2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE steering

Overloading your vehicle, long trips in very hot
weather, and driving on bad roads may result in
greater wear.
Life Of TireThe service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result
in sudden tire failure. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected regularly for wear and correct inflation
pressure. The manufacturer strongly recom-
mends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in quality and performance when re-
placement is needed (see section on tread
wear indicators). Failure to use equivalent re-
placement tires may adversely affect the safety,
handling and ride of your vehicle. We recom-
mend that you contact your local authorized
dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other
than that specified for your vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, re-
sulting in changes to steering, handling,
and stress to steering and suspension
components. You could lose control and
have an accident resulting in serious injury
or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes
with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire smaller than the minimum
tire size listed on your vehicle’s tire placard
unless explicitly instructed to do so by the
vehicle manufacturer (reference tire chain
information in this manual). Using an
under-sized tire could result in tire over-
loading and failure.
•
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sud-
den tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
(Continued)
1—WornTire
2 — New Tire
255

WARNING!(Continued)
• Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like
under-inflation, overloading can cause tire
failure. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle — never overload
them.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings. This can also affect ve-
hicle performance and can do potential dam-
age to the driveline. Check with your dealer
before replacing tires with a different size.
Directional Tread Pattern Tires – If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with tires using
a directional tread pattern. These tires are
designed to optimize dry handling as well as
wet performance. To obtain the full benefits of
this design, the tires must be installed so that
they rotate in the correct direction. The rotation
direction of this type of tire is indicated by arrows on the side wall of the tire. The full size
spare tire is mounted as a direct replacement
for the right side of the vehicle. For a flat tire on
the left side of the vehicle, the full size spare
can be used as mounted. If this is required,
correct the rotation as soon as possible to
restore optimum wet performance.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Non-Directional Tires Only
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, handling, and braking functions. For
these reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation
of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such
as those on On/Off-Road type tires. Rotation
will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. More frequent
rotation is permissible if desired. The reasons
for any rapid or unusual wear should be cor-
rected prior to rotation being performed.
NOTE:
The premium Tire Pressure Monitor System
will automatically locate the pressure values
displayed in the correct vehicle position
following a tire rotation.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-
cross” shown in the following diagram.
Tire Rotation
256

the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing RequirementsTo promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at
full throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
•
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dy-
namic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle transmission in PARK. For four-
wheel drive vehicles, make sure the trans-
fer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block
or chock the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
271

Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground 4WD Models
Flat Tow NONESee instructions in “Recreational Towing” under “Starting and Operating”
•
Transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL
• To w i n forward direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL 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 equipment 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 bum-
pers or associated brackets. State and local
laws applying to vehicles under tow must be
observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, de-
frosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN position, not the ACC
position.
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 posi-
tion 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/OFF position.
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
5 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
298

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

Cavity Car-tridgeFuse Mini
Fuse Description
M7 20 Amp YellowPower Outlet #2
(Switchable)
M8 20 Amp
Yellow Front Heated
Seat & Steering
Wheel
M9 20 Amp
Yellow Rear Heated
Seats
M10 15 Amp
Blue Video/Universal
Garage Door
Opener
M11 10 Amp
Red Heating, Ventila-
tion & Air Condi-
tioning (Climate
Control System)
M12 30 Amp
Green Radio/Amplifier
M13 20 Amp
Yellow Instrument Clus-
ter
M14 20 Amp
Yellow Back Up Cam-
era–If
EquippedCavity Car-
tridgeFuse Mini
Fuse Description
M15 20 Amp YellowPower Seat
Module(s)/
Adaptive Cruise
Control/Audio
Telematics/
Daytime Run-
ning Lights
Relay/Air Sus-
pension Module/
Instrument Clus-
ter
M16 10 Amp RedOccupant Re-
straint Controller
M18 15 Amp
Blue Stop Lamp
M19 25 Amp
Natural Automatic Shut-
down 1 and 2
M20 15 Amp BlueInstrument Clus-
ter
M21 20 Amp YellowAutomatic Shut-
down 3Cavity Car-
tridgeFuse Mini
Fuse Description
M22 10 Amp RedHorns (Low/
High) – Right
M23 10 Amp
Red Horns (Low/
High) – Left
M24 25 Amp
Natural Rear Wiper
M25 20 Amp
Yellow Fuel Pump Mo-
tor Output/Diesel
Lift Pump (Ex-
port Only)
M26 10 Amp
Red Driver Door
Switch Bank
M27 10 Amp RedIgnition Switch/
Wireless Control
Module/Keyless
Entry Module
M28 15 Amp
Blue Powertrain
Controller/
Transmission
Controller
320

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Transfer Case MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
Axle Differential (Front-Rear) MOPARSynthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 (API-GL5) or equivalent with friction
modifier additive.
Axle Differential (Rear) – 5.7L Engine With
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-90 (API-GL5) or equivalent.
Axle Differential (Rear) – 5.7L Engine Without
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) MOPAR
Synthetic Gear & Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-85 (API-GL5) or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir – 3.6L Engine and
3.0L Diesel Engine MOPAR
Hydraulic Fluid or equivalent meeting MS-11655, such as Fuchs EG ZH 3044 or Pento-
sin CHF 11s.
Power Steering Reservoir – 5.7L Engine MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
licensed ATF+4 product.
329