2018 JEEP CHEROKEE TRAILHAWK four wheel drive

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.

(Trailhawk only): Avoid driving in standing water deeper
than 19 inches (48 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to
minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in 19 inches (48
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 Transfer
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 because
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.
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.
NOTE: Brakes should be applied at increased slippage, but
before coming to a stop to avoid digging into the loose
surface and rendering the operator of the vehicle stuck/
immobile.
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Once stopped, shift to
REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing the com-
pression 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!(Continued)
to turn around. To do so may result in tipping and
rolling the vehicle. Always back straight 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 may 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 Safety Featuresin the “Safety” section
for further information). Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine com-
pression drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction. When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage.
•
Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things
could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 367

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFof the ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, this vehicle must be
towed with the front wheels OFFof the ground (using a
towing dolly, or wheel lift equipment with the front wheels
raised).
Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and remains
released, while being towed. The Electric Park Brake does
not need to be released, if all four wheels are off the
ground.

Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against
damage.
•Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer
• Use on Front Tires Only
• Due to limited clearance, the following traction devices
are recommended:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
• Original equipment 225/60R17 and 225/55R18 tire sizes
are not chainable.
• The use of 7 mm snow chains is permitted with the use
of 215/60R17 tires on size 17 x 7.0 ET41 wheels.
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Non-Trailhawk Models without
a Two-Speed Power Takeoff Unit
• Original equipment 225/65R17 and 225/60R18 tire sizes
are not chainable.
• The use of 9 mm snow chains is permitted with the use
of 215/60R17 tires on size 17 x 7.0 ET41 wheels. Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Non-Trailhawk Models with a
Two-Speed Power Takeoff Unit
•
The use of 7 mm snow chains is permitted with 225/
65R17 and 225/60R18 tires.
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) Trailhawk Models
• The use of 9 mm snow chains is permitted with the use
of 225/65R17 tires on size 17 x 7.5 ET31 wheels.