2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE manual transmission

INTRODUCTIONCongratulations on selecting your new Chrysler
Group LLC vehicle. Be assured that it repre-
sents precision workmanship, distinctive styl-
ing, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go
places and perform tasks that conventional
passenger cars are not intended. It handles
and maneuvers differently from many passen-
ger cars both on-road and off-road, so take
time to become familiar with your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was
designed for on-road use only. It is not intended
for off-road driving or use in other severe con-
ditions suited for a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Owner’s Manual and all the Supplements. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering,
and transmission and transfer case shifting.
Learn how your vehicle handles on different
road surfaces. Your driving skills will improve
with experience, but as in driving any vehicle,
take it easy as you begin. When driving off-roador working the vehicle, don’t overload it or
expect it to overcome the forces of nature.
Always observe local laws wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or a collision. Be sure to read the
“On-Road/ Off-Road Driving Tips” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
NOTE:
After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for conve-
nient referencing and remain with the ve-
hicle when sold.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or a collision.
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds or
while intoxicated may result in loss of control,
collision with other vehicles or objects, going
off the road, or overturning; any of which may
lead to serious injury or death. Also, failure to
use seat belts subjects the driver and passen-
gers to a greater risk of injury or death.
To keep your vehicle running at its best, have
your vehicle serviced at recommended inter-vals by an authorized dealer or distributor who
has the qualified personnel, special tools and
equipment to perform all service.
The manufacturer and its distributors are vitally
interested in your complete satisfaction with
this vehicle. If you encounter a service or
warranty problem which is not resolved to your
satisfaction, discuss the matter with your autho-
rized dealer or distributor’s management.
Your authorized dealer or distributor will be
happy to assist you with any questions about
your vehicle.
ROLLOVER WARNINGUtility vehicles have a significantly higher roll-
over rate than other types of vehicles. This
vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a
higher center of gravity than many passenger
cars. It is capable of performing better in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in
an unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of
control. Because of the higher center of gravity,
if this vehicle is out of control it may roll over
when some other vehicles may not.
4

WARNING!
•An incorrectly anchored tether strap could
lead to increased head motion and possible
injury to the child. Use only the anchor
positions directly behind the child seat to
secure a child restraint top tether strap.
• Do not use the cargo tie downs located on
the load floor. Improper usage of the tether
can lead to a failure of an infant or child
restraint. The child could be badly injured
or killed. Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm
your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown
about and possibly injured, or injure a passen-
ger during panic braking or in an accident. Pets
should be restrained in the rear seat in pet
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by
seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle accel-
eration in low gear can be detrimental and
should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent
with anticipated climate conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera-
tion. This should be considered a normal part
of the break-in and not interpreted as an indi-
cation of difficulty.
Additional Requirements For Diesel
Engine — If Equipped
During the first 1500 km avoid heavy loads, e.g.
driving at full throttle. Do not exceed 2/3 of the
maximum permissible engine speed for each
gear. Change gear in good time. Do not shift
down a gear manually in order to brake.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE
CARGO AREA.
Top Tether Strap Mounting
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1. Turn the ignition switch ON.
2. Press the UP or DOWN button until the
System Setup (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures) menu is reached, then press the SELECT
button.
3. Press the DOWN button until the “Compass
Variance” message is displayed in the EVIC,
then press the SELECT button. The last vari-
ance zone number displays in the EVIC.
4. Press and release the SELECT button until
the proper variance zone is selected, accord-
ing to the map.
5. Press and release the BACK button to exit.
Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears erratic and the CAL
indicator does not appear in the EVIC display,
you must put the compass into the Calibration
Mode manually, as follows:
NOTE:
For the most accurate compass perfor-
mance, the compass variance must be set
before performing the manual compass cali-
bration. The variance should be set for thezone where the vehicle is driven, per the
zone map. For further information, refer to
“Compass Variance.”
1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
2. Press the UP or DOWN button until the
Setup (Customer-Programmable Features)
menu is reached, then press the SELECT but-
ton.
3. Press the DOWN button until “Calibrate
Compass” is displayed in the EVIC.
4. Press and release the SELECT button to
start the calibration. The “CAL” indicator will be
displayed in the EVIC.
5. Complete one or more 360–degree turns (in
an area free from large metal or metallic ob-
jects) until the “CAL” indicator turns off. The
compass will now function normally.
Customer-Programmable Features
(System Setup)
Personal Settings allows you to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK. If
the transmission is out of PARK or the vehicle
begins moving, a warning message
SETUPNOT AVAILABLE,
is followed in three seconds
by, VEHICLE NOT IN PARK.
Press and release the UP or DOWN button until
Setup displays in the EVIC.
Use the UP or DOWN button to display one of
the following choices.
Select Language
When in this display you may select one of five
languages for all display nomenclature, includ-
ing the trip functions and the navigation system
(if equipped). Press the UP or DOWN button
while in this display and scroll through the
language choices. Press the SELECT button to
select English, Spanish (Español), French
(Français), Italian (Italiano), German (Deutsch),
and Dutch (Nederlands). Then, as you con-
tinue, the information will display in the se-
lected language.
Nav–Turn By Turn
When this feature is selected, the navigation
system utilizes voice commands, guiding
through the drive route, mile by mile, turn-by-
turn until the final destination is reached. To
make your selection, press and release the
SELECT button until a check-mark appears
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when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position
and once removed the shift lever is locked in
PARK.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmis-
sion Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the
shift lever in the PARK position unless the
brakes are applied. To move the shift lever out
of the PARK position, the ignition switch must
be turned to the ON/RUN position (engine
running or not) and the brake pedal must be
pressed.
Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
(3.6L and 3.0L Diesel Engine) — If
Equipped
The shift lever position display (located in the
instrument panel cluster) indicates the trans-
mission gear range. You must press the brake
pedal to move the shift lever out of the PARK
position (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift In-
terlock System” in this section). To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the
DRIVE position.The electronically-controlled transmission pro-
vides a precise shift schedule. The transmis-
sion electronics are self-calibrating; therefore,
the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
should be done only after the accelerator pedal
is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure
to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
moving the shift lever between these gears.
The transmission shift lever has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift posi-
tions. Manual downshifts can be made using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)” in this
section). Moving the shift lever to the left or right
(-/+) while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear in the instrument cluster as 4,
3, 2, 1.
Gear RangesDO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may
place the shift lever in the PARK position first,
and then apply the parking brake.
Shift Lever
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Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fifth gear). The
transmission will automatically shift into the
Overdrive gear if the following conditions are
present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accel-
erator.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
(5.7L Engine) — If Equipped
The shift lever position display (located in the
instrument panel cluster) indicates the trans-
mission gear range. You must press the brake
pedal to move the shift lever out of the PARK
position (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift In-
terlock System” in this section). To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the
DRIVE position. The electronically-controlled transmission pro-
vides a precise shift schedule. The transmis-
sion electronics are self-calibrating; therefore,
the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
should be done only after the accelerator pedal
is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure
to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
moving the shift lever between these gears.
The transmission shift lever has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift posi-
tions. Manual downshifts can be made using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)” in this
section). Moving the shift lever to the left or right
(-/+) while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear in the instrument cluster as 6,
5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Gear RangesDO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may
place the shift lever in the PARK position first,
and then apply the parking brake.
Shift Lever
226

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

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.
292