2023 JEEP CHEROKEE ESP

58GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
TO LOCK/CLOSE THE LIFTGATE
There are several different ways to close the liftgate:
Manually by grabbing the liftgate closing handle and
pulling in a downward motion to close the liftgate.
Release the handle when the liftgate takes over the
closing effort.
 Key fob liftgate button (if equipped)
 Hands-Free (if equipped)
 Liftgate instrument panel button (if equipped)
 Power Liftgate button on the pillar in the cargo area (if
equipped)
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the liftgate, pushing the Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Passive Entry
lock/push button located to the left of the Back Up
Camera will lock the vehicle only.
The power liftgate may be closed by pushing the rear
power liftgate button, located in the upper left trim in the
liftgate opening. Pushing the button will only close the
liftgate. This button cannot be used to open the liftgate.

Rear Power Liftgate Button

HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE — IF EQUIPPED

Hands-Free Liftgate Activation Zone

To open or close the liftgate using hands-free activation,
use a straight in and out kicking motion under the vehicle
activation zone in the general location below the rear
license plate. Do not move your foot sideways or in a
sweeping motion or the sensors may not detect the
motion.
NOTE:The activation zone is the same for vehicles equipped with
or without a trailer tow package.
When a valid kicking motion is completed, the liftgate will
chime, the hazard lights will flash and the liftgate will open
after approximately one second, or close after
approximately three seconds. These settings can be
enabled or disabled through the Uconnect Settings
Úpage 126.
NOTE:
 Opening or closing the Hands-Free Liftgate requires a
valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
door handle. If a valid Passive Entry key fob is not
within 5 ft (1.5 m), the liftgate will not respond to any
kicks.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature may be turned on or
off through the Uconnect system
Úpage 126.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature should be turned off
during jacking, tire changing, manual car wash, and
vehicle service.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate feature can be activated by
any metallic object making a similar in-and-out motion
under the rear fascia/bumper, such as cleaning using
a metal broom.
 The Hands-Free Liftgate will only operate when the
transmission is in PARK.
 If anything obstructs the Hands-Free Liftgate while it is
opening or closing, the liftgate will automatically
reverse to the closed/open position, provided it meets
sufficient resistance.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 58

72GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault
with the Four-Wheel Drive system. If the light
stays on or comes on during driving, it means
that the Four-Wheel Drive system is not
functioning properly and that service is required. We
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate a fault in the
Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an
local authorized dealer for service
Úpage 154.
Service Stop / Start System Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Stop/
Start system is not functioning properly and
service is required. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the
Cruise Control System is not functioning
properly and service is required. Contact an
authorized dealer.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a message is
displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is
lower than the recommended value and/or
that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these
cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not
be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned
previously, the display will show the indications
corresponding to each tire.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire pressure
warning light when one or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
warning light illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When
the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
WARNING!

Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as
handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoid
-
ing sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture occurs,
repair immediately using the dedicated tire repair kit and
contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 72

74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set Without
Target Vehicle Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This will display the distance setting for the ACC
system when the system is engaged
Úpage 92.
Cruise Control Set Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
cruise control is set to the desired speed
Úpage 90.
Front Fog Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
front fog lights are on Úpage 39.
LaneSense Indicator Light —
If Equipped
The LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid
green when both lane markings have been
detected and the system is “armed” and ready
to provide visual and torque warnings if an
unintentional lane departure occurs
Úpage 109.
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
parking lights or headlights are turned on
Úpage 39.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light
This telltale will illuminate when the Stop/Start
function is in “Autostop” mode.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash
independently and the corresponding exterior
turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be
activated when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right).
NOTE:
 A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
 Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Active Speed Limiter Ready Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Active Speed
Limiter is on, but not set.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent
Control (HDC) feature is turned on. The light will
be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only
be armed when the transfer case is in the 4WD
Low position and the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph
(48 km/h). If these conditions are not met while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light
will flash on/off.
LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped
When the LaneSense system is ON, but not
armed, the LaneSense indicator light
illuminates solid white. This occurs when only
left, right, or neither lane line has been
detected. If a single lane line is detected, the system is
ready to provide only visual warnings if an unintentional
lane departure occurs on the detected lane line
Úpage 109.
Selec-Speed Control Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light will turn on when “Selec-Speed
Control” is activated.
To activate “Selec-Speed Control”, ensure the
vehicle is in Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Low and
push the button on the Instrument Panel.
NOTE:If the vehicle is not in 4WD Low, “To Enter Selec-Speed
Shift to 4WD Low” will appear in the instrument cluster
display.

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82STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).
 In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects REVERSE while driving forward), the posi -
tion indicator will blink continuously until the selector is
returned to the proper position, or the requested shift
can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions.
The 9-speed transmission has been developed to meet
the needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles.
Software and calibration is refined to optimize the
customer’s driving experience and fuel economy. By
design, some vehicle and driveline combinations utilize
NINTH gear only in very specific driving situations and
conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Moving the gear selector into the MANUAL (-/+)
position (beside the DRIVE position) activates AutoStick
mode, providing manual shift control and displaying the
current gear in the instrument cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while
in the MANUAL position will manually select the
transmission gear Úpage 84.
NOTE:If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward), it
is probably in the MANUAL (AutoStick [+/-]) position
(beside the DRIVE position). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode,
the transmission 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.

