2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tow

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)Engine/Model ModelGCWR (Gross
Combined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.6L 4x2 10,400 lbs. (4 717 kg) 40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.6L 4x4 10,400 lbs. (4 717 kg) 40 sq ft
(3.72 sq m)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
5.7L 4x2 13,100 lbs (5 942 kg) 60 sq ft
(5.57 sq m)7,400 lbs (3 357 kg) 740 lbs (336 kg)
5.7L 4x4 13,100 lbs (5 942 kg) 60 sq ft
(5.57 sq m)7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (327 kg)
6.4L * SRT8 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
* For SRT8 vehicles, do not tow a trailer when using the compact spare tire. Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
• If the gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs (1587 kg) or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle.
NOTE: Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow package are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).
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TOW/HAUL MODE
• When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc.,and frequent transmission 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 excessive
shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are
delayed, and the transmission will automatically downshift (for engine
braking) during steady braking maneuvers.
• The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light”will illuminate in the instrument
cluster to indicate that
TOW/HAUL mode has been
activated. Pressing the switch a
second time restores normal
operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode
is desired, the switch must be
pressed each time the engine is
started.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
•Recreational towing is not allowed.
Quadra-Trac I® (Single-Speed Transfer Case) Four-Wheel Drive
Models
•Recreational towing is not allowed. This model does not have a
NEUTRAL position in the transfer case.
Quadra–Trac II® /Quadra–Drive® II /Selec- Terrain™ Four-Wheel
Drive Models
NOTE: The transfer case must be in the NEUTRAL position, and the
transmission must be in the PARK position for recreational towing.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK. Turn the engine off.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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• For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go™, remove the Keyless Enter-N-Go™button and use the Key Fob to complete this procedure.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
• Press and hold the brake pedal and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button for four seconds, until the light next to
the N symbol starts to blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is complete. A
“FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will display on
the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center).
• Start the engine and shift the transmission into REVERSE.
• Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
• Turn the engine off and firmly apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the Key Fob.
• Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar and release the parking brake.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift™ must be lowered to the “Park”
(lowest) level, and have automatic leveling disabled, before tying them down
(from the body) on a trailer or a flatbed truck. Refer to “Quadra-Lift™” in
“Off-Road Capabilities” for more information. If the vehicle cannot be
lowered to the “Park” level (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must
be fastened to the axles (not the body). Failure to follow these instructions
may cause fault codes to be set and/or loss of proper tie-down tension.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is
used when recreational towing.
• It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recreational towing to prevent
damage to internal parts.
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AUTOSTICK®
• AutoStick® is a driver-interactivetransmission feature that offers
manual gear shifting to provide
youwithmorecontrolofthe
vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to
maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall
vehicle performance.
• This system can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery
conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other
situations.
Operation
• When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the transmission willoperate 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 AutoStick® mode will downshift
the transmission to the next lower gear, while using (+) to enter
AutoStick® mode will retain the current gear. When AutoStick® is 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 overspeed condition would result.
It will remain in the selected gear until another upshift or downshift is
chosen, except as described below:
• Normally, in AutoStick® mode, the transmission will automatically shift up when maximum engine speed is reached. If, h owever, AutoStick® is
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.
• You can start out in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting out in second gear is helpful in
snowy or icy conditions.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is engaged.
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• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick® isengaged.
• To disengage AutoStick® mode, hold the shift lever to the right or press and hold the (+) shift paddle until “D” is once again displayed in the
instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick® mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
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 a collision or personal injury.
SELEC-TRACK™
• Selec-Track™ combines the capabilities of the vehicle control systems,along with driver input, to provide the best performance for all terrains.
• Rotate the mode control knob toselect the following Selec-Track™
positions:
• Sport – Dry weather, on-road
calibration. Performance based
tuning that provides a rear wheel
drive feel but with improved
handling and acceleration over a
two-wheel drive vehicle. The
active suspension system will be
in Semi Firm mode, and a green
flag will light up in the instrument
cluster.
• Snow – Tuning set for additional stability in inclement weather. Use on
and off road on loose traction surfaces such as snow.
• Auto – Fully automatic full time four-wheel drive operation can be used
on and off road. This position balances traction with seamless steering
feel to provide improved handling and acceleration over two-wheel
drive vehicles.
• Track – This position offers track road calibration for use on high
traction surfaces. Driveline is maximized for traction. Some binding may
be felt on less forgiving surfaces.
• To w – Use this mode for towing. Vehicle suspension will go to Firm
mode and peak power will be limited in the engine controls.
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license platenumber.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know.
With your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly,when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION,
THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE
THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
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- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/MalfunctionIndicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. The light also flashes when TCS is active.
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch located below the
climate controls, on the switch panel.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on whiledriving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control(ETC) system.
• 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 authorized service center i mmediately. If the
light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required
and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or
engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as Check Gascap) appears, tighten thegas cap until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized
service center immediately.
Oil Change IndicatorMessage
• If an “oil change” message (shown as Oil Change Required) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™ • 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.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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