2023 JEEP CHEROKEE key

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE57
CLOSING THE HOOD
In one continuous motion, pull down on the front edge of
the hood with moderate force until the angle is below the
point where the gas props are no longer resisting. Then let
the hood continue to fall into the closed position on its
own.
LIFTGATE
TO UNLOCK/OPEN THE LIFTGATE
The power liftgate may be opened by pushing the key fob
liftgate button (if equipped) or by pushing the electronic
liftgate release handle
Úpage 22.
Push the liftgate button on the key fob twice within five
seconds to open the power liftgate. Once the liftgate is
open, pushing the button twice within five seconds a
second time will close the liftgate.
The power liftgate may also be opened or closed by
pushing the liftgate button located on the instrument
panel to right of the headlight switch. If the liftgate is fully
open, the liftgate can be closed by pushing the liftgate
button located on the left rear trim panel, near the liftgate opening. If the liftgate is in motion, pushing the liftgate
button located on the left rear trim panel will reverse the
liftgate.
With a valid Passive Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the
liftgate, push the Passive Entry button located to the left of
liftgate release handle to lock the liftgate and doors.
NOTE:If all doors are programmed within Uconnect Settings to
unlock on first press, all doors will unlock when you push
the liftgate release handle. If the driver door is
programmed to unlock on first press within Uconnect
Settings
Úpage 126, the liftgate will unlock when you
push the liftgate release handle.

Liftgate Entry
NOTE:

Use the power door lock switch on either front door trim
panel or the key fob to lock and unlock the liftgate.
 The manual door locks on the doors and the driver's
door lock cylinder will not lock and unlock the liftgate.
Power Liftgate Malfunction Procedure:

1. In the event of a power malfunction to the liftgate, the liftgate can be released by accessing the service
release feature in the latch. This can be done using
a 3 mm diameter screwdriver.

2. From inside the gate, an eyelet can be seen. Place the screwdriver in the eyelet.
3. Rotate the screwdriver handle to actuate the lever and release the latch.
4. If liftgate is left open for an extended period of time, the liftgate may need to be closed manually to reset
power liftgate functionality.
NOTE:The liftgate can also be opened manually by pushing the
electronic liftgate release handle and pulling upward in
one fluid motion.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your
vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it could open
when the vehicle is in motion and block your vision.
Failure to follow this warning could result in serious
injury or death.
1 — Passive Entry Button
2 — Liftgate Release Handle
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep the
liftgate closed when you are operating the vehicle.
2

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 57

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

77
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
Start the engine with the gear selector in the NEUTRAL (N)
or PARK (P) position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
NORMAL STARTING
Press the brake pedal and place the ignition in the START
position and release when the engine starts. If the engine
fails to start within 10 seconds:

1. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
3. Repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
NOTE:Only press one pedal at a time while driving the vehicle.
Torque performance of the vehicle could be reduced if
both pedals are pressed at the same time. If pressure is
detected on both pedals simultaneously, a warning
message will display in the instrument cluster
Úpage 63.
Tip Start Feature
Place the ignition in the START position and release it as
the starter engages. The starter motor will automatically
disengage itself once the engine is running. If the engine
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in
10 seconds. If this occurs:

1. Place the ignition in the OFF position.

2. Wait 10 to 15 seconds.
3. Repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
EXTREME COLD WEATHER
(B
ELOW –20°F OR −29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater
(available from an authorized dealer) is recommended.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle has not
been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the
battery to ensure a full battery charge during the
crank cycle.

2. Place the ignition in the START position and release it when the engine starts. For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™
ignition systems, press and hold the brake pedal
while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, place the ignition in the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds
to allow the starter to cool, then repeat the Extended
Park Starting procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat
the procedure.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle. If equipped
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™, always make sure the
keyless ignition node is in 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 seriously 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
the ignition of 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.
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 77

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

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 79

STARTING AND OPERATING81
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF (key removal) position.
The key fob can only be removed from the ignition when
the ignition is in the OFF position, and the transmission is
locked in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF
position.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN position (engine running or not)
and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission
out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds). Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.
WARNING!
 It is dangerous to shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N) if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
 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 transmission 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 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.
 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.
 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!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING!
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 81

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 OPERATING105
(Continued)
NOTE:Parksense will reduce the volume of the radio if on when
the system is sounding an audible tone. An audible tone
will only sound if a collision is possible.
Activation/Deactivation
The system can operate only after driving a short distance
and if the vehicle speed is between 0 and 7 mph (0 and
11 km/h). The system can be activated/deactivated
within the Uconnect system. If the ParkSense System is
deactivated via the ParkSense switch then the Side
Distance Warning system will automatically be
deactivated.
Message on the display for Side Distance Warning
feature:
“Wipe Sensors” — This message is displayed in the case of
a failure of the Side Distance Warning system sensors.
Free the bumpers of any obstacles, ensure that the front
and rear fascia/bumper are free of snow, ice, mud, dirt
and debris to keep the ParkSense system operating
properly.
“System Not Available” — This message is displayed if the
Side Distance Warning system is not available. The failed
operation of the system might be due to the insufficient voltage from the battery or other failures on the electrical
system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to have the electrical system checked.
ParkSense Usage Precautions
Some conditions may influence the performance of the
Side Distance Warning system:
NOTE:

Ensure that the front and rear fascia/bumper are free
of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the Park -
Sense system operating properly.
 Construction equipment, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of ParkSense.
 When you turn ParkSense off, the instrument cluster
display will read “PARKSENSE OFF.” Furthermore, once
you turn ParkSense off, it remains off until you turn it
on again, even if you cycle the ignition key.
 ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of the
radio when it is sounding a tone.
 Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care not
to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not be
covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not detect an
obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an obstacle is
behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.
 The presence of a tow hook without a trailer may inter -
fere with the correct operation of the parking sensors.
Before using the ParkSense system, it is recom -
mended to remove the removable tow hook ball assembly and any attachments from the vehicle when
it is not used for towing operations.
Audible Alert Chime Continuous tone
if vehicle is on course for a collision Fast tone if
vehicle is on course for a collision
Radio Volume Reduced Yes
Yes
WARNING ALERTS
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using ParkSense. Always check carefully behind your
vehicle, look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up. You are respon -
sible for safety and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
 Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly be
disconnected from the vehicle when the vehicle is
not used for towing. Failure to do so can result in
injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles because
the hitch ball will be much closer to the obstacle than
the rear fascia when the vehicle sounds the contin -
uous tone. Also, the sensors could detect the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly, depending on its size
and shape, giving a false indication that an obstacle
is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
 ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 105