Gear Selector

GEAR RANGES
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting out of
PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe
-
cially 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 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 toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
 Apply the parking brake.
 Shift the transmission into PARK.
 Turn the engine off.
 Remove the key fob.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement 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.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

STARTING AND OPERATING83
(Continued)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 display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position.
 With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit 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 some -
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
 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
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and
remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the OFF
(key removal) position (or, with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™,
when the ignition is in the OFF position), the trans -
mission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, 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 unattended 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 parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
WARNING!
 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 Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage 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.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition
to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that
limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. 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.
If Recreational Towing see
Úpage 120.
If Towing A Disabled Vehicle see
Úpage 205.
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 83

STARTING AND OPERATING85

The transmission will automatically downshift to FIRST or
SECOND gear (depending on model) 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. Starting out in SECOND gear can be helpful in
snow or icy conditions. Tap the gear selector forward or
rearward to select the desired gear after the vehicle is
brought to a stop.
 If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
overspeed, that shift will not occur.
 The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
 Avoid using Cruise Control when AutoStick is engaged
because the transmission will not shift automatically.
 Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
 The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
position at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission 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
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until the trans -
mission fluid 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 engaged, it may seem as if
the transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is
normal. The torque converter clutch will function normally
once the transmission is sufficiently warm.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
1-SPEED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD).
The system is automatic with no driver inputs or additional
driving skills required. Under normal driving conditions,
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 traction 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.
2-SPEED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) — I
F EQUIPPED

2-Speed 4x4 Switch
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size
may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
4

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88STARTING AND OPERATING
SELEC-TERRAIN
DESCRIPTION
Selec-Terrain allows the driver to specify the driving
surface to allow the vehicle systems to provide the best
performance possible across a wide range of conditions.
Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the desired mode.

Selec-Terrain Switch

Selec-Terrain offers the following modes:
AUTO — Fully automatic, full-time four-wheel drive oper -
ation can be used on and off-road. Balances traction
with a seamless steering feel to provide improved
handling and acceleration.
 SNOW — Tuning set for additional stability in inclement
weather. Use when driving on loose traction surfaces
such as snow, while either on or off-road. When in
SNOW mode (depending on certain operating condi -tions), the transmission may use SECOND gear (rather
than FIRST gear) during launches, to minimize wheel
slippage.
 SPORT — This mode alters the transmission's auto -
matic shift schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds
are increased to make full use of available engine
power.
NOTE:SPORT mode is not available when 4WD LOW is selected.
 SAND/MUD — Off-road calibration for use on low trac -
tion surfaces such as mud, sand, or wet grass. The
4WD system provides maximum capability to all
wheels. Some binding may be felt on high traction
surfaces. The electronic brake system will be adjusted
to reduce the automatic braking of slipping wheels and
to allow the engine to operate without restriction.
 ROCK — Off-road calibration is only available in 4WD
LOW range. ROCK mode provides the most aggressive
four-wheel drive performance for extreme off-road
terrain. Use for low speed obstacles such as large
rocks, deep ruts, etc. The driver may notice additional
tire scrubbing and steering wheel feedback while
driving in ROCK mode on higher traction off-road
surfaces. For use only in off-road driving situations.
NOTE:
 ROCK mode is only available on the vehicles equipped
with the Off-Road package.
 Activate the Hill Descent Control or Selec-Speed
Control for steep downhill control
Úpage 143.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster Úpage 63.
POWER STEERING
The power steering system will provide increased vehicle
response and ease of maneuverability. The power steering
system adapts to different driving conditions.
If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” or “POWER
STEERING ASSIST OFF - SERVICE SYSTEM”
message and a steering wheel icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster display
screen, it indicates that the vehicle needs to be taken to
an authorized dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has
lost power steering assistance
Úpage 68.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM HOT - PERFORMANCE
MAY BE LIMITED” message and an icon are displayed on
the instrument cluster display screen, it indicates that
extreme steering maneuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition in the power
steering system. You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condition no
longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, pull over
and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the light
turns off
Úpage 68.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 88

STARTING AND OPERATING89
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no longer oper -
ational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
 If the condition persists, see an authorized dealer for
service.
STOP/START SYSTEM
The Stop/Start system was designed to reduce fuel
consumption. The system will stop the engine
automatically during a vehicle stop if the required
conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or pressing
the accelerator pedal will automatically restart the engine.
This vehicle has been upgraded with a heavy-duty battery,
starter, as well as other engine parts, to handle the
additional engine starts.
AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal
customer engine start. At that time, the system will go into
STOP/START READY.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must Occur:
The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A
“STOP/START READY” message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster display within the Stop/Start
section
Úpage 63.
 The vehicle must be completely stopped.
 The gear selector must be in a forward gear and the
brake pedal pressed. The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to the
zero position, and the Stop/Start indicator light will
illuminate indicating you are in Autostop. Customer
settings will be maintained upon return to an
engine-running condition.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT AUTOSTOP
Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many
safety and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled.
Detailed information about the operation of the Stop/Start
system may be viewed in the instrument cluster display
Stop/Start Screen. In the following situations, the engine
will not stop:
 Driver’s seat belt is not buckled
 Driver’s door is not closed
 Battery temperature is too warm or cold
 Battery charge is low
 The vehicle is on a steep grade
 Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an accept -
able cabin temperature has not been achieved
 HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed
 HVAC is set to MAX A/C
 Engine has not reached normal operating temperature
 The transmission is not in a forward or reverse gear
 Hood is open
 Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pressure with
vehicle in DRIVE (D) position
 Accelerator pedal input 
Engine temperature is too high
 5 mph (8 km/h) threshold has not been achieved from
previous Autostop
 Steering angle is beyond threshold
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven several
times without the Stop/Start system going into a STOP/
START READY state under more extreme conditions of the
items listed previously.TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in a forward gear, the engine will start when the
brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is
pressed. The transmission will automatically re-engage
upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode:
 The transmission gear selector is moved out of DRIVE,
except in the PARK position
 To maintain cabin temperature comfort
 HVAC is set to full defrost mode
 HVAC system temperature or fan speed is manually
adjusted
 Battery voltage drops too low
 Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
 A Stop/Start system error occurs
 Steering wheel is turned beyond threshold
4

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