2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE steering

•After Driving Off-Road ..................... 241
• POWER STEERING ......................... 242
• 3.6L And 5.7L Engine ...................... 242
• 3.0L Diesel Engine ....................... 242
• Power Steering Fluid Check .................. 243
• MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS)
(IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY .............. 244
• PARKING BRAKE .......................... 244
• ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ........... 245
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ 245
• Traction Control System (TCS) ................ 246
• Brake Assist System (BAS) .................. 246
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............... 246
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .............. 247
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) .................. 248
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) ..................... 249
• Ready Alert Braking ...................... 250
• Rain Brake Support ....................... 250
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel Drive Models
With MP3023 Two-Speed Transfer Case Only ........ 250
• ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC OFF
Indicator Light .......................... 251
213

Selec-Terrain™ consists of the following posi-
tions:
•Sport – Dry weather, on-road calibration.
Only available in 4WD High range. Perfor-
mance based tuning that provides a rear
wheel drive feel but with improved handling
and acceleration over a two-wheel drive ve-
hicle. The Electronic Stability Control will set
to allow more driver control of vehicle while
maintaining safe handling controls. The ve-
hicle will lower (if equipped with Air Suspen-
sion) to Aero Mode in High Range. 4WD Low
is not available in SPORT mode, if 4WD Low
is selected the Selec-Terrain™ will automati-
cally 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 oper-
ating 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 improved handling and accel-
eration 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 trac-
tion. Some binding may be felt on less for-
giving surfaces. The electronic brake con-
trols are set to limit traction control
management 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. Activate the Hill
Descent Control for steep downhill control.
Use for low speed obstacles such as large
rocks, deep ruts, etc. If equipped with air
suspension, the vehicle level will change to
Off-Road 2. If the Selec-Terrain™ switch is in
ROCK mode, and the transfer case is
switched from 4WD Low to 4WD High, the
Selec-Terrain™ system will return to AUTO.
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a mes-
sage will appear in the EVIC display. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
235

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

WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent ac-
cidents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of
an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be ex-
ploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin
of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, brake pressure is applied to the
slipping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced
to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
A feature of the TCS system, Brake Limited
Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited-
slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven
axle is spinning faster than the other, the sys-tem will apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque to be applied
to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature
remains active even if ESC system is in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Brake Assist System (BAS)The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Apply-
ing the brakes very quickly results in the best
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the
system, you must apply
continuousbraking
pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from ex-
cessive speed in turns, driving on very slip-
pery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabili-
ties of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)This system anticipates the potential for wheel
lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM
determines that the rate of change of the steer-
ing wheel angle and vehicle speed are suffi-
cient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the brake of the appropriate wheel and
may also reduce engine power to lessen the
chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving
maneuvers.
246

ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift
occurring during severe or evasive driving ma-
neuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to
other factors such as road conditions, leaving
the roadway or striking objects or other ve-
hicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence
the chance that wheel lift or rollover may
occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or
rollovers, especially those that involve leaving
the roadway or striking objects or other ve-
hicles. The capabilities of an ERM-equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and
stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or
understeering of the vehicle by applying the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist incounteracting the oversteer or understeer con-
dition. Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
•
Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel po-
sition.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel po-
sition.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” located in the instrument cluster will start
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when the TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” begins
to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as pos- sible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from act-
ing on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road condi-
tions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
The ESC system has two available operating
modes in 4WD HIGH range, and one operating
mode in 4WD LOW range.
High Range (Four-Wheel Drive Models)
On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in
4WD HIGH range. Whenever the vehicle is 247

•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the
ESC system will be ON even if it was
turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is active. This is
normal; the sounds will stop when ESC
becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” in-
dicates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Three primary areas are affected by improper
tire pressure: Safety
WARNING!
•
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause accidents.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and
can result in tire failure.
• Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuck holes can cause damage that results
in tire failure.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can af-
fect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended pressure. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread.
These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire
replacement. Under-inflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable
ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and un-
comfortable ride. Both under-inflation and over-
inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and
can produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and
unpredictable steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
252