2023 JEEP CHEROKEE tow

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL75
(Continued)
Cruise Control Ready Indicator Light
This light will turn on when the Cruise Control
has been turned on, but not set Úpage 90.
BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate
that the high beam headlights are on. With the
low beams activated, push the multifunction
lever forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to
turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction lever
rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the
high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward
you for a temporary high beam on, “flash to pass”
scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Although
your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
(OBD II) C
YBERSECURITY
Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information related to
the performance of your emissions controls. Authorized
service technicians may need to access this information to
assist with the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system
Úpage 126.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the
Malfunction Indicator Light is functioning and is
not on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD II system is ready for testing.
The OBD ll system may not be ready if your vehicle was
recently serviced, recently had a depleted battery or a
battery replacement. If the OBD ll system should be
determined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail
the test.
CAUTION!
 Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further
damage to the emission control system. It could also
affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle
must be serviced before any emissions tests can be
performed.
 If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician should
connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in
order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your
vehicle.
 If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II
connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
 Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
 Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including
personal information.
WARNING!
3

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 75

78STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle has not
experienced an Extended Park condition as previously
defined, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while the engine is
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. The starter motor will engage
automatically, run for 10 seconds, and then disengage.
Once this occurs, release the accelerator pedal and the
brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades see
Úpage 256.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter -
preted as a problem.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers simple
operation, and some additional features that make the
parking brake more convenient and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the
vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the
vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is applied. Also,
be certain to leave the transmission in PARK (P).
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
 Manually, by applying the EPB switch.
 Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature
in the customer programmable features
Úpage 132.
The EPB switch is located in the center console, behind
the gear selector.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait
10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 200.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 78

STARTING AND OPERATING79
(Continued)

EPB Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on the EPB
switch momentarily. You may hear a sound from the back
of the vehicle while the parking brake engages. Once the
parking brake is fully engaged, the red Brake Warning
Light in the instrument cluster and an indicator on the
switch will illuminate. If your foot is on the brake pedal
while you apply the parking brake, you may notice a small
amount of brake pedal movement. The parking brake can
be applied even when the ignition switch is OFF but the
Brake Warning Light will not illuminate. The parking brake
can only be released when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:The EPB Warning Light will illuminate if the EPB switch is
held for longer than 90 seconds in either the released or
applied position. The light will extinguish upon releasing
the switch.
If the Auto Park Brake feature is enabled, the parking
brake will automatically engage whenever the
transmission is placed into PARK, while the ignition is turned OFF. If your foot is on the brake pedal, you may
notice a small amount of brake pedal movement while the
parking brake is engaging.
The parking brake will release automatically when the
ignition is ON, the transmission is in DRIVE (D) or REVERSE
(R) and the driver seat belt is buckled.
To release the parking brake manually, the ignition switch
must be in the ON/RUN position. Put your foot on the
brake pedal, then push the EPB switch down momentarily.
You may hear a sound from the back of the vehicle while
the parking brake disengages. You may also notice a small
amount of movement in the brake pedal. Once the parking
brake is fully disengaged, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster and the LED indicator on the switch will
extinguish.
NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK.
WARNING!

Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When exiting the vehicle, always turn the ignition off,
secure the key fob and lock your 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
gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave 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.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
4

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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

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84STARTING AND OPERATING
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 upshifts through all forward gears.
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
Úpage 84. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the
transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or
expand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission 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
transmission cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and 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 shifts into EIGHTH or NINTH gear,
are inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm
Úpage 85. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
SPORT — If Equipped
This mode alters the transmission's automatic shift
schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are increased
to make full use of available engine power.
SPORT mode is activated using the rotary switch on the
center console
Úpage 88.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that
you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission. If
the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
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, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This feature can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside
the DRIVE position), it can be moved forward and
rearward. This allows the driver to manually select the
transmission gear being used. Moving the gear selector
forward (-) triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an
upshift. The current gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift up or
down when the driver moves the gear selector rearward (+)
or forward (-), except as follows:


The transmission will automatically upshift when
necessary to prevent engine overspeed.
 The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

86STARTING AND OPERATING

2-Speed 4x4 Switch (with Rear Lock)

The Four-Wheel Drive is fully automatic in the normal
driving mode. The Selec-Terrain buttons provide three
selectable mode positions:
4WD LOW
 REAR LOCK (If Equipped)
 N (NEUTRAL)
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW range
position can be used to provide an additional gear
reduction, which allows for increased torque to be
delivered to both the front and rear wheels. 4WD LOW is
intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in
4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the normal
driving mode at a given road speed. Take care not to
overspeed the engine, and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause
damage to the driveline components.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
SHIFT POSITIONS
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
4WD system mode position, see the information below:
N (NEUTRAL)
This range disengages the driveline from the powertrain. It
is to be used for flat towing behind another vehicle
Úpage 120.
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, slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
NOTE:For further information on the various positions and their
intended uses Úpage 88.
SHIFTING PROCEDURES
Shifting Into 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition in the ON/RUN position and the engine running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N), 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.

4WD LOW Button

NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a message will
flash from the instrument cluster display with instructions
on how to complete the requested shift
Úpage 63.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the power transfer unit in the N
(NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The N (NEUTRAL) position disengages
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,
unless the vehicle is otherwise secured (for example,
when attached to the tow vehicle).

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92STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
To Deactivate
A tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button, or
normal brake pressure will deactivate the Cruise Control
system without erasing the set speed from memory.
The following conditions will also deactivate the Cruise
Control without erasing the set speed from memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
 Stability event occurs
 Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
 Engine overspeed occurs
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in the OFF
position, will erase the set speed from memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling on
highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety
system and not designed to prevent collisions. The Cruise
Control function performs differently
Úpage 90.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged in light
to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need
to reset your Cruise Control. ACC utilizes a radar sensor
and a forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle
directly ahead of you.
NOTE:
 If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will
apply limited braking or acceleration (not to exceed the
original set speed) automatically to maintain a preset
following distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead. 
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to
the vehicle will affect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning system.
 Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not detect vehicles
directly ahead of you. Always be aware of the feature
selected
Úpage 262.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience
system. It is not a substitute for active driver involve -
ment. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive of road, traffic, and weather conditions,
vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and,
most importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a colli -
sion and death or serious personal injury.
 The ACC system:
 Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehi -
cles, and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped
vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
 Cannot take street, traffic, and weather condi -
tions into account, and may be limited upon
adverse sight distance conditions.
 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 and
hold the vehicle in the stop position for approxi -
mately three minutes when following a vehicle
ahead. If the vehicle ahead does not start
moving within three minutes, the parking brake
will be activated, and the ACC system will be
canceled.
 You should switch off the ACC system:
 When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa-
tions (i.e., in highway construction 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.
 When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
 When circumstances do not allow safe driving at
a constant speed.
WARNING!

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 92