2014 JEEP CHEROKEE User Guide

CARGO AREA FEATURES
• The cargo load floor system has a load capacity of 400 lbs (181 kg). The load floorhas a built-in storage bin that can hold a variety of items. The underside of the
storage bin cover also contains a plastic-lined tray. The cover can be installed with
either side facing up for added utility.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks and Loops
• The tie-downs located on the cargo area floor should be used to secure loads safelywhen the vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
• Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a child seat tether strap. In a sudden
stop or a collision, a tie-down could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the anchors provided for child
seat tethers.
• To help protect against personal injury, passengers should not be seated in the
rear cargo area. The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and use seat belts.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER
WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine/
Transmission Model Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
2.4L/
Automatic
with or with- out Trailer
Tow Package FWD or
4WD 32 sq. ft
(2.97 sq. m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.2L/
Automatic FWD or
4WD 32 sq. ft
(2.97 sq. m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.2L/
Automatic
with Trailer
Tow Package FWD or
4WD 32 sq. ft
(2.97 sq. m) 4,500 lbs
(2 041 kg) 450 lbs (204 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of oc- cupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Load- ing Information placard.
UTILITY
135

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
4WD Models
Towing
Condition Wheel OFF the
Ground Front-Wheel
Drive (FWD) Models 1-Speed
Power Transfer Unit 2-Speed Power Trans-
fer Unit
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED See Instructions:
• Transmission in
PARK
• Power transfer unit
inNEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward
direction
Dolly Tow Front
OKNOT
ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT
ALLOWED NOT
ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OKOK OK
Recreational Towing — Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
•DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
• Recreational towing (for front-wheel drive models) is allowed ONLY if the front wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
• Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
• Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
• Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
• Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
Towing with the front wheels on the ground will cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe engine
and/or transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
UTILITY
136

Recreational Towing — 4WD Models with 1-Speed Power Transfer Unit
• Recreational towing is not allowed. These models do not have a NEUTRAL (N)position in the power transfer unit.
NOTE:
This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four wheels are
OFF the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANYof its wheels on the ground can cause severe
transmission and/or power transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Recreational Towing — 4WD Models with 2-Speed Power Transfer Unit
• The power transfer unit must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is
adjacent to the power transfer unit selector switch. Shifts into and out of
NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Internal damage to the transmission or
power transfer unit will occur if a dolly is used when recreational towing.
• Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the power transfer unit.
• The transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under “Shifting
into NEUTRAL (N)” to be certain that the power transfer unit is fully in
NEUTRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Failure to follow these procedures can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
UTILITY
137

Shifting Into NEUTRAL
• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.
2. Turn the engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed NEUTRAL(N) button (located by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind
the NEUTRAL (N) symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete.
7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
12. Apply the parking brake.
13.
Shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF and remove the Key Fob.
14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
15. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the
NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, then the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
UTILITY
138

CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the power transfer unit is fully
in NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
WARNING!
You or others could be seriously or fatally injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended with the power transfer unit in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move,
even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed PowerTransfer Unit NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the selector switch) for one
second.
7. When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the Power Transfer Unit will shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brake pedal.
UTILITY
139

11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
12. Start the engine.
13. Press and hold the brake pedal.
14. Release the parking brake.
15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that thevehicle operates normally.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the
NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N)
indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will
be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
• When shifting out of Power Transfer Unit NEUTRAL (N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid gear clash.
UTILITY
140

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and yourlocation, including the 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
- 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 while driving, 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). The light will turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock
portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE
warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to
restore the benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
141

- 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
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” of your Owner’s Manual for further information.
NOTE:
The Air Bag System is designed to be maintenance free.
- 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/gear selector
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 immediately. 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.
- 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) which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure EVIC display 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
142