109
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come
on during the four to eight seconds when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on
after the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter-
mittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any
engine related gauges are not working, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may
also be disabled. In this condition the air
bags may not be ready to inflate for your
protection. Have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could
affect the Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS), the Redundant Air
Bag Warning Light will illuminate on the
instrument panel. The Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light will stay on until the fault is
cleared. In addition, a single chime will
sound to alert you that the Redundant Air
Bag Warning Light has come on and a fault
has been detected. If the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving have an authorized
dealer service the vehicle immediately.
For additional information regarding the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light refer to
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
section of this manual.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/
shoulder belts for both the driver and front
passenger. The front air bags are a supple -
ment to the seat belt restraint systems. The
driver front air bag is mounted in the center
of the steering wheel. The passenger front air
bag is mounted in the instrument panel,
above the glove compartment. The words
“SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed
on the air bag covers.
Front Air Bag/Knee Impact Bolster Locations
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t
have the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as
a bulb check when the ignition is first
turned on, stays on after you start the
vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have
an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
1 — Passenger Front Air Bag
2 — Driver Front Air Bag
3 — Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag/
Driver Knee Impact Bolster
4 — Passenger Knee Impact Bolster
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 109
SAFETY
110
Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has
multistage driver and front passenger air
bags. This system provides output appro-
priate to the severity and type of collision as
determined by the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC), which may receive infor -
mation from the front impact sensors (if
equipped) or other system components.
The first stage inflator is triggered immedi -
ately during an impact that requires air bag
deployment. A low energy output is used in
less severe collisions. A higher energy output
is used for more severe collisions.
This vehicle may be equipped with a driver
and/or front passenger seat belt buckle
switch that detects whether the driver or
front passenger seat belt is buckled. The seat
belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation
rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags.
This vehicle may be equipped with driver
and/or front passenger seat track position
sensors that may adjust the inflation rate of
the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon
seat position.
WARNING!
Being too close to the steering wheel or
instrument panel during front air bag
deployment could cause serious injury,
including death. Air bags need room to
inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending
your arms to reach the steering wheel or
instrument panel.
NEVER use a rearward facing child
restraint on a seat protected by an
ACTIVE AIRBAG in front of it, DEATH or
SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD can
occur.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint
in the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear
seat. If the vehicle does not have a rear
seat, do not transport a rear-facing child
restraint in that vehicle.
A deploying passenger front air bag can
cause death or serious injury to a child
12 years or younger, including a child in
a rear-facing child restraint.
WARNING!
No objects should be placed over or near
the air bag on the instrument panel or
steering wheel because any such objects
could cause harm if the vehicle is in a
collision severe enough to cause the air
bag to inflate.
Do not put anything on or around the air
bag covers or attempt to open them
manually. You may damage the air bags
and you could be injured because the air
bags may no longer be functional. The
protective covers for the air bag cushions
are designed to open only when the air
bags are inflating.
Relying on the air bags alone could lead
to more severe injuries in a collision. The
air bags work with your seat belt to
restrain you properly. In some collisions,
air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear
your seat belts even though you have air
bags.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 110
111
Front Air Bag Operation
Front Air Bags are designed to provide addi-
tional protection by supplementing the seat
belts. Front air bags are not expected to
reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or roll -
over collisions. The front air bags will not
deploy in all frontal collisions, including
some that may produce substantial vehicle
damage — for example, some pole colli -
sions, truck underrides, and angle offset
collisions.
On the other hand, depending on the type
and location of impact, front air bags may
deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end
damage but that produce a severe initial
deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle
deceleration over time, vehicle speed and
damage by themselves are not good indica -
tors of whether or not an air bag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection
in all collisions, and also are needed to help
keep you in position, away from an inflating
air bag. When the ORC detects a collision requiring
the front air bags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated
to inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper passenger side of the instrument
panel separate and fold out of the way as the
air bags inflate to their full size. The front air
bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to
blink your eyes. The front air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the
knees of the driver and front passenger, and
position the front occupants for improved
interaction with the front air bags.
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supple
-
mental Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the
instrument panel below the steering column.
The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
provides enhanced protection during a
frontal impact by working together with the
seat belts, pretensioners, and front air bags.
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SABs) – If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with Supple -
mental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs).
If your vehicle is equipped with Supple -
mental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs),
please refer to the information below.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SABs) are located in the outboard side of
the front seats. The SABs are marked with
“SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or on
the seat trim on the outboard side of the
seats.
WARNING!
Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee
impact bolsters in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the
knee impact bolsters such as alarm
lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 111
SAFETY
112
Front Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label
The SABs (if equipped with SABs) may help
to reduce the risk of occupant injury during
certain side impacts, in addition to the injury
reduction potential provided by the seat
belts and body structure.
When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on
the outboard side of the seatback’s trim
cover. The inflating SAB deploys through the
seat seam into the space between the occu -
pant and the door. The SAB moves at a very
high speed and with such a high force that it
could injure occupants if they are not seated
properly, or if items are positioned in the
area where the SAB inflates. Children are at
an even greater risk of injury from a
deploying air bag. Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABICs) — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with Supple
-
mental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABICs). If your vehicle is equipped with
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable
Curtains (SABICs), please refer to the infor -
mation below.
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable
Curtains (SABICs) are located above the side
windows. The trim covering the SABICs is
labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.” Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) Label Location
SABICs (if equipped with SABICs) may help
reduce the risk of head and other injuries to
front and rear seat outboard occupants in
certain side impacts, in addition to the injury
reduction potential provided by the seat
belts and body structure.
