2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE warning

Maintenance-Free BatteryYour vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-
free battery. You will never have to add water,
nor is periodic maintenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution
and can burn or even blind you. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your eyes,
skin, or clothing. Do not lean over a battery
when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately
with large amounts of water. Refer to
“Jump-Starting Procedures” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
• Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the bat-
tery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output
greater than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Battery posts, terminals, and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is at-
tached to the positive post and the nega-
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
Battery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the bat-
tery case. Cable clamps should be tight on
the terminal posts and free of corrosion.
• If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the char-
ger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner MaintenanceFor best possible performance, your air condi-
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt condition should also be checked at
this time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lu-
bricants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
• The air conditioning system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk
of personal injury or damage to the sys-
tem, adding refrigerant or any repair re-
quiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repairman.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C Sys-
tem Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Con-
ditioners, Compressor Oil, and Refrigerants. Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro-
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the
Environmental Protection Agency and is an
ozone-saving product. However, the manufac-
turer recommends that air conditioning service
be performed by authorized dealer or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling
equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C sys-
tem sealers, stop leak products, seal condi-
tioners, compressor oil, and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the
blower is operating or personal injury may
result.The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet
behind the glove box. Perform the following
procedure to replace the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment and remove all
contents.
2. Push in on the sides of the glove compart-
ment and lower the door.
3. Pivot the glove compartment downward.
4. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure
the filter cover to the HVAC housing, and re-
move the cover.
A/C Air Filter Replacement
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WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite
and burn you. Care must be exercised when
filling or working around the washer solution.
Exhaust SystemThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle; or when the under-
side or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have an
authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for bro-
ken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned
parts. Open seams or loose connections could
permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passen-
ger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to
“Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system. Do
not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri-
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your ve-
hicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. How-
ever, it is important to keep the engine properly
tuned to assure proper catalyst operation and
prevent possible catalyst damage.
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NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions con-
trol systems can result in civil penalties
being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, includ-
ing a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the
ignition, when the transmission is in gear and
the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug
wires disconnected or removed, such as
when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunction-
ing operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam com-
ing from under the hood, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106) by
an authorized dealer. Check the front of the A/C
condenser for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser. Check the engine cooling system hoses for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tight-
ness of the connection at the coolant recovery
bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature
(but not running), check the cooling system pres-
sure cap for proper vacuum sealing by draining a
small amount of engine coolant (antifreeze) from
the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin
to drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT
REMOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP
WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains visible sediment, clean and flush with
OAT coolant (antifreeze) that meets the require-
ments of Chrysler Material Standard MS-12106.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to
maintain the proper level of protection against
freezing according to the temperatures occurring
in the area where the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is
not recommended and can result in cooling
system damage. Drain, flush, and refill as
soon as possible to avoid damage if coolant
types are mixed in an emergency.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure
that engine coolant (antifreeze) will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if
there is any accumulation of foreign material on
the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT”
on the cooling system pressure cap are a
safety precaution. Never add engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap
to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not re-
move the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
• Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is a regulated substance requiring
proper disposal. Check with your local authori-
ties to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency
assistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is
adequate. With the engine OFF and cold, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full,
so there is no need to remove the radiator cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze)
freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the cool-
ant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is
needed to maintain the proper level, only OAT
coolant that meets the requirements of Chrysler
Material Standard MS-12106 should be added
to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
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Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
miles/kilometers of operation, you may ob-
serve vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized when the thermostat opens,
allowing hot engine coolant (antifreeze) to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks,
the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will
soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant expansion bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks. •
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS-12106) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
•
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces-
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine coolant (antifreeze) performance, poor
gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-
spected periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
result in abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood ser-
vice, or immediately if the brake system warning
lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a plastic reser-
voir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there
is a “MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot. The fluid level
must be kept within these two dots. Do not add
fluid above the MAX mark, because leakage
may occur at the cap.
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With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected
to fall as the brake linings wear. However, an
unexpected drop in fluid level may be caused by
a leak and a system check should be con-
ducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on
the original factory installed hydraulic mas-
ter cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid
that has been in a tightly closed container.
Keep the master cylinder reservoir cap se-
cured at all times. Brake fluid in a open
container absorbs moisture from the air re-
sulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or
prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This
could result in a collision.
Front/Rear Axle FluidFor normal service, periodic fluid level checks
are not required. When the vehicle is serviced
for other reasons the exterior surfaces of the
axle assembly should be inspected. If gear oil
leakage is suspected inspect the fluid level.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
The front axle oil level needs to be between 1/8
in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole and
the bottom of the fill hole.
The front axle fill and drain plugs should be
tightened to 22 to 29 ft lbs (30 to 40 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not over tighten the plugs as it could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
The rear axle oil level needs to be between 1/8
in (3 mm) below the bottom of the fill hole and
the bottom of the fill hole. 325

CAUTION!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a
bristle brush, or metal polishes. Do not use
oven cleaner. These products may damage
the wheel’s protective finish. Avoid automatic
car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner
or equivalent is recommended.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure – If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the follow-
ing manner:
• Remove as much of the stain as possible by
blotting with a clean, dry towel.
• Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp
towel.
• For tough stains, apply MOPAR® Total
Clean, or a mild soap solution to a clean,
damp cloth and remove stain. Use a fresh,
damp towel to remove soap residue. •
For grease stains, apply MOPAR® Multi-
Purpose Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and
remove stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to
remove soap residue.
•
Do not use any harsh solvents or any other
form of protectants on Stain Repel products.
Interior Care
Use MOPAR® Total Clean to clean fabric uphol-
stery and carpeting.
Use MOPAR® Total Clean to clean vinyl uphol-
stery.
MOPAR® Total Clean is specifically recom-
mended for leather upholstery.
Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by
regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small
particles of dirt can act as an abrasive and
damage the leather upholstery and should be
removed promptly with a damp cloth. Stubborn
soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth and
MOPAR® Total Clean. Care should be taken to
avoid soaking your leather upholstery with any
liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia-based
cleaners to clean your leather upholstery. Appli- cation of a leather conditioner is not required to
maintain the original condition.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning
purposes. Many are potentially flammable,
and if used in closed areas they may cause
respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are
lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and
therefore different lens cleaning procedures
must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the
lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping
with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with
a mild soap solution followed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, sol-
vents, steel wool or other aggressive material to
clean the lenses.
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