WARNING!
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the park brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition
(in a vehicle equipped with push button
start) in the ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not ob-
served:
• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
CAUTION!
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal
while shifting out of PARK.
Ignition Park Interlock
Vehicles with push button start:
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to
be in PARK before the ignition can be turned
to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This sys-
tem also locks the transmission in PARK
whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.Vehicles with mechanical key:
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition
Park Interlock which requires the transmis-
sion to be in PARK before the ignition can be
turned to the OFF (key removal) position. The
key can only be removed from the ignition
when the ignition is in the OFF position, and
the transmission is locked in PARK whenever
the ignition is in the OFF position.
If the vehicle's battery becomes discharged,
the key will be trapped in the ignition even
when the gear selector is in PARK. Recharge
the battery to allow key removal.Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Trans-
mission Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must
be in the ON/RUN mode (whether the engine
is running or not), and the brake pedal must
be pressed. The brake pedal must also be
pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds.
151
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important
when the engine is cold.PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in
this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may
shift the transmission into PARK first, and
then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking
brake before shifting the transmission to
PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission
locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the gear selector out of PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels to-
ward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Remove the key fob from the vehicle.NOTE:
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if
the vehicle is parked on a steep slope.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a sub-
stitute for the park brake. Always apply
the park brake fully when exiting the
vehicle to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
Gear Selector
153
WARNING!
• The vehicle may not engage a newly
selected gear if the vehicle is moving
while shifting.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never
exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
park brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove
the key fob. When the ignition is in the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position (or,
with push button start, when the ignition
is in the OFF mode), the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
WARNING!
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the park brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition
(in a vehicle equipped with push button
start) in the ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the transmission gear se-
lector out of PARK, you must turn the
ignition to the ON/RUN mode, and also
press the brake pedal. Otherwise, dam-
age to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range, as this can damage the
drivetrain.The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock
button on the gear selector, and firmly
move the selector all the way forward until
it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position dis-
play and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle back-
ward. Shift into REVERSE only after the ve-
hicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing
for prolonged periods with the engine run-
ning. The engine may be started in this range.
Apply the park brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING
154
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn
off the ignition to coast down a hill. These
are unsafe practices that limit your re-
sponse to changing traffic or road condi-
tions. You might lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for
any other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Start-
ing And Operating” and “Towing A Dis-
abled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-shifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving character-
istics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick
shift control to select a lower gear (refer to
"AutoStick" in this section for further infor-
mation). Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds nor-
mal operating limits, the transmission con-
troller may modify the transmission shift
schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch
engagement. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot,
the "Transmission Temperature Warning
Light" may illuminate, and the transmission
may operate differently until the transmis-
sion cools down.During cold temperatures, transmission op-
eration may be modified depending on en-
gine and/or transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of
the torque converter clutch (and, for the
nine-speed, shifts into 8th or 9th gear), are
inhibited until the engine and/or transmis-
sion is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
Normal operation will resume once the tem-
perature(s) have risen to a suitable level.
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.
155
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all for-
ward gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if pos-
sible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position. On
vehicles with push button start, push and
hold the ignition until the engine turns
OFF.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the trans-
mission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible convenience.
Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to assess the condition of your trans-
mission. If the transmission cannot be reset,
authorized dealer service is required.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the
torque converter engages automatically at
calibrated speeds. This may result in a
slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in the upper gears. When
the vehicle speed drops or during some ac-
celerations, the clutch automatically disen-
gages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the engine and/or transmission is warm
(usually after 1 to 3 miles [2 to 5 km] of
driving). Because the engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not en-
gaged, it may seem as if the transmission is
not shifting properly when the vehicle is cold.
This is normal. The torque converter clutch
will function normally once the powertrain is
sufficiently warm.FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
Jeep Active Drive
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Power
Transfer Unit (PTU). This system is automatic
with no driver inputs or additional driving
skills required. Under normal driving condi-
tions, the front wheels provide most of the
traction. If the front wheels begin to lose
traction, power is shifted automatically to the
rear wheels. The greater the front wheel trac-
tion loss, the greater the power transfer to the
rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy
throttle input (where one may have no wheel
spin), torque will be sent to the rear in a
preemptive effort to improve vehicle launch
and performance characteristics.
157
The 4WD LOW mode helps to improve the
off-road performance in all modes. To enable
4WD LOW, please follow the steps below:
Enabling 4WD LOW
With the vehicle stationary, the ignition in the
ON/RUN or with the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and push the
button once 4WD LOW. The instrument clus-
ter will display the message "4WD LOW" once
the shift is complete.