The SABIC deploys downward, covering the
side windows. An inflating SABIC pushes the
outside edge of the headliner out of the way
and covers the window. The SABICs inflate
with enough force to injure occupants if they
are not belted and seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the
SABICs inflate. Children are at an even
greater risk of injury from a deploying air bag.
WARNING!
Do not use accessory seat covers or place
objects between you and the Side Air
Bags; the performance could be adversely
affected and/or objects could be pushed
into you, causing serious injury.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 112
113
The SABICs (if equipped with SABICs) may
help reduce the risk of partial or complete
ejection of vehicle occupants through side
windows in certain side impact events.Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in
certain side impacts. The Occupant
Restraint Controller (ORC) determines
whether the deployment of the Side Air Bags
in a particular impact event is appropriate,
based on the severity and type of collision.
The side impact sensors aid the ORC in
determining the appropriate response to
impact events. The system is calibrated to
deploy the Side Air Bags on the impact side
of the vehicle during impacts that require
Side Air Bag occupant protection. In side
impacts, the Side Air Bags deploy inde
-
pendently; a left side impact deploys the left
Side Air Bags only and a right-side impact
deploys the right Side Air Bags only. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of
whether or not Side Air Bags should have
deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side
collisions, including some collisions at
certain angles, or some side collisions that
do not impact the area of the passenger
compartment. The Side Air Bags may deploy
during angled or offset frontal collisions
where the front air bags deploy. Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat
belt restraint system. Side Air Bags deploy in
less time than it takes to blink your eyes.
WARNING!
Do not mount equipment, or stack
luggage or other cargo up high enough to
block the deployment of the SABICs.
The trim covering above the side
windows where the SABIC and its
deployment path are located should
remain free from any obstructions.
In order for the SABICs to work as
intended, do not install any accessory
items in your vehicle which could alter
the roof. Do not add an aftermarket
sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof
racks that require permanent attach
-
ments (bolts or screws) for installation
on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.
WARNING!
Occupants, including children, who are
up against or very close to Side Air Bags
can be seriously injured or killed. Occu -
pants, including children, should never
lean on or sleep against the door, side
windows, or area where the side air bags
inflate, even if they are in an infant or
child restraint.
Seat belts (and child restraints where
appropriate) are necessary for your
protection in all collisions. They also
help keep you in position, away from an
inflating Side Air Bag. To get the best
protection from the Side Air Bags, occu -
pants must wear their seat belts properly
and sit upright with their backs against
the seats. Children must be properly
restrained in a child restraint or booster
seat that is appropriate for the size of the
child.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 113
SAFETY
114
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the inte-
rior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment. Rollover Events (If Equipped With Rollover
Sensing)
Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners are
designed to activate in certain rollover events
(if equipped with rollover sensing). The
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deter
-
mines whether deployment in a particular
rollover event is appropriate, based on the
severity and type of collision. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of
whether or not Side Air Bags and seat belt
pretensioners should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags and seat belt preten -
sioners will not deploy in all rollover events.
The rollover sensing system determines if a
rollover event may be in progress and
whether deployment is appropriate. In the
event the vehicle experiences a rollover or
near rollover event, and deployment is appro -
priate, the rollover sensing system will
deploy the Side Air Bags and seat belt
pretensioners on both sides of the vehicle.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of
partial or complete ejection of vehicle occu -
pants through side windows in certain roll -
over or side impact events.
Air Bag System Components
NOTE:
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
monitors the internal circuits and intercon -
necting wiring associated with electrical Air
Bag System Components listed below:
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
WARNING!
Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do
not lean against the door or window. Sit
upright in the center of the seat.
Being too close to the Side Air Bags
during deployment could cause you to be
severely injured or killed.
Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could
lead to more severe injuries in a colli -
sion. The Side Air Bags work with your
seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, Side Air Bags won’t
deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt
even though you have Side Air Bags.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 114
115
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in
all collisions. This does not mean something
is wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the
air bags, any or all of the following may
occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the
occupants as the air bags deploy and
unfold. The abrasions are similar to fric-
tion rope burns or those you might get
sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor.
They are not caused by contact with chem-
icals. They are not permanent and
normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven’t healed significantly within a few
days, or if you have any blistering, see your
doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a
normal by-product of the process that
generates the non-toxic gas used for air
bag inflation. These airborne particles may
irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If
you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the
area with cool water. For nose or throat irri -
tation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these parti -
cles settle on your clothing, follow the
garment manufacturer’s instructions for
cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags
have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you. NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air
bag deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immedi
-
ately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communica -
tion network remains intact, and the power
remains intact, depending on the nature of
the event, the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System
perform the following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor
(if equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery
has power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain
on as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt
pretensioners cannot protect you in
another collision. Have the air bags, seat
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt
retractor assemblies replaced by an
authorized dealer immediately. Also, have
the Occupant Restraint Controller System
serviced as well.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 115
SAFETY
116
(Continued)
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to
the Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off
the HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC
Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
Headlamp washer pumpNOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the
ignition to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position
and remove the key from the ignition switch
to avoid draining the battery. Carefully check
the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the
engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine.
If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the
vehicle electrical devices (e.g. headlights)
after an accident, reset the system by
following the procedure described below. If
you have any doubt, contact an authorized
dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident
Response System functions after an event,
the ignition switch must be changed from
ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in
the engine compartment and on the ground
near the engine compartment and fuel tank
before resetting the system and starting the
engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you
need it. You could be injured if the air
bag system is not there to protect you.
Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim
cover or the upper passenger side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the
front bumper, vehicle body structure, or
add aftermarket side steps or running
boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to
tell anyone who works on your vehicle
that it has an air bag system.
2020_JEEP_CHEROKEE_UG_RHD_UK.book Page 116