2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE check engine

Power Steering ....................... 459
▫ 3.6L Engine ........................ 459
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 460
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 461
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 462
 Parking Brake ........................ 462
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 464
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 464
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 465
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 465
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 466
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 467▫
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 470
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 471
▫ Ready Alert Braking – If Equipped ........ 473
▫ Rain Brake Support – If Equipped ........ 473
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel
Drive Models With MP3023 Two-Speed
Transfer Case Only ................... 474
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 476
 Tire Safety Information ................. 477
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 477
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 481
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 482
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 483
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STARTING AND OPERATING 409

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 vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving 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.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever rearward (with the brake
pedal released), after you have placed it in PARK.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 423

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 vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving 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.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever rearward (with the brake
pedal released), after you have placed it in PARK.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-hydraulic power
steering system that will give you good vehicle response
and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces.
The system will vary its assist to provide light efforts
while parking and good feel while driving. If the electro-
hydraulic power steering system experiences a fault that
prevents it from providing power steering assist, then the
system will provide mechanical steering capability.
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the electri-
cally driven pump to reduce or stop power steering
assistance in order to prevent damage to the system.
Normal operation will resume once the system is
allowed to cool.If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM”
message and a flashing icon are displayed on
the EVIC screen, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. It is
likely the vehicle has lost power steering assistance. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” mes-
sage and an icon are displayed on the EVIC screen, it
indicates that extreme steering maneuvers may have
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STARTING AND OPERATING 459

system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 461

Towing Tips
Before 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 towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped), or a lower gear range,
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or
selecting a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing 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 Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before towing
(5.7L engine).
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience 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.
536 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL
(N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid
gear clash.
7. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off,
release the NEUTRAL (N) button. 8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indicated by the
selector switch.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brake pedal.
11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
12. Start the engine.
13. Press and hold the brake pedal.
14. Release the parking brake.
15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake
pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
16. The Keyless Enter-N-Go button (if equipped) may
now be reinstalled if desired. Refer to “Starting
Procedures/Keyless Enter-N-Go” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information.
NEUTRAL (N) Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 545

the SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
576 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE