2023 JEEP CHEROKEE flat towing

WARNING: Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-highway
motor vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust,
do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area
and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more
information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
This Owner’s Manual illustrates and describes the operation of features and equipment that are either standard or optional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a description of features and equipment that are no longer available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any features and equipment described in this manual that are not on this vehicle. FCA US LLC reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications, and/or make additions to or improvements to its products without imposing any obligation upon itself to install them on products previously manufactured.
With respect to any vehicles sold in Canada, the name FCA US LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the name FCA Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
This Owner’s Manual is intended to familiarize you with the important features of your vehicle. Your most up-to-date Owner’s Manual, Navigation/Uconnect manuals and Warranty Booklet can be found by visiting the website on the back cover.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR SERVICE. CALL 1-800-521-2779 OR VISIT CHRYSLER.RSAHELP.COM (USA) CALL 1-800-363-4869 OR VISIT FCA.ROADSIDEAID.COM (CANADA) SERVICES: Flat Tire Service, Out Of Gas/Fuel Delivery, Battery Jump Assistance, Lockout Service and Towing Service
Please see the Customer Assistance chapter in this Owner’s Manual for further information.
FCA US LLC reserves the right to modify the terms or discontinue the Roadside Assistance Program at any time. The Roadside Assistance Program is subject to restrictions and conditions of use, that are determined solely by FCA US LLC.
The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, resulting in an accident and personal injury. FCA US LLC strongly recommends that the driver use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take their attention off the road. Use of any electrical devices, such as cellular telephones, computers, portable radios, vehicle navigation or other devices by the driver while the vehicle is moving is dangerous and could lead to a serious accident. Texting while driving is also dangerous and should never be done while the vehicle is moving. If you find yourself unable to devote your full attention to vehicle operation, pull off the road to a safe location and stop your vehicle. Some states or provinces prohibit the use of cellular telephones or texting while driving. It is always the driver’s responsibility to comply with all local laws.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared to help you get acquainted with your new Jeep® brand vehicle and to provide a convenient reference source for common questions.
Not all features shown in this manual may apply to your vehicle. For additional information, visit mopar.com/om (USA), owners.mopar.ca (Canada) or your local Jeep® brand dealer.
U.S. Residents: If you are the first registered retail owner of your vehicle, you may obtain a complimentary printed copy of the Warranty Booklet by calling 1-877-426-5337 or by contacting your dealer. Replacement kits can be purchased by visiting www.techauthority.com.
Canadian Residents: If you are the first registered retail owner of your vehicle, you may obtain a complimentary printed copy of the Warranty Booklet or purchase a replacement kit by calling 1-800-387-1143 or by contacting your dealer.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunk driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver, call a cab, a rideshare, a friend or use public transportation.
WARNING
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower and your judgment is impaired when you have been drinking. Never drink and then drive.

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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114STARTING AND OPERATING
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles, or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for
increased durability, do not necessarily increase the
vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been exceeded.
The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then
be determined separately to be sure that the load is
properly distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing
the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or
rear axles has been exceeded but the total load is within
the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from
front to rear or rear to front as appropriate until the
specified weight limitations are met. Store the heavier
items down low and be sure that the weight is distributed
equally. Stow all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your
vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo, and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR
Úpage 113.
WARNING!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.

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118STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
 Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing
while using a full size spare tire.
 Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
 Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures
before trailer use.
 Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer.
 Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
 Refer to Tires for further information
Úpage 235.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
 An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu -
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
 Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lb (907 kg).
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the vehicle
(or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical
connectors) before launching a boat into water.
 Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.
 Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an acci -
dent.
 Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for addi -
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you. Failure to do so could result in an acci -
dent.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

STARTING AND OPERATING119

Four-Pin Connector
Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE (D) range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, use the AutoStick shift
control to select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle under heavy
loading conditions will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
build up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
AutoStick — If Equipped
 When using the AutoStick shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “5” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or
“3” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
 To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces -
sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
 Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
 When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
 Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4

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120STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
4X4 Models
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Models 1-Speed Power Transfer
Unit 2-Speed Power Transfer Unit
Flat Tow
NONENOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWEDSee Instructions:

Transmission in PARK
 Power transfer unit in N (NEUTRAL)
 Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
OKNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOK OK
NOTE:
 You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadvertent Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake feature is
enabled or disabled via the customer programmable features in the Uconnect Settings.
 When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.

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STARTING AND OPERATING121
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
RONT-WHEEL DRIVE (FWD) MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will
result.
Recreational towing (for front-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the front wheels are OFF the ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If
using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the parking brake. Place transmission in PARK. Turn the engine off.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start the engine.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the key fob, and release the brake pedal.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — 4X4
M
ODELS WITH 1-SPEED POWER
T
RANSFER UNIT
Recreational towing is not allowed. These models do not
have a N (NEUTRAL) position in the power transfer unit.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer
provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — 4X4
M
ODELS WITH 2-SPEED POWER
T
RANSFER UNIT
The power transfer unit must be shifted into N (NEUTRAL)
and the transmission must be in PARK for recreational
towing. The N (NEUTRAL) selection button is adjacent to
the 4WD selector switch. Shifts into and out of N
(NEUTRAL) can take place with the selector switch in any
mode position.
CAUTION!
 Towing with the front wheels on the ground will cause
severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
 Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the ground
can cause severe transmission and/or power transfer
unit damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
 DO NOT dolly tow any 4x4 vehicle. Towing with only
one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will
cause severe transmission and/or power transfer
unit damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
 Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this vehicle
backwards can cause severe damage to the power
transfer unit.
 The transmission must be in PARK for recreational
towing.
 Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under “Shifting into N (NEUTRAL)” to be
certain that the power transfer unit is fully in N
(NEUTRAL). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
 Towing this vehicle in violation of the previous
requirements can cause severe transmission and/or
power transfer unit damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
 Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
 Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The fascia/bumper face bar will be
damaged.
4

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY205
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled 4x4 vehicles may also be towed
Úpage 120.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to fascia/
bumper or associated brackets. State and local laws
regarding vehicles under tow must be observed.
NOTE:
 You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is
disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadver -
tent Electric Park Brake (EPB) engagement. The Auto
Park Brake feature is enabled or disabled via the
customer programmable features in the Uconnect
Settings. 
Vehicles with a discharged battery or total electrical
failure when the EPB is engaged, will need a wheel
dolly or jack to raise the rear wheels off the ground
when moving the vehicle onto a flatbed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode, not the ACC mode.
NOTE:The Safehold feature will engage the EPB whenever the
driver's door is opened (if the ignition is ON, transmission
is not in PARK, and brake pedal is released). If you are
towing this vehicle with the ignition in the ON/RUN mode,
you must manually disable the EPB each time the driver's
door is opened, by pressing the brake pedal and then
releasing the EPB. If the ignition key is unavailable, or the vehicle's battery is
discharged, for instructions on shifting the transmission
out of PARK (P) for towing
Úpage 203.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground FWD MODELS
4X4 MODELS
1–SPEED POWER TRANSFER UNIT 2–SPEED POWER TRANSFER UNIT
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWEDDetailed instructions

Úpage 120
 Transmission in PARK
 Power Transfer Unit in NEUTRAL
 Tow in forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Rear
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front OK NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
 When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
 Ensure that the EPB is released, and remains
released, while being towed.
7

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