2016 JEEP CHEROKEE User Guide

Recreational Towing — Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
DO NOTflat 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:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK. Turn the engine OFF.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the Key Fob, and release the brake pedal.
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.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and remains released, while
being towed.
Recreational Towing — 4X4 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.
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Recreational Towing — 4X4 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 4WD 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 4x4 vehicle. Towing with only one set of wheels on theground (front or rear) will cause severe transmission and/or power transfer unit
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the ground
(using a vehicle trailer).
• 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.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or power transfer unit damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and remains released, while
being towed.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed 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 roll, even if the
automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission is in gear). The
parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
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.
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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, push 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. Release the parking brake.
10. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
11. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
12. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
13. Apply the parking brake.
14. Shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob.
15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
16. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
17. Press and hold the brake pedal.
18. Release the parking brake.
19. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the Key Fob, and release the brake pedal.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met before pushing 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.
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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, push and hold the recessed power transferunit 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.
NOTE:
When shifting the power transfer unit out of NEUTRAL (N), the engine should remain
OFF to avoid gear clash.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brake pedal.
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 the vehicle operates normally.
16. Re-enable the Auto Park Brake feature, if desired.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not met before pushing 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.
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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
– Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal (7.8 L).
This light will turn on and a single chime will sound.
- 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.
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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.
- 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” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD 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) or Driver Information Display (DID) when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure EVIC or DID
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.
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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.
NOTE:
After inflation, the vehicle may need to be driven for 20 minutes before the flashing light
will turn off.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low EVIC or DID display.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be
increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. After-
market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
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- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over andstop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns
off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
— Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN, this light will turn on if the
driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, and a chime will sound. When driving, if the driver’s
seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate, and the
chime will sound.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
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