2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE service indicator

Downshifting the transmission 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 operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum 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), operation 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 electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illu-
minated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging 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.
436 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT Safety
Standards Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 477

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon various
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
494 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM – OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
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 indicator
will display in the EVIC telltale display area.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 575

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S628 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo Area Features...................... 268
Cargo Compartment ...................... 268
Light ............................. 270
Cargo Light ............................ 270
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 273
Cellular Phone ....................... 121,394
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 621
Certification Label ....................... 521
Chains, Tire ............................ 496
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 549
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 479
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 576
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 94
Checks, Safety ........................... 94
Child Restraint .................... 81,84,86,89
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............85,86
Child Safety Locks ........................ 35
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 510 Cleaning
Wheels ............................ 607
Climate Control ......................... 394
Clock ............................. 330,339
Cold Weather Operation ................... 417
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 393
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 491
Compass .............................. 317
Compass Calibration ..................... 319
Compass Variance ....................... 318
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 314
Connector UCI .............................. 353
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 353
Conserving Fuel ......................... 311
Console, Overhead ....................... 240
Contract, Service ........................ 649
658 INDEX

Light Bulbs............................. 98
Lights .............................. 98,180
Airbag ...................... 74,79,96,285
Anti-Lock .......................... 292
Automatic Headlights ................. 181
Back-Up ........................... 620
Brake Assist Warning .................. 476
Brake Warning ...................... 290
Bulb Replacement .................... 617
Cargo ............................. 270
Center Mounted Stop .................. 621
Daytime Running .................... 183
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 180
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . 476
Exterior ............................ 98
Fog ............................ 287,619
Fuses ............................. 610
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 548
Headlights ...................... 617,618Headlights On With Wipers
............. 181
High Beam Indicator .................. 287
Hill Descent Control Indicator ........... 287
Illuminated Entry ..................... 23
Low Fuel .......................... 306
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 285
Map Reading ....................... 186
Reading ........................ 186,240
Rear Servicing ....................... 620
Rear Tail ........................... 620
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 290
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 293
Service ............................ 617
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 285
Side Marker ........................ 620
SmartBeams ........................ 182
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 288
Tow/Haul Indicator .................. 287
10
INDEX 665