NOTE:
• Both LOCK and LOW LEDs will blink and
then become active on the Selec-Terrain
switch until the shift is complete.
• The instrument cluster display will illumi-
nate the "4WD LOW" icon.
Disabling 4WD LOW
To disable the 4WD LOW mode, the vehicle
must be stationary and the transmission
shifted into NEUTRAL. Push the 4WD LOW
button once.SELEC-TERRAIN — IF
EQUIPPED
Selec-Terrain combines the capabilities of
the vehicle control systems, along with driver
input, to provide the best performance for all
terrains.
Mode Selection Guide
Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the
desired mode.
•AUTO: This four-wheel drive operation is a
continuous operation, is fully automatic
and can be used on and off road. This mode
balances traction to ensure maneuverabil-
ity and acceleration improvement com-
pared to a vehicle with two wheel drive. This
mode also reduces fuel consumption, since
it allows the disconnect of the drive shaft
where conditions permit.
Selec-Terrain Switch
Selec-Terrain Switch (Trailhawk)
159
•SNOW: This mode allows you to have greater
stability under conditions of bad weather.
For use on and off road on surfaces with
poor traction, such as roads covered with
snow. When in SNOW mode (depending on
certain operating conditions), the transmis-
sion may use second gear (rather than first
gear) during launches, to minimize wheel
slippage.
•SAND: For off-road driving or use on sur-
faces with poor traction, such as dry sand.
The transmission is set to provide maxi-
mum traction.
•MUD: For off-road driving or use on surfaces
with poor traction, such as roads covered by
mud or wet grass.
•ROCK(Trailhawk only): This mode is only
available in 4WD LOW range. The device
sets the vehicle to maximize traction and
allow the highest steering capacity for off-
road surfaces. This mode gives you the
maximum performance off-road. 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 for steep
downhill control. See “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Safety” for further
information.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to re-
duce fuel consumption. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle
stop if the required conditions are met. Re-
leasing the brake pedal, clutch pedal or
pressing the accelerator pedal will automati-
cally re-start the engine.
WARNING!
Before opening the hood, make sure that
the engine is off and that the ignition is in
the OFF mode. Follow the indications on
the plate underneath the hood. We recom-
WARNING!
mend that you remove the key fob if other
people remain in the vehicle. The vehicle
should only be exited after the key fob has
been removed and the ignition is on the
OFF mode. During refueling, make sure
that the engine is off (ignition device in the
OFF mode).
CAUTION!
When replacing the battery, always con-
tact your authorized dealer. Replace the
battery with the same type (HEAVY DUTY)
and with the same specifications.
Operating Modes
Engine stopping mode
Models equipped with a manual transmis-
sion:
With the vehicle stopped, the engine stops
with transmission in neutral and clutch pedal
released.
STARTING AND OPERATING
160
WARNING!
limited upon adverse sight distance con-
ditions.
• Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in
wrong or missing distance warnings.
• Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
while following a target vehicle and hold
the vehicle for 2 seconds in the stop
position. If the target vehicle does not
start moving within two seconds the ACC
system will display a message that the
system will release the brakes and that
the brakes must be applied manually. An
audible chime will sound when the
brakes are released.
You should switch off the ACC system:
• When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway con-
struction zones).
• When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or
have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
WARNING!
• When towing a trailer up or down steep
slopes.
• When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
The Cruise Control system has two control
modes:
• Adaptive Cruise Control mode for main-
taining an appropriate distance between
vehicles.
• Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control
mode for cruising at a constant preset
speed. For additional information, refer
to “Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control
Mode” in your Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control will
not react to preceding vehicles. Always be
aware of the mode selected. You can
change the mode by using the Cruise Con-
trol buttons. The two control modes func-
tion differently. Always confirm which
mode is selected.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK
ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist system pro-
vides visual and audible indications of the
distance between the rear fascia and a de-
tected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during
a parking maneuver. Refer to “ParkSense
System Usage Precautions” for limitations of
this system and recommendations.
ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition
cycle when the ignition is changed to the
ON/RUN position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear
selector is in REVERSE. The system will
remain active while in REVERSE until the
vehicle speed is increased to approximately
7 mph (11 km/h) or above. While in RE-
VERSE, and above the system's operating
speed, a warning will appear within the in-
strument cluster display indicating the ve-
hicle speed is too fast. The system will be-
come active again when the vehicle speed is
decreased to speeds less than approximately
6 mph (9 km/h).
167