2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE check engine

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, other-
wise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
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.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not completely in PARK.
Check by trying to move the shift lever
rearward (with the brake pedal released),
after you have placed it in PARK. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit some-
one or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always apply the parking brake,
shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, the shift lever is locked in the
PARK position, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in
or near the vehicle, and do not leave Key-
less Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition switch from the
LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, and also press the brake pedal. Oth-
erwise, damage to the shift lever could
result.
(Continued)
223

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, other-
wise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
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.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not completely in PARK.
Check by trying to move the shift lever
rearward (with the brake pedal released),
after you have placed it in PARK. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit some-
one or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always apply the parking brake,
shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, the shift lever is locked in the
PARK position, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allow-
ing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally in-
jured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in or
near the vehicle, and do not leave Keyless
Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode.
A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition switch from the
LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, and also press the brake pedal. Oth-
erwise, damage to the shift lever could
result.
(Continued)
227

NOTE:
Your vehicle is capable of water fording in
up to 20 inches (51 cm) of water, while
crossing small rivers or streams. To main-
tain optimal performance of your vehicle’s
heating and ventilation system it is recom-
mended to switch the system into recircula-
tion mode during water fording.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering, as a precaution, and check all
fluids afterward. Driving through water may
cause damage that may not be covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to
determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to enter-
ing. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than 5 mph
(8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave ef-
fects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in
storm run-off), avoid crossing until the water
level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If
you must cross flowing water avoid depths in
excess of 9 inches (23 cm). The flowing water
can erode the streambed, causing your vehicle
to 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 inches (51 cm), and reduce speed appro-
priately to minimize wave effects. Maximum
speed in 20 inches (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) shouldbe 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 forward
motion. 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.
240

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.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of
braking control. Avoid repeated heavy braking
by downshifting the transmission whenever
possible.
After Driving Off-RoadOff-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to
check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness,
particularly on the chassis, drivetrain com-
ponents, steering, and suspension. Re-
tighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake
hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller
shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the ra-
diator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake lin-
ings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned
as soon as possible.
241

WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking power
when you need it to prevent a collision. If you
have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material. Im-
pacted material can cause a wheel imbal-
ance and freeing the wheels of it will correct
the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L And 5.7L Engine
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 inter-
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will ob-
serve 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 nor-
mal and do not indicate that there is a
problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering 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 ob-
tained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will in-
crease the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.
3.0L Diesel EngineYour vehicle is equipped with an electro-
hydraulic power steering system that will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electro-hydraulic power steering system expe-
riences a fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system will
provide mechanical steering capability.
242

CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the
electrically driven pump to reduce or stop
power steering assistance in order to prevent
damage to the system. Normal operation will
resume once the system is allowed to cool.If the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM” message and a
flashing icon are displayed on the
EVIC screen, it indicates that the
vehicle needs to be taken to the
dealer for service. It is likely the
vehicle has lost power steering assistance.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM OVER
TEMP” message and an icon are displayed on
the EVIC screen, it indicates that extreme steer-
ing maneuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. You will lose power
steering assistance momentarily until the over
temperature condition no longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, then pull over and
let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light
turns off. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•
Even if power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to
steer the vehicle. Under these conditions
there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low ve-
hicle speeds and during parking maneu-
vers.
• If the condition persists, see your autho-
rized dealer for service.
Power Steering Fluid CheckChecking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The
fluid should only be checked if a leak is sus-
pected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or
the system is not functioning as anticipated.
Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
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.
243

Towing TipsBefore 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 tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in
this range, the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped),
or a lower gear range, should be selected.
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or se-
lecting a lower gear range (using the Elec-tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control)
while operating the vehicle under heavy op-
erating conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive 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 avoid transmission overheating, when
towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph (32 km/h) or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the
ERS shift control) is recommended (5.7L
Models Only).
274

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or
perform repairs and service when neces-
sary could result in more costly repairs,
damage to other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by
an authorized dealership or qualified repair
center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved
fluids that protect the performance and
durability of your vehicle and also allow
extended maintenance intervals. Do not
use chemical flushes in these components
as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is
needed because of component malfunc-
tion, use only the specified fluid for the
flushing procedure.Engine Oil – Gasoline Engines
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s
engine, the engine oil must be maintained at
the correct level. The best time to check the
engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed up engine is shut off or before starting
the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level
readings. Maintain the oil level in the SAFE level
range. Adding 1 U.S. Quart (0.95L) of oil when
the level is at the bottom of the SAFE range will
result in the level being at the top of the SAFE
range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine. Change Engine Oil
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Engine Oil Selection – Non ACEA
Categories
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer only recommends engine oils
that are API certified and meet the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine
Oil Identification Symbol
This symbol
means that the oil
has been certified
by the American
Petroleum Institute
(API). The manu-
facturer only rec-
ommends API
Certified engine
oils.
302