2015 JEEP RENEGADE transmission

position. Also, the transmission is locked in PARK when-
ever the ignition is in the STOP/OFF position.
Vehicles With Mechanical Key:
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the transmission to be in PARK
before the ignition can be turned to the STOP/OFF (key
removal) position. The key can only be removed from the
ignition when the ignition is in the STOP/OFF position,
and the transmission is locked in PARK whenever the
ignition is in the STOP/OFF position. If the vehicle’s
battery becomes discharged, the key will be trapped in
the ignition switch even when the shift lever is in PARK.
To extract the key, refer to “IGNITION KEY REMOVAL
OVERRIDE” in “IN CASE OF EMERGENCY”.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the
MAR/RUN position (engine running or not) and the
brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed before pushing the
button on the shift lever to shift from NEUTRAL into
DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Electronic Speed Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
The Electronic Speed Control buttons are located on the
right side of the steering wheel.
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The drivers preferred units can be selected through the
Uconnect® system if equipped. Refer to ”Uconnect®
Settings” in “Multimedia” for more information. The
speed increment shown is dependant on the chosen
speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
•Pushing the SET-button once will result ina1mph
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
button results in a decrease of 1 mph.
•If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
•Pushing the SET-button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
button results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
•If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to decrease until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Push the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Electronic Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.
NOTE:The Electronic Speed Control system maintains
speed up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without Electronic Speed
Control.
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Active Drive With Low Control — (Trailhawk models
only)
The 4WD LOW mode helps to improve the off-road
performance in all modes. To enable 4WD Low please
follow the steps below:
Enabling 4WD LOW
With the vehicle stationary, the ignition in the MAR/
RUN or with the engine running, shift the transmission
into DRIVE, REVERSE or NEUTRAL and press the
button once 4WD LOW. The EVIC/DID will display the
message#4WD LOW#once the shift is complete.
NOTE:The lights on the Selec-Terrain™ switch may
blink until the shift is complete.
Disabling 4WD LOW
To disable the 4WD LOW mode, the vehicle must be
stationary and the transmission shifted into NEUTRAL.
Press the 4WD LOW button once.
Selec-Terrain™ Switch (Trailhawk)
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•AUTO: This four-wheel drive operation is a continu-
ous operation, is fully automatic and can be used on
and off road. This mode balances traction to ensure
maneuverability and acceleration improvement com-
pared to a car with two wheel drive. This mode also
reduces fuel consumption, since it allows the discon-
nect of the drive shaft where conditions permit.
•SNOW: This mode allows you to have greater stability
under conditions of bad weather. For use on and off
road on surfaces with poor traction, such as roads
covered with 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.
•SAND: For off-road driving or use on surfaces with
poor traction, such as sandy bottoms. The transmission
is set to provide maximum traction.
•MUD: For off-road driving or use on surfaces with
poor traction, such as roads covered by mud or wet
grass.
•ROCK(Trailhawk only): This mode is only available
in 4WD LOW range. The device sets the vehicle to
Selec-Terrain™ Switch (Trailhawk)
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and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing-water, avoid depths in excess of 9 inches (22 cm).
The flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches
(51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 20 inches (51 cm) of
water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, Power Trans-
fer Unit and Rear Drive Module) to assure they have not
been contaminated. Contaminated fluids and lubricants
(milky, foamy in appearance) should be flushed/changed
as soon as possible to prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the 4WD system to the appropriate terrain
mode, using 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. Do not shift to a lower gear than
necessary to maintain headway. Over-revving the engine
can spin the wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
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Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the 4WD System to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose headwaywhile climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing the
compression braking of the engine to help regulate your
speed. If the brakes are required to control vehicle speed,
apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the
tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back straight
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
down a hill in REVERSE gear carefully. Never back
down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake.
NOTE:Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill -
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by
turning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the 4WD
System to 4WD LOW range or Select Hill Descent
Control if equipped (refer to#Electronic Brake Control
System#in this section for further information). Let the
vehicle go slowly down the hill with all four wheels
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Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended:
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. Always, block or$chock$the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 415

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you can use the
AutoStick shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
AutoStick
•When using the AutoStick shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “5” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or
“3” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
•To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces-
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to
a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
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