2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transmission

or while towing heavy trailers), select TOW mode (refer
toSelec-Trac® inStarting and Operating) or use the
Paddle Shift switches (refer to Paddle Shift Modein this
section for further information) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using TOW mode or a lower
gear will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or
below), transmission operation may be modified depend-
ing on engine and transmission temperature as well as
vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
SPORT (S)
This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift sched-
ule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are increased to
make full use of available engine power. To switch between
DRIVE and SPORT modes, tap the shift lever rearward.
SPORT mode is only accessible from DRIVE.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in certain gears, or may not shift at all.
Vehicle performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the transmission
may not re-engage if the engine is turned off and
restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. A message in the instrument cluster will
inform the driver of the more serious conditions, and
indicate what actions may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 405

NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage after en-
gine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired
location (preferably, at your authorized dealer).
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Press and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns OFF.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation. NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
When To Use TOW Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, select TOW mode, using the rotary switch on the
center console. Selecting TOW mode will improve per-
formance and reduce the potential for transmission over-
heating or failure due to excessive shifting. Refer to
“Selec-Trac®” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
406 STARTING AND OPERATING

PADDLE SHIFT MODE
Paddle Shift mode is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving you more
control of the vehicle. Paddle Shift allows you to maximize
engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This sys-
tem can also provide you with more control during pass-
ing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the transmission is in DRIVE or SPORT mode, it
will operate automatically, shifting between the eight
available gears. To engage Paddle Shift mode, simply tap
one of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles (+/-)
while in DRIVE or SPORT mode. Tapping (-) to enter
Paddle Shift mode will downshift the transmission to the
next lower gear, while using (+) to enter Paddle Shiftmode will retain the current gear. When Paddle Shift
mode is active, the current transmission gear is displayed
in the instrument cluster.
In Paddle Shift mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver, 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 Paddle Shift mode, the transmission will
automatically shift up when maximum engine speed is
reached. If, however, Paddle Shift is engaged while in
SPORT or TRACK 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 407

•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, from a stop, 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.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low
of a vehicle speed.
• Holding the (-) paddle depressed will progressively
downshift the transmission to the lowest gear possible
at the current speed. •
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
Paddle Shift mode is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage Paddle Shift mode, press and hold the (+)
shift paddle until “D” or “S” is once again displayed in
the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of the
Paddle Shift 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.
408 STARTING AND OPERATING

SELEC-TRAC® — IF EQUIPPED
Description
Selec-Trac® combines the capabilities of the vehicle con-
trol systems, along with driver input, to provide the best
performance for all terrains.Selec-Trac® consists of the following 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 customer has the option of
going to partial ESC. The active suspension system
will be in Semi Firm mode, and a green flag will light
up in the instrument cluster. The transmission will
provide a more aggressive shifting pattern (Refer to
“Paddle Shift Mode” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information). This feature will reset to AUTO
on an ignition cycle.
• Snow – Tuning set for additional stability in inclement
weather. Use on and off road on loose traction surfaces
such as snow. When in Snow mode (depending on
certain operating conditions), the transmission may
use second gear (rather than first gear) during
launches, to minimize wheel slippage.
Selec-Trac® Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 409

•Auto– Fully automatic full time four-wheel drive
operation can be used on and off road. Balances traction
with seamless steering feel to provide improved han-
dling and acceleration over two-wheel drive vehicles.
The active suspension system will be in Touring Mode.
• Track –Track road calibration for use on high traction
surfaces. Driveline is maximized for traction. Some
binding may be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The
electronic brake controls are set to Partial OFF to limit
traction control management of throttle and wheel spin.
• The transmission will be in SPORT mode and pro-
vide a more aggressive shifting pattern. Refer to
“Paddle Shift Mode” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information.
• The customer has the option of going to FULL OFF
with no interaction from the ESC System. The active
suspension system will be in Full Firm mode.
• This feature will reset to AUTO on an ignition cycle. •
To w – Use this mode for towing. Vehicle suspension
will go to Firm mode. Trailer sway control is enabled
in the ESC system. The terrain switch will remain in
this position through an ignition cycle until the cus-
tomer cycles into another position.
Active Damping System
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
damping system. This system reduces body roll and pitch
in many driving situations including cornering, accelera-
tion and braking. There are 3 modes:
• Touring Mode (Available in terrain positions AUTO
and SNOW) — Used during highway speeds where a
touring suspension feel is desired.
• Firm Mode
(Available in terrain positions SPORT and
TOW) — Provides a firm suspension for better handling.
• Full Firm (Available in TRACK mode) — Provides a
full firm suspension for an aggressive track experience.
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-
sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
•
This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
Parking Brake
416 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM),
and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway Control
(TSC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
418 STARTING AND OPERATING