2023 JEEP CHEROKEE engine

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

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

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

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 85

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).

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 86

STARTING AND OPERATING87
Shifting Out Of 4X4 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 flash and go out when the shift is
complete.
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.
 Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may
occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion 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 4WD system will not allow the
shift.
REAR ELECTRONIC LOCKER SYSTEM —
I
F EQUIPPED
The Rear Electronic Locker System features a mechanical
locking rear differential to provide better traction in the
4WD LOW position. The REAR LOCK button is on the
Selec-Terrain Knob. Activating The Rear Electronic Locker System
To activate the Rear Electronic Locker System, the
following conditions must be met:

1. The 4WD system must be in 4WD LOW.

2. The ignition in the ON/RUN position and the engine
running.
3. Vehicle speed must be below 15 mph (24 km/h). 4. To engage the Rear Electronic Locker, push the REAR LOCK button once.

Rear Lock Button

Deactivating The Rear Electronic Locker System
To deactivate the Rear Electronic Locker System, the
following conditions must be met:

1. Rear Electronic Locker must be engaged, and the REAR LOCK indicator light on.

2. The ignition in the ON/RUN position and the engine running.
3. To disengage Rear Electronic Locker, push the REAR LOCK button once.
NOTE:
It may also be necessary to drive slowly steering back
and forth to complete engagement and disengage -
ment of the Electronic Locker.
 When engaging Rear Electronic Locker, the indicator
lights in the instrument cluster and on the REAR LOCK
button will begin to flash. When the shift is complete
the REAR LOCK indicator lights will remain on.
 When disengaging Rear Electronic Locker, the indi -
cator lights in the instrument cluster and on the REAR
LOCK button will begin to flash. When the shift is
complete the REAR LOCK indicator lights will remain
off.
 Shifting into or out of Rear Electronic Locker is possible
with the vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty
may occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being
properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur.
The preferred method is for the vehicle to be rolling,
below 15 mph (24 km/h), while including right and left
steering maneuvers to allow for the clutch teeth to
align.
 The Rear Electronic Locker System must be disen -
gaged prior to taking the vehicle out of 4WD LOW
range. If 4WD LOW shift conditions/interlocks are not
met, a message will flash from the instrument cluster
display with instructions on how to complete the
requested shift.
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 87

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

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 89

90STARTING AND OPERATING
Conditions That Force An Application Of The Electric Park
Brake While In Autostop Mode:
 The driver’s door is open and brake pedal released
 The driver’s door is open and the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled
 The engine hood has been opened
 A Stop/Start system error occurs
If the Electric Park Brake (EPB) is applied with the engine
off, the engine may require a manual restart and the EPB
may require a manual release (press brake pedal and
push EPB switch).
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the switch
bank). The light on the switch will illuminate. The “STOP/
START OFF” message will appear in the instrument cluster
display and the Autostop mode will be disabled
Úpage 63.
NOTE:The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to the ON
mode every time the ignition is turned OFF and back ON.
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the switch
bank). The light on the switch will turn off.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start system, the
system will not shut down the engine. A “SERVICE STOP/
START SYSTEM” message and a yellow Stop/Start telltale
will appear in the instrument cluster display
Úpage 68.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message appears
in the instrument cluster display, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Cruise Control
system, or the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system:
 Cruise Control will keep your vehicle at a constant
preset speed.
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will adjust the vehicle
speed up to the preset speed to maintain a distance
with the vehicle ahead.
NOTE:
In vehicles equipped with ACC, if ACC is not enabled,
Fixed Speed Cruise Control will not detect vehicles
directly ahead of you. Always be aware of the feature
selected. 
Only one Cruise Control feature can operate at a time.
For example, if Fixed Speed Cruise Control is enabled,
Adaptive Cruise Control will be unavailable, and vice
versa.
CRUISE CONTROL
When engaged, the Cruise Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 20 mph (32 km/h).
The Cruise Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel.

Cruise Control Buttons

1 — On/Off
2 — CANC/Cancel
3 — SET (+)/Accel
4 — RES/Resume
5 — SET (-)/Decel

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 90