2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE towing

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers ................ 462
 If Your Engine Overheats ................ 462
 Jacking And Tire Changing ............... 463
▫ Jack Location ....................... 464
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ................... 464
▫ Preparations For Jacking ............... 465
▫ Jacking Instructions ................... 466 
Jump-Starting ........................ 471
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ............. 472
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 473
 Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped ...... 475
 Shift Lever Override ................... 476
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ............... 477
▫ Towing Without The Ignition Key FOB ..... 479
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .............. 479
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles .............. 480
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CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position
without starting the engine.
3. Remove the rubber liner from the cupholder (located
next to the shifter on the center console).4. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, carefully remove
the shift lever override access cover, located on the
bottom of the cupholder.
5. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
6. Using the screwdriver or similar tool, press and hold
the shift lock lever down.
Shift Lever Override Access Cover
476 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

7. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
8. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
9. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover and
install the rubber liner into the cupholder.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the trans-
mission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles
may also be towed as described under “Recreational
Towing” in the “Starting and Operating” section.NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift™ must be
lowered to the Park (lowest) level, and have automatic
leveling disabled, before tying them down (from the
body) on a trailer or flatbed truck. Refer to the section on
Quadra-Lift™ for more information. If the vehicle cannot
be lowered to the Park level (for example, engine will not
run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause
fault codes to be set and/or loss of proper tie-down
tension.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 477

Towing Condition Wheels OFFthe Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Trans in
NEUTRAL
•30 mphmax(48 km/h)
•15 miles (24 km) maxdistance See instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”
•Trans in
PARK
•T/case in NEUTRAL
•To w i nforward direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly To w Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for the purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to
vehicles under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
478 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see Brake/
Transmission Interlock Manual Override (under Starting
and Operating, Automatic Transmission) for instructions
on shifting the automatic transmission out of the PARK
position for towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC position,
not in the LOCK position.
Towing Without the Ignition Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the
distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 479

CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with rear wheels on the ground can
cause severe damage to the transmission. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km), tow with the rear wheels OFFthe
ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a
flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised using a wheel lift
or towing dolly.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the
vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and
the opposite end on a towing dolly. If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transfer
case is operable, the vehicle may be towed (in the
forward direction, with
ALLwheels on the ground), IF
the transfer case is in NEUTRAL and the transmission is
in PARK. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
and Operating” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used.
Internal damage to the transmission or transfer
case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when towing.
•Failure to follow these towing methods could
result in damage to the transmission and/or trans-
fer case. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
480 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM – OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
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 indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 485

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 501