2021 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transmission

placing the transmission in PARK. This sys-
tem also locks the transmission in PARK
whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.
NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK
when the ignition is in the ACC mode (even
though the engine will be off). Ensure that
the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
isOFF(not in ACC mode) before exiting the
vehicle.
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 engine must
be running 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.
Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode
The Fuel Economy (ECO) mode can improve
the vehicle's overall fuel economy during nor-
mal driving conditions. Push the “ECO”
switch in the center stack of the instrument
panel to activate or disable ECO mode. A
light on the switch indicates when ECO mode
is disabled (for regular models) or enabled
(for SRT models).When the Fuel Economy (ECO) Mode is en-
gaged, the vehicle control systems will
change the following:
• The transmission will upshift sooner and
downshift later.
• The overall driving performance will be
more conservative.
• Vehicles with Quadra-Lift air suspension
will operate in "Aero" mode over a broader
speed range. Refer to the section on
Quadra-Lift for further information.
• In SRT models, the transmission will
launch (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 — If Equipped
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 specific
driving conditions such as ECO and Tow
ECO Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING
156

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 or SPORT (AutoStick) shift posi-tions. Manual shifts can be made using the
AutoStick shift control. Toggling the gear se-
lector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the
MANUAL or SPORT (AutoStick) position (be-
side 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. Refer to
"AutoStick" in this section for further infor-
mation.
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.
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) or SPORT (S)
position (beside 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 transmis-
sion to the next lower gear, while tapping (+)
to enter AutoStick mode will retain the cur-
rent gear. The current transmission gear will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick mode, you can use the gear selec-
tor (in the MANUAL or SPORT position), orTransmission Gear Selector
Shift Paddles
157

the shift paddles, to manually shift the trans-
mission. Tapping the gear selector forward (-)
while in the MANUAL (M) or SPORT (S)
position, or tapping the (-) shift paddle, will
downshift the transmission to the next lower
gear. Tapping the selector 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 engine
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 or third 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.
• The system may revert to automatic shift
mode 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.STARTING AND OPERATING
158

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 steeringfeel. 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” in the Owner’s
Manual.
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 intended 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.
Sport Mode Button
159

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.
NOTE:
• If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or
a transfer case motor temperature protec-
tion 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 instru-
ment cluster display. 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; how-
ever, difficulty may occur due to the mating
clutch teeth not being properly aligned.Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift comple-
tion 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.
Transfer Case Switch
161

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.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds
and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the
transmission back into NEUTRAL.
10. Firmly apply the parking brake.
11. With the transmission and transfer case
in NEUTRAL, push and hold the EN-
GINE START/STOP button until the en-
gine turns off.
12. Place the transmission gear selector in
PARK. Release the brake pedal.
13. Push the ENGINE STOP/START button
twice (without pressing the brake pedal),
to turn the ignition to the OFF mode.
14. Release the parking brake only when the
vehicle is securely attached to a tow
vehicle.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.
NEUTRAL (N) Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING
162

Automatic height changes will occur based
on vehicle speed and the current vehicle
height. The indicator lamps and instrument
cluster display messages will operate the
same for automatic changes and user re-
quested changes.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 4, 5,
and 6 will be illuminated when the vehicle
is in OR2.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4 and
5 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in
OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator
lamp 4 will be illuminated when the vehicle
is in this position.
• Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in Entry/
Exit Mode. If Entry/Exit Mode is requested
while vehicle speed is between 15 mph
(24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h), indicator
lamp 4 will remain on solid and indicator
lamp 3 will flash as the system waits for the
vehicle to reduce speed. If vehicle speed is
reduced to, and kept below, 15 mph
(24 km/h) indicator lamp 4 will turn off and
indicator lamp 3 will flash until Entry/ExitMode is achieved at which point indicator
lamp 3 will go solid. If during the height
change to Entry/Exit Mode, the vehicle
speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h), the
height change will be paused until the
vehicle speed either goes below 15 mph
(24 km/h) and the height change continues
to Entry/Exit Mode, or exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h) and the vehicle height will return
to NRH. Entry/Exit Mode may be selected
while the vehicle is not moving provided
that the engine is still running and all doors
remain closed.
• Transport Mode - No indicator lamps will be
illuminated. Customer driving will disable
Transport Mode.
• Tire/Jack Mode - Indicator lamps 3 and
6 will be illuminated. Customer driving will
disable Tire/Jack Mode.
• Wheel Alignment Mode - Indicator lamps
3 and 4 will be illuminated. Customer driv-
ing will disable Wheel Alignment Mode.SELEC-TERRAIN — IF
EQUIPPED
Selec-Terrain Mode Selection
Selec-Terrain combines the capabilities of
the vehicle control systems, along with driver
input, to provide the best performance for all
terrains.
Selec-Terrain consists of the following posi-
tions:
•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 oper-
ating conditions), the transmission may use
second gear (rather than first gear) during
Selec-Terrain Switch
167

Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multime-
dia” section in your Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
Selec-Track consists of the following posi-
tions:
•Sport– Dry weather, on-road calibration.
Performance based tuning that provides a
rear wheel drive feel but with improved
handling and acceleration over a two-wheel
drive vehicle. This feature will reset to
AUTO on an ignition cycle.
•Snow– Tuning set for additional stability in
inclement weather. Use on and off road on
loose traction surfaces such as snow. This
feature will reset to AUTO upon an ignition
cycle.
•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 handling and ac-
celeration over two-wheel drive vehicles.•Track– Track road calibration for use on
high traction surfaces. Driveline is maxi-
mized for traction. Some binding may be
felt on less forgiving surfaces. This feature
will reset to AUTO on an ignition cycle.
•To w– Use this mode for towing and hauling
heavy loads. Vehicle suspension will go to
sport mode. Trailer sway control is enabled
in the ESC system. This feature will reset to
AUTO upon an ignition cycle.
Custom
This mode allows the driver to create a cus-
tom vehicle configuration that is saved for
quick selection of favorite settings. The sys-
tem will return to AUTO mode when the
ignition switch is cycled from RUN to OFF to
RUN, if this mode is selected. While in Cus-
tom Mode the Stability, Transmission, Steer-
ing, Suspension, all-wheel drive set up, and
Paddle shifter settings may be configured
through the custom mode set-up.
NOTE:
Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multime-
dia” section in your Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
Active Damping System
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
controlled damping system. This system re-
duces body roll and pitch in many driving
situations including cornering, acceleration
and braking. There are 3 modes:
•Street Mode(Available in terrain positions
AUTO, SNOW and CUSTOM.) — Used dur-
ing highway speeds where a touring sus-
pension feel is desired.
•Sport Mode(Available in terrain positions
AUTO, SPORT, CUSTOM and TOW.) — Pro-
vides a firm suspension for better handling.
•Track Mode(Available in terrain positions
AUTO, TRACK and CUSTOM.) — Provides
a full firm suspension for an aggressive
track experience.
Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multime-
dia” section in your Owner’s Manual for fur-
ther information.
169