicle will lower (if
equipped with Air Suspension) to Aero Mode in High
Range. 4WD Low is not available in SPORT mode, if
4WD Low is selected the Selec-Terrain™ will auto-
matically switch back to AUTO.
•Snow– Tuning set for additional stability in inclement
weather. Use on and off road on loose traction surfaces
such as snow. When in Snow mode (depending on
certain operating conditions), the transmission may
use second gear (rather than first gear) during
launches, to minimize wheel slippage. If equipped
with air suspension, the level will change to Normal
Ride Height (NRH) if the transfer case is in high range.
The level will change to Off-Road 1 if the transfer case
is in Low range.
•Auto – Fully automatic full time four-wheel drive
operation can be used on and off road. Balances traction with seamless steering feel to provide im-
proved handling and acceleration over two-wheel
drive vehicles. If equipped with air suspension, the
level will change to NRH.
•Sand/Mud
– Off road calibration for use on low
traction surfaces such as mud, sand, or wet grass.
Driveline is maximized for traction. Some binding
may be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The electronic
brake controls are set to limit traction control manage-
ment of throttle and wheel spin. If equipped with air
suspension, the level will change to Off-Road 1.
•Rock – Off-road calibration only available in 4WD
Low range. The vehicle is raised (if equipped with Air
Suspension) for improved ground clearance. Traction
based tuning with improved steer-ability for use on
high traction off-road surfaces. Activates the Hill De-
scent Control for steep downhill control. Use for low
speed obstacles such as large rocks, deep ruts, etc. If
364 STARTING AND OPERATING