2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE steering

during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
Operation
When the transmission is in DRIVE or SPORT mode, it
will operate automatically, shifting between the eight
available gears. To activate 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 Shift
mode 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 wouldresult. 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.
•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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 415

traction with seamless steering feel to provide im-
proved handling 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 shift mode and
provide 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. This feature will
reset to AUTO upon an ignition cycle.
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 han-
dling.
418 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Full Firm(Available in TRACK mode) — Provides a
full firm suspension for an aggressive track experience.
Launch Mode — If Equipped
This system maximizes acceleration traction for straight
line racing. To use Launch Mode please follow the steps
below:
1. Bring vehicle to complete stop on a level track surface
with the engine running.
2. Set the steering wheel for straight ahead driving.
3. Fully press the brake pedal.
4. Press and release the “LAUNCH” Button.
5. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor.
NOTE:If the cluster launch DID message indicates all
conditions are correct for launch and the throttle is
pressed to the floor quickly (within approximately 1/2second) the system will hold the engine speed to a preset
speed (below the engine rev limiter speed).
6. Release the brake pedal.
Pressing the launch control button when launch control is
active will deactivate launch control.
NOTE:
•Launch Mode brings the engine to optimum RPM and
waits for the driver to release the brake. Launch Mode
then uses engine throttle only to achieve controlled
wheelslip for maximum acceleration through 62 mph
(100 km/h).
•Launch Mode can be initiated in any of the Select Trac
Modes.
•Launch Mode is not available until the 500 mile
(805 km) break-in has been achieved.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 419

CAUTION!(Continued)
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers.ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors, such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects or
other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions, and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. The capabilities of an ERM-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
428 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appro-
priate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” lo-
cated in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes
active. The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator 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.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent col-
lisions, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 429

WARNING!(Continued)
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC sys-
tem is reduced.
•Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when the
ESC system is in thePartial Offmode.
Full Off
This mode is available in TRACK mode only. Refer to
“Selec-Track™” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. In this mode, all TCS and ESC stability
features are turned OFF. To enter the “Full Off” mode,
press and hold the “ESC Off” switch for five seconds
while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running.
After five seconds, a chime will sound, the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate,
and theESC OFFmessage will display in the vehicle
odometer. Press and release the “OK” button located on
the steering wheel to clear this message. The “ESC OFF”message may appear in the Driver Information Display
(DID). Refer to “Driver Information Display (DID)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. To turn ESC ON again, momentarily press the
“ESC Off” switch.
NOTE:TheESC OFFmessage will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is moved
into the PARK position from any position other than
PARK and then moved out of the PARK position. This
will occur when the message was previously cleared.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque
reduction and stability features are disabled. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESC is
unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver, the
ESC system will not engage to assist in maintaining
(Continued)
432 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
•Economy
•Tread Wear•Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in overheating and tire failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Overinflated or under-inflated tires can affect ve-
hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
(Continued)
448 STARTING AND OPERATING