2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Owner handbook (in English)

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 emis-
sions, engine, and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. When these systems are operat-
ing properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current govern-
ment regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the
OBD II system will turn on the “Malfunction
Indicator Light” (MIL). It will also store diagnos-
tic codes and other information to assist your
service technician in making repairs. Although
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 con-
trol 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 indica-
tor will display in the EVIC telltale
display area. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the problem continues, the mes-
sage will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel
filler cap may also turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL).
REPLACEMENT PARTSUse of genuine MOPAR
parts for normal/
scheduled maintenance and repairs is highly
recommended to ensure the designed perfor-
mance. Damage or failures caused by the use
of non-MOPAR parts for maintenance and
repairs will not be covered by the manufactur-
er’s warranty.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURESThe pages that follow contain the required
maintenance services determined by the engi-
neers who designed your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in
the fixed maintenance schedule, there are
other components which may require servicing
or replacement in the future.
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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.
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CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil
as the chemicals can damage your engine.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Engine Oil Selection – ACEA Categories
For countries that use the ACEA European Oil
Categories for Service Fill Oils, use engine oils
that meet the requirements of ACEA C3, and
that are approved to MB 229.31 or MB 229.51.
Engine Oil Viscosity – 3.6L Engine
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures. This engine oil im-
proves low temperature starting and vehicle
fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recom-
mended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location,
refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information. Engine Oil Viscosity – 5.7L Engine
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all
operating temperatures. This engine oil im-
proves low temperature starting and vehicle
fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recom-
mended engine oil viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location,
refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
NOTE:
SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to MB
229.31 or MB 229.51 may be used when SAE
5W-20 engine oil is not available.
Engine Oil – Diesel Engine
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection
under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that
meet the requirements of Chrysler Material
Standard MS-11106, and that are approved to
Mercedes Benz MB 229.31 or MB 229.51 and
ACEA C3.Engine Oil Viscosity
CAUTION!
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
technology Diesel Engine and an emission
device designed to limit Diesel Particulate
Emissions from being released into the atmo-
sphere. The durability of your engine and life
expectancy of this diesel particulate filter
emission device is highly dependent on the
use of the correct engine oil.
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Low Ash Engine Oil is
recommended for all operating temperatures.
This engine oil improves low temperature start-
ing and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recom-
mended engine oil viscosity for your engine.
For information on engine oil filler cap location,
refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Synthetic Engine OilsYou may use synthetic engine oils provided the
recommended oil quality requirements are met,
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and the recommended maintenance intervals
for oil and filter changes are followed.
Materials Added To Engine OilsDo not add supplemental materials, other than
leak detection dyes, to the engine oil. Engine oil
is an engineered product, and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle. Used
oil and oil filters, indiscriminately discarded,
can present a problem to the environment.
Contact your local authorized dealer, service
station, or governmental agency for advice on
how and where used oil and oil filters can be
safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil FilterThe engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
The manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow
type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacementfilters varies considerably. Only high-quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR
engine oil filters are high-
quality oil filters and are recommended.
Engine Air Cleaner FilterRefer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one
is near the engine compartment before start-
ing the vehicle with the air induction system
(air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to
do so can result in serious personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service. MOPAR
engine air cleaner filters are
a high quality filter and are recommended.
Maintenance-Free BatteryYour vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-
free battery. You will never have to add water,
nor is periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the bat-
tery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
• Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
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CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is at-
tached to the positive post, and the nega-
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked (+) positive and
(-) negative and identified on the battery
case.
• If a “fast charger” is used while battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery
cables before connecting the charger to the
battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to
provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner MaintenanceFor best possible performance, your air condi-
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt condition should also be checked at
this time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air con-
ditioning system as the chemicals can dam-
age your air conditioning components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri-
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
• The air conditioning system contains refrig-
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced repairman. NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C Sys-
tem Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Con-
ditioners, Compressor Oil, and Refrigerants.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is
an ozone-saving product. However, the manu-
facturer recommends that air conditioning ser-
vice be performed by authorized dealers or
other service facilities using recovery and recy-
cling equipment.
Body LubricationLocks and all body pivot points, including such
items as seat tracks, door hinge pivot points
and rollers, liftgate, tailgate, sliding doors and
hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically
with a lithium based grease, such as MOPAR
Spray White Lube or equivalent to assure quiet,
easy operation and to protect against rust and
wear. Prior to the application of any lubricant,
the parts concerned should be wiped clean to
remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess
oil and grease should be removed. Particular
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attention should also be given to hood latching
components to ensure proper function. When
performing other underhood services, the hood
latch, release mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubri-
cated twice a year, preferably in the Fall and
Spring. Apply a small amount of a high quality
lubricant, such as MOPARLock Cylinder Lu-
bricant or equivalent directly into the lock cyl-
inder.
Windshield Wiper BladesClean the rubber edges of the wiper blades
and the windshield periodically with a sponge
or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner to
remove accumulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long
periods may cause deterioration of the wiper
blades. Always use washer fluid when using
the wipers to remove salt or dirt from a dry
windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to wipe frost or
ice from the windshield. Keep the blade rubber
out of contact with petroleum products such as
engine oil, gasoline, etc. NOTE:
Life expectancy of wiper blades varies de-
pending on geographical area and fre-
quency of use. Poor performance of blades
may be present with chattering, marks, wa-
ter lines or wet spots. If any of these condi-
tions are present, clean the wiper blades or
replace as necessary.
Rear Wiper Blade Removal/Installation
1. Lift the pivot cap on the rear wiper arm
upward, this will allow the rear wiper blade to
be raised off of the liftgate glass.
NOTE:
The rear wiper arm cannot be raised fully
upward unless the pivot cap is raised first.
2. Lift the rear wiper arm upward to raise the
wiper blade off of the liftgate glass.
3. Grab the bottom of the wiper blade and
rotate it forward to unsnap the blade pivot pin
from the wiper blade holder.
1 — Wiper Arm
2 — Pivot Cap
1 — Wiper Blade
2 — Blade Pivot Pin
3 — Wiper Arm
4 — Wiper Blade Holder
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4. Install the wiper blade pivot pin into the
wiper blade holder at the end of the wiper arm,
and firmly press the wiper blade until it snaps
into place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot
cap into place.
Adding Washer FluidThe fluid reservoir for the windshield washers
and the rear window washer is shared. The fluid
reservoir is located in the engine compartment,
be sure to check the fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will
help blade performance. To prevent freeze-up
of your windshield washer system in cold
weather, select a solution or mixture that meets
or exceeds the temperature range of your cli-
mate. This rating information can be found on
most washer fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.
Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle; or when the under-
side or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have an
authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or misposi-
tioned parts. Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, inspect
the exhaust system each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon-
scious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety Tips/
Exhaust Gas” in “Things To Do Before Starting
Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will de-
stroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and cause seri-
ous damage to the engine.
Under normal operating conditions, the cata-
lytic converter will not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine
properly tuned to assure proper catalyst opera-
tion and prevent possible catalyst damage.
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CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your ve-
hicle serviced promptly. Continued operation
of your vehicle with a severe malfunction
could cause the converter to overheat, result-
ing in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions con-
trol systems can result in civil penalties
being assessed against you.WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such ma-
terials might be grass or leaves coming into
contact with your exhaust system. Do not park
or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, includ-
ing a tuneup to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
• 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 malfunc-
tioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant
(antifreeze). Check the front of the A/C con-
denser for any accumulation of bugs, leaves,
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