2017 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE User Guide

• In SRT models, the transmission willlaunch (from a stop) in second gear, and
the torque converter clutch may engage at
lower engine speeds and remain on longer.
• Some ECO mode functions may be tempo- rarily inhibited based on temperature and
other factors.
Active Noise Cancellation — Summit And
SRT Models Only
Your vehicle is equipped with an Active Noise
Cancellation System. This system uses four
microphones embedded in the headliner to
detect undesirable exhaust noise, which
sometimes occurs when operating in ECO
mode. An onboard frequency generator cre-
ates counteracting sound waves through the
audio system to help keep the vehicle quiet.
Eight–Speed Automatic Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel efficient
8 speed transmission. The gear selector is
located in the center console. The transmission gear selector provides
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE and
MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions. Manual
shifts can be made using the AutoStick shiftcontrol (refer to “AutoStick” in this section
for further information). Toggling the gear
selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in
the MANUAL (AutoStick) position (beside
the DRIVE position), or tapping the shift
paddles (+/-), will manually select the trans-
mission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position
(when pushed forward), it is probably in the
AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position). In AutoStick mode, the transmis-
sion gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the
instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to
the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for
access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Transmission Gear Selector
1 — Lock Button
2 — Transmission Gear Selector
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AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking, elimi-
nate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more
control during passing, city driving, cold slip-
pery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear
selector into the MANUAL (M) position (be-
side the DRIVE position), or tap one of the
shift paddles on the steering wheel. Tapping
the (-) shift paddle to enter AutoStick mode
will downshift the transmission to the nextlower gear, while tapping (+) to enter
AutoStick mode will retain the current gear.
The current transmission gear will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. In AutoStick
mode, you can use the gear selector (in the
MANUAL position), or the shift paddles, to
manually shift the transmission. Tapping the
gear selector forward (-) while in the
MANUAL (M) position, or tapping the (-) shift
paddle on the steering wheel, will downshift
the transmission to the next lower gear. Tap-
ping the lever rearward (+) (or tapping the (+)
shift paddle) will command an upshift.
NOTE:
The shift paddles may be disabled (or re-
enabled, as desired) using the Uconnect Per-
sonal Settings or, in SRT models, using Drive
Modes.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will
shift up or down when (+/-) is manually se-
lected by the driver (using the gear selector,
or the shift paddles), unless an engine lug-
ging or overspeed condition would result. It
will remain in the selected gear until another
upshift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below. • The transmission will automatically down-
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent en-
gine lugging) and will display the current
gear.
• The transmission will automatically down- shift to first gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle
is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear (or third gear, in 4LO range,
Snow mode, or Sand mode). Tapping (+)
(at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear can be
helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that shift will not
occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Holding the (-) paddle depressed, or hold- ing the gear selector in the (-) position, will
downshift the transmission to the lowest
gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more notice- able when AutoStick is enabled.
Shift Paddles
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160

• The system may revert to automatic shiftmode if a fault or overheat condition is
detected.
NOTE:
When Selec-Speed or Hill Descent Control is
enabled, AutoStick is not active.
To disengage AutoStick, return the gear se-
lector to the DRIVE position, or press and
hold the (+) shift paddle (if the gear selector
is already in DRIVE) until "D" is once again
indicated in the instrument cluster. You can
shift in or out of AutoStick at any time with-
out taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
SPORT MODE — IF
EQUIPPED
Your vehicle is equipped with a Sport Mode
feature. This mode is a configuration set up
for typical enthusiast driving. The engine,
transmission, and steering systems are all set
to their SPORT settings. Sport Mode will
provide improved throttle response and modi-
fied shifting for an enhanced driving experi-
ence, as well the greatest amount of steering feel. This mode may be activated and deac-
tivated by pushing the Sport button on the
instrument panel switch bank.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
Quadra-Trac I Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range
only) transfer case, which provides conve-
nient full-time four-wheel drive. No driver
interaction is required. The Brake Traction
Control (BTC) System, which combines stan-
dard ABS and Traction Control, provides re-
sistance to any wheel that is slipping to allow
additional torque transfer to wheels with trac-
tion.
NOTE:
The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate
for conditions where 4WD LOW range is rec-
ommended. Refer to “Off-Road Driving Tips”
in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.
Sport Mode Button
161

Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully au-
tomatic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO
mode. The Quadra-Trac II transfer case pro-
vides three mode positions:
• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the
4WD HI mode.
When additional traction is required, the
4WD LOW position can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together and force
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. The 4WD LOW position is in-
tended for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Driving in the 4WD LOW position 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 4WD HI position 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 dam-
age to the transfer case.
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.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear
drive shafts from the powertrain and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans-
mission is in PARK. The parking brake
WARNING!
should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each 4WD system mode position, see
the information below:
4WD AUTO
This range is used on surfaces such as ice,
snow, gravel, sand, and dry hard pavement.
NOTE:
Refer to “Selec-Terrain – If Equipped” fur-
ther on in this section for further information
on the various positions and their intended
usages.
NEUTRAL
This range disengages the driveline from the
powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information.
STARTING AND OPERATING
162

