2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE clutch

If the transmission operating temperature ex-
ceeds normal operating limits, the powertrain
controller will modify the transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque con-
verter clutch engagement. This is done to pre-
vent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
“Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may
illuminate and the transmission may downshift
out of Overdrive until the transmission cools
down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily
loaded vehicle at low speeds (such as tow-
ing a trailer up a steep grade, or in stop-
and-go traffic) during hot weather. In these
conditions, torque converter slip can im-
pose a significant additional heat load on
the cooling system. Downshifting the trans-
mission to the lowest possible gear (when
climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL
(when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to
reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera-
tion may be modified depending on engine andtransmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of both the torque
converter clutch and the top overdrive gear are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm
(refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold
temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), opera-
tion may briefly be limited to first and direct
gears only. Normal operation will resume once
the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission dam-
age, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti-
vated. In this mode, the transmission remains in
direct gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home
Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF
position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmis-
sion will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible conve-
nience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem
could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.
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excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/
HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are de-
layed, and the transmission will automatically
downshift (for engine braking) during steady
braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pressing the
switch a second time restores normal opera-
tion. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch
automatically disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not en-
gage, and the transmission will not shift
into the top overdrive gear, until the trans-
mission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to
4.8 km) of driving]. Because top gear is
disabled, and engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting properly when cold.
This is normal. Using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) feature, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able
to shift into and out of Overdrive. •
If the vehicle has not been driven for
several days, the first few seconds of
operation after shifting the transmission
into gear may seem sluggish. This is due
to the fluid partially draining from the
torque converter into the transmission.
This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five sec-
onds after starting the engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac II Operating
Instructions/Precautions
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully auto-
matic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode.
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case provides
three mode positions:
• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD
HI mode.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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Shifting Procedures
4WD HI to 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD LOW” button
once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD
LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will begin to flash and remain on solid when the
shift is complete.NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or
a transfer case motor temperature protec-
tion condition exists, a “For 4x4 Low Slow
Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans in N Press
4 Low” will flash from the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD LOW” button
once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD
LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete.
NOTE:
•
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met,
or a transfer case motor temperature pro-
tection condition exists, a “For 4x4 High
Slow Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans in N Press 4 Low” message will flash from
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
• Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is pos-
sible with the vehicle completely stopped;
however, difficulty may occur due to the
mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be re-
quired for clutch teeth alignment and shift
completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to
3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is
moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h), the
transfer case will not allow the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position,
engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
Transfer Case Switch
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