2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tow

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute
(RPM x 1000).
2. Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to the ON/RUN position. If the light is
either not on during starting, stays on, or turns
on while driving, have the system inspected at an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
3. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is inthe ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
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5. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. The TOW/
HAUL button is located in the center of the
instrument panel (below the climate controls).
6. Turn Signal Indicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn signals
when the turn signal lever is operated. A tone will
chime, and an EVIC message will appear if the turn
signals are left on for more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
7. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
8. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.9. Hill Descent Control Indicator Light — If Equipped
The symbol indicates the status of the Hill
Decent Control (HDC) feature. The lamp will
be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only
be armed when the transfer case is in the “4WD
Low” position and the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph
(48 km/h). If these conditions are not met while attempt-
ing to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator lamp will
flash on/off.
10. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display/Odometer Display
The odometer display shows the total distance the ve-
hicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. If your
odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the repair
technician should leave the odometer reading the same
286 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“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 the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 293

•Put in Park to operate — Power Liftgate
•Automatic high beams on
•Automatic high beams off
•Service Four Wheel Drive System
•ECO — Fuel Saver Indicator
•TERRAIN SETTINGS — AUTOMATIC
•TERRAIN SETTINGS — TOW
•TERRAIN SETTINGS — TRACK
•TERRAIN SETTINGS — SNOW
•TERRAIN SETTINGS — SPORT
•Sport Not Available in 4 Low 4 High is Required
•To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift Procedure in
Owners Manual
•For 4x4 Low Slow Below 5 MPH or 8 KPH Put Trans in
N Press 4 Low
•For 4x4 High Slow Below 5 MPH or 8 KPH Put Trans
in N Press 4 Low
•Terrain System Settings Not Available
•Raising Vehicle Ride Height (with icon)
•Lowering Vehicle Ride Height (with icon)
•Normal Vehicle Ride Height — This message is dis-
played (for 5 seconds) when the vehicle has achieved
the Normal Vehicle Ride Height.
•Off Road Ride Height Level 1 — This message is
displayed (for 5 seconds) when the vehicle has
achieved the Off Road Height Level 1.
•Off Road Ride Height Level 2 — This message is
displayed (for 5 seconds) when the vehicle has
achieved the Off Road Height Level 2.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
DEFROST mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
NOTE:In some cases during high temperature trailer
tow operation the Air Conditioning system performance
may be reduced. This is to help protect the engine from
overheating during the high load condition.Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
368 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫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