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 drive-
shafts from the powertrain and will allow
the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission
is in PARK. The parking brake should al-
ways 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, slippery
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
4WD HI To 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion or the engine running, shift the transmis-
sion into “N”, and push the “4WD LOW”
button once on the transfer case switch. The
“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument
cluster will begin to flash and remain on solid
when the shift is complete.NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection
condition exists, a “For 4x4 Low Slow Below
3 mph (5 km/h) Put Trans in “N” Press
4 Low” message will flash from the instru-
ment cluster display. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
4WD LOW To 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion or the engine running, shift the transmis-
sion into NEUTRAL, and push the “4WD
LOW” button once on the transfer case
switch. The “4WD LOW” indicator light in the
instrument cluster will flash and go out when
the shift is complete.
Transfer Case Switch
163

NOTE:
• If shift conditions/interlocks are not met,or a transfer case motor temperature pro-
tection condition exists, a “For 4x4 High
Slow Below 3 mph (5 km/h) Put Trans in N
push 4 Low” message will flash from the
instrument cluster display. Refer to “In-
strument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
• Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is pos- sible 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
transfer case will not allow the shift.Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The NEUTRAL (N) position disen-
gages both the front and rear drive shafts
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, with the engine running.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, ensure the vehicle is set to
Normal Ride Height.
5. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the se-
lector 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 com-
plete. A “NEUTRAL” message will appear
in the instrument cluster display. Refer to
“Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information.
6. After the shift is completed and the NEU- TRAL (N) light stays on, release the NEU-
TRAL (N) button.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
NEUTRAL (N) Switch
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164

8. Release the brake pedal for five secondsand ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift
Procedure in Owner’s Manual” message will
flash from the instrument cluster display.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. 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 transfer case
NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the se-
lector 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 transfer case will shift to the
position indicated by the selector switch.
Quadra-Drive II System — If Equipped
The optional Quadra-Drive II System features
two torque transfer couplings. The couplings
include an Electronic Limited-Slip Differen-
tial (ELSD) rear axle and the Quadra-Trac II
transfer case. The optional ELSD axle is fully
automatic and requires no driver input to
operate. Under normal driving conditions,
the unit functions as a standard axle, balanc-
ing torque evenly between left and right
wheels. With a traction difference between
left and right wheels, the coupling will sense
a speed difference. As one wheel begins to
spin faster than the other, torque will auto-
matically transfer from the wheel that has
less traction, to the wheel that has traction.
While the transfer case and axle coupling
differ in design, their operation is similar.
Follow the Quadra-Trac II transfer case shift-
ing information, preceding this section, for
shifting this system.
NEUTRAL (N) Switch
165

QUADRA-LIFT — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system pro-
vides full time load leveling capability along
with the benefit of vehicle height adjustment
by the push of a button. The vehicle will
automatically raise and lower the ride height
to adapt to the appropriate driving condi-
tions. At higher speeds, the vehicle will lower
to an aerodynamic ride height and when
operating in off-road modes, the vehicle will
raise the ride height accordingly. The buttons
near the terrain switch in the center console
area can be used to set preferred ride height
to match the appropriate conditions.•Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the
standard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving. •
Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle ap-
proximately 1.1 inches (28 mm) – This is
the primary position for all off-road driving
until OR2 is needed. A smoother and more
comfortable ride will result. Push the
“UP” button once from the NRH position
while the vehicle speed is below 38 mph
(61 km/h). When in the OR1 position, if
the vehicle speed remains between 40
mph (64 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h) for
greater than 20 seconds or if the vehicle
speed exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h), the
vehicle will be automatically lowered to
NRH. Refer to “Driving Tips” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle ap-
proximately 2.2 inches (55 mm) – This po-
sition is intended for off-roading use only
where maximum ground clearance is re-
quired. To enter OR2, push the “UP” but-
ton twice from the NRH position or once
from the OR1 position while vehicle speed
is below 20 mph (32 km/h). While in OR2,
if the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
Selec-Terrain Switch
1 — UP Button
2 — DOWN Button
3 — Entry/Exit Mode Indicator Lamp
(Customer Selectable)
4 — Normal Ride Height Indicator
Lamp (Customer Selectable)
5 — Off-Road 1 Indicator Lamp (Cus-
tomer Selectable)
6 — Off-Road 2 Indicator Lamp (Cus-
tomer Selectable)
STARTING AND OPERATING
166