2017 JEEP CHEROKEE User Guide

The Four-Wheel Drive is fully automatic in the normal
driving mode. The Selec-Terrain buttons provide three
selectable mode positions:
•4WD LOW
• REAR LOCK (If Equipped)
• NEUTRAL When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW range
position can be used to provide an additional gear reduc-
tion which allows for increased torque to be delivered to
both the front and rear wheels. 4WD LOW is intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in 4WD LOW on
dry, hard-surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the normal
driving mode at a given road speed. Take care not to
overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause
damage to the driveline components.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
2-Speed 4x4 Switch (with Rear Lock)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 279

Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
4WD system mode position, see the information below:
NEUTRAL
This range disengages the driveline from the powertrain. It
is to be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer
to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
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 disen-
gages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if
the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It provides an
additional gear reduction which allows for increased
torque to be delivered to both the front and rear wheels
while providing maximum pulling power for loose, slip-
pery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
NOTE:Refer to “Selec-Terrain – If Equipped” for further
information on the various positions and their intended
usages.
Shifting Procedures
Shifting Into 4X4 LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition in the ON mode and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL, and push the “4WD LOW”
button once. The “4WD LOW” indicator light in the
instrument cluster will begin to flash and remain on solid
when the shift is complete.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met a mes-
sage will flash from the instrument cluster display with
instructions on how to complete the requested shift. Refer
to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Shifting Out Of 4X4 LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition in the ON mode and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL, and push the “4WD LOW”
button once. The “4WD LOW” indicator light in the
instrument cluster will flash and go out when the shift is
complete.
NOTE:
• If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a message will
flash from the instrument cluster display with instruc-
tions on how to complete the requested shift. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
• Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may
occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to 3 mph
(0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h), the 4WD system will not allow the shift.
Selec-Terrain Switch
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 281

NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
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 disen-
gages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if
the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.
2. Turn the engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, 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 transfer unit 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.
Neutral Switch
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

11. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensurethat 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 kob.
Repeat steps 1-7 to shift out of NEUTRAL.
NOTE: When towing this vehicle behind another vehicle,
the Mopar flat tow wiring kit must be used, and the
parking brake must be released. Refer to Recreational
Towing inStarting and Operating for further instruc-
tions.
Rear Electronic Locker (E-Locker) System —
If Equipped
The Rear E-Locker System features a mechanical locking
rear differential to provide better traction in the 4WD LOW
position. The “REAR LOCK” button is on the Selec-Terrain
Knob. Activating The Rear E-Locker
To activate the Rear E-Locker System, the following condi-
tions must be met:
1. The 4WD system must be in 4WD LOW.
2. The ignition in the ON mode and the engine running.
3. Vehicle speed must be below 15 MPH (24 km/h).
4. To engage Rear E-Locker, push the REAR LOCK button
once.
Deactivating The Rear E-Locker System
To deactivate the Rear E-Locker System, the following
conditions must be met:
1. Rear E-Locker must be engaged, and the REAR LOCK indicator light on.
2. The ignition in the ON mode and the engine running.
3. To disengage Rear E-Locker, push the REAR LOCK button once.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 283

NOTE:
•It may also be necessary to drive slowly steering back
and forth to complete engagement and disengagement
of the E-Locker.
• When engaging Rear E-Locker, the indicator lights in the
instrument cluster and on the REAR LOCK button will
begin to flash. When the shift is complete the REAR
LOCK indicator lights will remain on.
• When disengaging Rear E-Locker, the indicator lights in
the instrument cluster and on the REAR LOCK button
will begin to flash. When the shift is complete the REAR
LOCK indicator lights will remain off.
•
Shifting into or out of Rear E-Locker is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur
due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth align-
ment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method
is for the vehicle to be rolling, below 15 MPH (24 km/h),
while including right and left steering maneuvers to allow
for the clutch teeth to align.
• The Rear E-Locker System must be disengaged prior to
taking the vehicle out of 4WD LOW range. If 4WD LOW
shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a message will flash from the instrument cluster display with instruc-
tions on how to complete the requested shift.
SELEC-TERRAIN
Description
Selec-Terrain combines the capabilities of the vehicle con-
trol systems, along with driver input, to provide the best
performance for all terrains.
Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the desired mode.
Selec-Terrain Switch
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

Selec-Terrain offers the following modes:
•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.
• 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.
• Sport — This mode alters the transmission’s automatic
shift schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are
increased to make full use of available engine power.
NOTE: SPORT mode is not available when 4WD LOW is
selected. •
Sand/Mud — Off road calibration for use on low
traction surfaces such as mud, sand, or wet grass.
Driveline is maximized for traction. Some binding may
be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The electronic brake
controls are set to limit traction control management of
throttle and wheel spin.
• Rock — Off-road calibration only available in 4WD
LOW range. Traction based tuning with improved steer-
ability for use on high traction off-road surfaces. Use for
low speed obstacles such as large rocks, deep ruts, etc.
NOTE:
• Rock mode is only available on the vehicles equipped
with the Off-Road package.
• Activate the Hill Descent Control or Selec Speed Control
for steep downhill control. See “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Safety” for further information.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will ap-
pear in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 285

POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that reduces
assist or prevents the vehicle from providing assist, you
will still have the ability to steer the vehicle manually.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING OR
POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF - SERVICE
SYSTEM” message and a steering wheel icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster display
screen, it indicates that the vehicle needs to be taken to the
dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power
steering assistance. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM HOT - PERFOR-
MANCE MAY BE LIMITED” message and an icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster display screen, it
indicates that extreme steering maneuvers may have oc-
curred, which caused an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. You will lose power steering assis-
tance momentarily until the over temperature condition no
longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, then pull
over and let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light
turns off. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•
Even if the power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for
service.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING