2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE gas type

•If your liftgate is power closing and you
put the vehicle in gear, the liftgate will
continue to power close. However, ve-
hicle movement may result in a detection
of an obstruction.
WARNING!
•Driving with the liftgate open can allow
poisonous exhaust gases into your vehicle.
You and your passengers could be injured
by these fumes. Keep the liftgate closed
when you are operating the vehicle.
• If you are required to drive with the liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are
closed, and the climate control blower
switch is set at high speed. Do not use the
recirculation mode.
Gas props support the liftgate in the open
position. However, because the gas pressure
drops with temperature, it may be necessary to
assist the props when opening the liftgate in
cold weather.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTSSome of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
• Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the
driver and all passengers
• Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front
passenger
• Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR)
located on top of the front seats (integrated
into the head restraint)
• Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Cur-
tains (SABIC) for the driver and passengers
seated next to a window
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SAB)
• An energy-absorbing steering column and
steering wheel
• Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occu-
pant •
Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners
that may enhance occupant protection by
managing occupant energy during an im-
pact event
• All seat belt systems (except the driver’s and
front passenger) include Automatic Locking
Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt
webbing into position by extending the belt
all the way out and then adjusting the belt to
the desired length to restrain a child seat or
secure a large item in a seat — if equipped
If you will be carrying children too small for
adult-sized seat belts, the seat belts or the
ISOFIX feature also can be used to hold infant
and child restraint systems. Refer to ISOFIX —
Child Seat Anchorage System for more infor-
mation.
NOTE:
The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multi-
stage inflator design. This allows the air bag
to have different rates of inflation based on
the severity and type of collision.
Please pay close attention to the information in
this section. It tells you how to use your restraint
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Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag Inflator Units are located in the center of
the steering wheel and on the right side of the
instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the Advanced Front Air
Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quan-
tity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag
inflation rates are possible, based on the colli-
sion type and severity. The steering wheel hub
trim cover and the upper right side of the
instrument panel separate and fold out of the
way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The
air bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 millisec-
onds. This is about half of the time it takes to
blink your eyes. The air bags then quickly
deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented
through the vent holes in the sides of the air
bag. In this way, the air bags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
Inflator Unit
The Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
unit is located in the instrument panel trim
beneath the steering column. When the ORC
detects a collision requiring the air bag, it
signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag. The
trim cover separates and folds out of the way
allowing the air bag to inflate to the full size. The
air bag fully inflates in about 15 to 20 millisec-
onds.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag
(SAB) Inflator Units
The Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
are designed to activate only in certain side
collisions.
The ORC determines if a side collision requires
the side air bags to inflate, based on the
severity and type of collision.
Based on the severity and type of collision, the
side air bag inflator on the crash side of the
vehicle may be triggered, releasing a quantity
of non-toxic gas. The inflating SAB exitsthrough the seat seam into the space between
the occupant and the door. The SAB fully inflate
in about 10 milliseconds. The side air bag
moves at a very high speed and with such a
high force that it could injure you if you are not
seated properly, or if items are positioned in the
area where the side air bag inflates. This espe-
cially applies to children.
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable
Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units
During collisions where the impact is confined
to a particular area of the side of the vehicle,
the ORC may deploy the SABIC air bags,
depending on the severity and type of collision.
In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC
only on the impact side of the vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to
inflate the side curtain air bag. The inflating
side curtain air bag pushes the outside edge of
the headliner out of the way and covers the
window. The air bag inflates in about 30 milli-
seconds (about one-quarter of the time that it
takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to
injure you if you are not belted and seated
properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the side curtain air bag inflates. This
43

WARNING!(Continued)
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into
a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,
the fuel tank is full.
• Tighten the gas cap about one-quarter
turn until you hear one click. This is an
indication that the cap is properly tight-
ened.
• If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the
MIL will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refu-
eled.
Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release
If you are unable to open the fuel filler door, use
the fuel filler door emergency release.
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Push down on the inboard edge of the left
storage bin, this will pop up the outboard edge. 3. Grab popped up outboard edge with other
hand to disengage snaps.
4. Remove the storage bin.
5. Pull the release cable.
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.
TRAILER TOWINGIn this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information.
Release Cable
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) — withTrailer BrakeMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
without Trailer Brake Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L Gasoline 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)249 lbs (113 kg)
5.7L Gasoline 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
3.0L Diesel 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
Maximum trailer towing speed is limited to 62 mph (100 km/h) unless local laws require a lower speed.
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be consid-
ered as part of the combined weight of
occupants and cargo, and should never ex-
ceed the weight referenced on the Tire and
Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires
– General Information” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for further information.
Trailer And Tongue WeightAlways load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. Loads balanced over the
wheels, or heavier in the rear, can cause the
trailer to sway severelyside-to-side which will
cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents. Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your
trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•
The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options, or au-
thorized dealer-installed options, must be
considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the tire loading information
placard located on the drivers door pillar for
270

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

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.
304

The radiator normally remains completely full,
so there is no need to remove the radiator cap,
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze)
freeze point or replacing engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Advise your service attendant of this.
As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be
checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is
needed to maintain the proper level, it should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
miles (kilometers) of operation, you may
observe vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks,
the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will
soon dissipate.
•
Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
• Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze
point in the radiator and in the coolant recov-
ery bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, contents of coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, or if the level in the
coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at 50% HOAT engine coolant (anti-
freeze) (minimum) and distilled water for
proper corrosion protection of your engine,
which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the radiator and coolant
recovery bottle hoses are not kinked or ob-
structed. •
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be peri-
odically inspected. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly an accident. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
result in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
311