2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE overheating

•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated en-
gine condition. As temperatures rise
and the gauge approaches H,this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass H,a continuous chime will occur
until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera-
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information.
• Transmission Temperature Light
This light indicates that there is
excessive transmission fluid tem-
perature that might occur with se-
vere usage such as trailer towing.
It may also occur when operating
the vehicle in a high torque con-
verter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road opera- tion). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or faster, with the trans-
mission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Indicator illuminated will eventu-
ally cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated and you continue operat-
ing the vehicle, in some circumstances you
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust compo-
nents and cause a fire.
Engine Oil Change Indicator System
Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Due” message will flash in the EVIC display for
approximately 10 seconds after a single chime
has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indica-
tor system is duty cycle based, which means
the engine oil change interval may fluctuate,
dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to
display each time you turn the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position or cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position if equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go. To turn off the message temporar-
ily, press and release the MENU button. To
reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer
to the following procedure.
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless
Enter-N-Go
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the
ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start
the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly,
three times within 10 seconds.
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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.
229

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position. For example, if you shift the transmis-
sion into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down
into second and first gear normally.
Use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables
an additional underdrive gear which is not
normally used during through-gear accelera-
tions. This additional gear can improve vehicle
performance and cooling capability when tow-
ing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode,
gears 1 though 3 are underdrive gears, and
ERS 4 is direct drive. ERS 5 and 6 (Overdrive
gears ) are the same as the normal fourth and
fifth gears.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in
the DRIVE position, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically, shifting between all available
gears. Tapping the shift lever to the left (-) will
activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and maintain that gear
as the top available gear. Once in ERS mode,tapping the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+)
will change the top available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the
shift lever to the right (+) until “D” is once again
displayed in the shift lever position indicator in
the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing an accident or personal injury.
Screen
Display
123456D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1,2,4 1,2,
4,51,2,
4-6 1-5
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
press and hold the shift lever to the left (-).
The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down. Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth
gears). The transmission will automatically shift
into the Overdrive gear if the following condi-
tions are present:
•
the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an ad-
equate temperature,
• the engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accel-
erator, and
• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been acti-
vated.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans-
mission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL
switch to select TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to
230

Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area
away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in
this range, the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped),
or a lower gear range, should be selected.
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or se-
lecting a lower gear range (using the Elec-tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control)
while operating the vehicle under heavy op-
erating conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before
towing (5.7L engine).
To avoid transmission overheating, when
towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph (32 km/h) or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the
ERS shift control) is recommended (5.7L
Models Only).
274

Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you expe-rience speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL and increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily. Trailer Hitch Attaching Points
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow
a trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow
hitch must be attached to your vehicle using
the provided attaching points on the vehicle’s
frame. Refer to the following chart to determine
the accurate attaching points. Other equip-
ment, such as trailer sway controls and braking
equipment, trailer equalizing (leveling) equip-
ment and low profile mirrors, may also be
required or strongly recommended.Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching Points And
Overhang Dimensions
Fixed, Detach andRetractable Hitch
A 1.85 ft. (565 mm)
B 2.09 ft. (636 mm)
C 2.32 ft. (707 mm)
D 2.4 ft. (733 mm)
E 1.62 ft. (494 mm)
F 1.47 ft. (447 mm)
275

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERSThe Hazard Warning flasher switch is located
on the switch bank just above the climate
controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard
Warning flasher. When the switch is
activated, all directional turn signals will
flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a
second time to turn off the Hazard Warning
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it
should not be used when the vehicle is in
motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and it is creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assis-
tance, the Hazard Warning flashers will con-
tinue to operate even though the ignition is
placed in the OFF position.
NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning
flashers may wear down your battery.IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATSIn any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the
transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not in-
crease the engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow
down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it
off. The A/C system adds heat to the
engine cooling system and turning the
A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control
to maximum heat, the mode control to
floor and the blower control to high. This
allows the heater core to act as a supple-
ment to the radiator and aids in removing
heat from the engine cooling system.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could dam-
age your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned
off until the pointer drops back into the normal
range. If the pointer remains on HOT (H), and
you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine
off immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming
from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
282

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmis-
sion failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not
spin the wheels faster than 15 mph
(24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels
too fast may lead to transmission overheat-
ing and failure. It can also damage the tires.
Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission
shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle and
tires. A tire could explode and injure someone.
Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 sec-
onds continuously without stopping when you
are stuck and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
TOW EYESYour vehicle is equipped with tow eyes, which
are mounted in the front and the rear.
CAUTION!
Tow eyes are for emergency use only, to
rescue a vehicle stranded off road. Do not use
tow eyes for tow truck hookup or highway
towing. You could damage your vehicle. Tow
straps are recommended when towing the
vehicle; chains may cause vehicle damage.
WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow
eyes. Tow straps and chains may break, caus-
ing serious injury.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDEIf a malfunction occurs and the shift lever
cannot be moved out of the PARK position, you
can use the following procedure to temporarily
move the shift lever:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine OFF.
3. Remove the rubber liner from the cupholder
(located next to the shifter on the center con-
sole).
4. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, carefully
remove the shift lever override access cover,
located on the bottom of the cupholder.
290

Jump Starting..............287
Engine Air Cleaner ................304
Break-In Recommendations .......55
Compartment .........298,299,300
Compartment Identification . . 298,299,300
Cooling ..................308
Exhaust Gas Caution .........29,56
Fails to Start ...............218
Flooded, Starting ............218
Fuel Requirements .........262,326
Jump Starting ..............287
Multi-Displacement ...........244
Oil .................. 302,326
Oil Change Interval ...........302
Oil Disposal ...............304
Oil Filter .................304
Oil Selection .......... 302,303,326
Oil Synthetic ...............303
Overheating ...............282
Starting ..................216
Temperature Gauge ...........164
Engine Oil Viscosity ............303
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ........303
Enhanced Accident Response Feature . . 44
Entry System, Illuminated ..........17
Ethanol ...................263 Event Data Recorder
............46
Exhaust Gas Caution ........29,56,307
Exhaust System ............ 56,307
Exterior Finish Care ............316
Exterior Lights ................58
Filters Air Cleaner ................304
Engine Oil ................304
Finish Care .................316
Flashers ..................282
Hazard Warning .............282
Turn Signal ......... 58,160,323,324
Flipper Glass, Liftgate ...........27
Flooded Engine Starting .........218
Fluid Capacities ..............326
Fluid Leaks .................58
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....313,314,315
Brake ...................312
Engine Oil ................302
Power Steering .............243
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts . . 327
Fog Light Service .............323
Fog Lights ............ 108,160,323
Fog

Lights, Rear ..............164 Folding Rear Seat
.............100
Forward Collision Warning . . . 129,170,180
Four Wheel Drive ........... 231,234
Operation ................231
Systems .................231
Four Wheel Drive Operation .......231
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .........282
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..........289
Front Axle (Differential) ..........312
Fuel .....................262
Additives .................264
Conserving ................173
Diesel ..................264
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ........265,266
Gasoline .................262
Gauge ..................163
Light ...................170
Octane Rating ..............262
Requirements ..............326
Saver Mode ...............173
Tank Capacity ..............326
Fuel Optimizer ...............173
Fuel Saver .................173
Fuel System Caution ............265
Fuses ....................318
368