2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE towing

vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH,this indicator will illuminate and a
single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to
passH,the indicator will continuously flash and a
continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed
to cool.
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 ve-
hicle. If the temperature 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 Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may
also occur when operating the vehicle in a high
torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the
light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to
boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 307

▫Full Size Spare – If Equipped............ 423
▫Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped......... 423
▫TireSpinning ....................... 424
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 424
▫LifeOfTire ........................ 425
▫Replacement Tires.................... 426
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 427
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 428
▫Premium System.................... 431
▫General Information.................. 435
Fuel Requirements..................... 435
▫6.4L Engine........................ 435
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 436▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 436
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 437
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 437
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 438
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 438
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 439
Adding Fuel......................... 440
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 440
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 443
Vehicle Loading...................... 443
▫Certification Label................... 443
TrailerTowing ........................ 446
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 446
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STARTING AND OPERATING 373

▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 449
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)..................... 450
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 451▫Towing Requirements................. 452
▫TowingTips ........................ 455
Recreational Towing (Behind
Motorhome, Etc.)...................... 457
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
and third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the “AutoStick” mode
(refer to “AutoStick” in this section) to select a lower
gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 387

NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When to Use TOW Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, select TOW mode, using the rotary switch on the
center console. Selecting TOW mode will improve per-
formance and reduce the potential for transmission over-
heating or failure due to excessive shifting. Refer to
“Selec-Terrain” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
AUTOSTICK
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission feature
that offers manual gear shifting to provide you with more
control of the vehicle. AutoStickallows you to maximize
engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 389

This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap
the shift lever to the right or left (+/-) while in the DRIVE
position, or tap one of the steering wheel-mounted shift
paddles (+/-). Tapping (-) to enter AutoStickmode will
downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, while
using (+) to enter AutoStickmode will retain the current
gear. When AutoStickis active, the current transmission
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster. In AutoStick
mode, the transmission will shift up or down when (+/-)
is manually selected by the driver (using the shift lever,or the shift paddles), unless an engine lugging or over-
speed condition would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen, except as described below.
•Normally, in AutoStickmode, the transmission will
automatically shift up when maximum engine speed is
reached. If, however, AutoStickis engaged while in
SPORT mode, the transmission will remain in the
selected gear even when maximum engine speed is
reached. The transmission will upshift only when
commanded by the driver.
•The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Auto– Fully automatic full time four-wheel drive
operation can be used on and off road. Balances
traction with seamless steering feel to provide im-
proved handling and acceleration over two-wheel
drive vehicles. The active suspension system will be in
Touring Mode.
•Track– Track road calibration for use on high traction
surfaces. Driveline is maximized for traction. Some
binding may be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The
electronic brake controls are set to Partial OFF to limit
traction control management of throttle and wheel
spin.
The customer has the option of going to FULL OFF
with no interaction from the ESC System. The active
suspension system will be in Full Firm mode. A green
flag will light up in the instrument cluster.
•To w– Use this mode for towing. Vehicle suspension
will go to Firm mode and peak power will be limitedin the engine controls. When the suspension is in Firm
Mode, a green flag will light up in the cluster. Trailer
sway control is enabled in the ESC system. The terrain
switch will remain in this position through an ignition
cycle until the customer cycles into another position.
Active Dampening System
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
dampening system. This system reduces body roll and
pitch in many driving situations including cornering,
acceleration and braking. There are 3 modes:
•Touring Mode (Available in terrain positions AUTO
and SNOW) — Used during highway speeds where a
touring suspension feel is desired.
•Firm Mode (Available in terrain positions SPORT and
TOW) — Provides a firm suspension for better han-
dling.
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