2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE recommended

NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”,
under “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•The engine is allowed to crank as long as 30 seconds.
If the engine fails to start during this period, please
wait at least two minutes for the starter to cool before
repeating start procedure.
• If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” remains on,
DO NOT START engine before you drain the water
from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures/Draining Fuel/Water
Separator Filter” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the transmission gear selector in the
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Extreme Cold Weather
The engine block heater is a resistance heater installed in
the water jacket of the engine. It requires a 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord. Its use is recommended for environments that
routinely fall below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when
the vehicle has not been running overnight or longer
periods and should be plugged in two hours prior to
start. Its use is required for cold starts with temperatures
under -20°F (-28°C).
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory installed
option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized MOPAR dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in
thermostat.
• A Diesel Pre-Heat system both improves engine start-
ing and reduces the amount of white smoke generated
by a warming engine.
34 STARTING AND OPERATING

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.
• Sudden loss of power.
• Unusual engine noises.
• Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
• Sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature.
• Excessive smoke.
• Oil pressure drop.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire exten-
sion cord.
Its use is recommended for environments that routinely
fall below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the
vehicle has not been running for long periods of time and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is
required for cold starts with temperatures under -20°F
(-28°C).
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 41

Biodiesel Fuel Requirements
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM speci-
fication D975 is recommended for use with your diesel
engine. If frequent operation with Biodiesel blends that
are between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the main-
tenance schedule is subject to shorter intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter replace-
ment is subject to shorter intervals when operating your
engine on biodiesel greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel
greater than 20%.
For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20) it is important that you understand and comply
with these requirements. Refer to the “Maintenance
Chart” in the “Maintenance Schedules” section for fur-
ther direction.
CAUTION!
Failure to comply with Oil Change requirements for
vehicles operating on biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–B20) will result in premature engine
wear. Such wear is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from renewable resources
typically derived from animal fat, rapeseed oil (Rapeseed
Methyl Ester (RME) base), or soybean oil (Soy Methyl
Ester (SME or SOME) base).
Biodiesel fuel has inherent limitations which require that
you understand and adhere to the following require-
ments if you use blends of Biodiesel between 6% and 20%
(B6–B20). There are no unique restrictions for the use
of B5.
44 STARTING AND OPERATING

The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 5,000 lbs (2 267 kg) or
more, it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing
hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle. If
you use a standard weight-carrying hitch, you could
lose control of your vehicle and cause a collision.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.
48 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. The recommended tongue weight
is 10% to 15% of the vehicle’s GTW for a conventional
hitch. You must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and
the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion to dampen
any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds
of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 49

tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load
equalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
50 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury. •
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
1,653 lbs (749 kg).Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
4
STARTING AND OPERATING 57