2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE warning

When HDC is enabled, the HDC icon will be
illuminated in the instrument cluster. HDC will
automatically apply the brakes to control down-
hill speed to the selected level when necessary
on grades greater than approximately 8%. It will
usually not activate on level ground.
The HDC speed may be adjusted by the driver
to suit the driving conditions. The speed corre-
sponds to the transmission gear selected.
HDC operation can be overridden with brake
application to slow the vehicle down below the
HDC control speed. Conversely, if more speed
is desired during HDC control, the accelerator
pedal will increase vehicle speed in the usual
manner. When either the brake or the accelera-
tor is released, HDC will control the vehicle back
to the original set speed.
HDC Operation In 4WD Low Range
To enable HDC, press the HDC switch or put the
Selec-Terrain™ system in the “ROCK” mode. The
HDC icon will be illuminated in the instrument
cluster and HDC will function. If the vehicle speed
goes above 20 mph (32 km/h), the HDC icon will
flash and HDC will not function. To disable HDC,
press the HDC switch.
4WD Low Range Set Speeds
•1st = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• 2nd = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
• 3rd = 4 mph (6 km/h)
• 4th = 5.5 mph (9 km/h)
• 5th, 6th or D (Drive) = 7.5 mph (12 km/h)
• REVERSE = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• NEUTRAL = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
• PARK = HDC will not function
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driv-
ing only. At vehicle speeds above 20 mph
(32 km/h), HDC will no longer function. When
the vehicle speed drops below 20 mph
(32 km/h), HDC function will automatically re-
sume and the vehicle speed will return to the
chosen set speed.WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending
hills. The driver must remain attentive to the
driving conditions and is responsible for
maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” in the instrument cluster
will come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. It should
go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, 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), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
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The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
(located in the instrument cluster) starts to flash
as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when
TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during accelera-
tion, 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.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” and the “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” come on momentarily 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” indi-
cates the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
Tire PressureProper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Three primary areas are affected by improper
tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and
can result in over-heating and tire failure.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail sud-
denly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of
the vehicle to the other can cause the
vehicle to drift to the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread.
These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread
life resulting in a need for earlier tire replace-
ment. Under-inflation also increases tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
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WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to fail.
You could have a serious collision. Do not
drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum ca-
pacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of
tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle
to handle poorly. The instability could cause
a collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets
of four. Never combine them with other types
of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable
only in the tread area because of sidewall
flexing. Consult your authorized tire dealer for
radial tire repairs.
All Season Tires – If EquippedAll Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(spring, summer, fall and winter). Traction levels
may vary between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S,
M/S or MS designation on the tire sidewall. Use
all season tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires – If
Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and
dry conditions, and are not intended to be
driven in snow or on ice. Summer tires will not
contain the all season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so
may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Snow TiresSome areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the winter. Snow tires can be
identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol on
the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in
size and type to the original equipment tires.
Use snow tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at sustained
speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds
above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer for rec-
ommended safe operating speeds, loading and
cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded tires. Some states prohibit studded
tires; therefore, local laws should be checked
before using these tire types.
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Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel – If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this option refer to an autho-
rized tire dealer for the recommended tire rota-
tion pattern.
Compact Spare Tire – If EquippedThe compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and Load-
ing Information Placard located on the driver’s
side door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare TireSince this tire has limited tread life the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first op-
portunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at
any given time.
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary emer-
gency use only. With these spares, do not
drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Tempo-
rary use spares have limited tread life. When
the tread is worn to the tread wear indicators,
the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings,
which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
Full Size Spare – If EquippedThe full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the
same as your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and reinstall on
the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited-Use Spare – If EquippedThe limited-use spare tire is for temporary emer-
gency use only. This tire is identified by a label
located on the limited-use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for this spare. This
tire may look like the original equipped tire on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited-use spare tire affects
vehicle handling. Since it is not the same as your
original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire and reinstall on the vehicle
at the first opportunity.
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WARNING!
Limited-use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited-use spare tire
affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the
limit-use spare wheel. Keep inflated to the
cold tire inflation pressures listed on your
Tire and Loading Information Placard lo-
cated on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear
edge of the driver’s side door. Replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire at the first
opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle.
Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle
control.Tire SpinningWhen stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions,
do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continu-
ously without stopping when you are stuck.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
Tread Wear IndicatorsTread wear indicators are in the original equip-
ment 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.
1—WornTire
2 — New Tire
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Life Of TireThe service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
• Tire pressure
• Distance driven
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and summer tires typically have
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle maintenance schedule is
highly recommended.
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 a collision resulting in seri-
ous injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement TiresThe tires on your new vehicle provide a balance
of many characteristics. They should be in-
spected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressure. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph
on “Tread Wear Indicators”. Refer to the “Tire
and Loading Information” placard for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall. See the Tire
Sizing Chart example found in the Tire Safety
Information section of this manual for more
information relating to the Load Index and
Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires
or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire
can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If
you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the origi-
nal wheels. It is recommended you contact your authorized
tire or original equipment vehicle dealer with
any questions you may have on tire specifica-
tions or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•
Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other
than that specified for your vehicle. Some
combinations of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, re-
sulting in changes to steering, handling,
and braking of your vehicle. This can
cause unpredictable handling and stress
to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index
or capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with
a smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can re-
sult in sudden tire failure and loss of ve-
hicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a differ-
ent size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION
DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-
body clearance. Follow these recommenda-
tions to guard against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the
tire, as recommended by the traction device
manufacturer.
• Install on Rear Tires Only
• Due to limited clearance, use reduced size
snow chains or traction devices with a maxi-
mum projection of 6 mm beyond the tire
profile.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S,
Snow) between front and rear axles can cause
unpredictable handling. You could lose control
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
•Because of restricted traction device clear-
ance between tires and other suspension
components, it is important that only trac-
tion devices in good condition are used.
Broken devices can cause serious dam-
age. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device break-
age. Remove the damaged parts of the
device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
• Do not drive for prolonged period on dry
pavement.
(Continued)
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Tire pressure should always be set based on
cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the
tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a three-hour period.
Refer to “Tires – General Information” in
“Starting and Operating” for information on
how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires.
The tire pressure will also increase as the
vehicle is driven - this is normal and there
should be no adjustment for this increased
pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire
pressure if the tire pressure falls below the low
pressure warning threshold for any reason,
including low temperature effects, or natural
pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists,
and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or
above recommended cold tire placard pressure.
Once the low tire pressure warning has been
illuminated, the tire pressure must be increased
to the recommended cold tire pressure in orderfor the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light to
be turned off. The system will automatically
update and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light will extinguish once the updated tire pres-
sures have been received. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) to receive this information.
For example, your vehicle has a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) tire
placard pressure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If the
ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
measured tire pressure is 28 psi (193 kPa), a
temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease
the tire pressure to approximately 24 psi
(165 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low
enough to turn ON the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the
tire pressure to rise to approximately 28 psi
(193 kPa), but the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light will still be ON. In this situation, the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn
OFF only after the tires have been inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure
value.CAUTION!
•
The TPMS has been optimized for the
original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle. Unde-
sirable system operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use after-
market tire sealants or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres-
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could dam-
age the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor.
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