2023 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING127
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be in
PARK (P) before the ignition can be turned to the
OFF position. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing
the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is
in the OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission will NOT shift out of the PARK
position if the engine is not running even when the
brakes are applied. Ensure that the transmission is
in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in the ON/RUN
position) before exiting the vehicle.
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 engine must be
running 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.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission is controlled using a rotary
electronic gear selector located on the center
console. The transmission gear range (PRND) is
displayed both above the gear selector and in the
instrument cluster. To select a gear range, simply
rotate the gear selector. You must press the brake
pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK (or
NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving at
low speeds). To shift past multiple gear ranges at
once (such as PARK to DRIVE), simply rotate the
gear selector to the appropriate detent. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission gear
(for example, driver selects PARK while driving),
the position 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
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may
be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition,
and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren 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 transmis -
sion 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 the 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 (R) only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE (D) when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING!
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128STARTING AND OPERATING
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 has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE positions. Manual
downshifts can be made using the steering wheel
mounted paddle shifters. Pulling the -/+ switches
(on the steering wheel) while in the DRIVE position
will select the highest available transmission gear,
and will display that gear limit in the instrument
cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc. Some models will display
both the selected gear limit, and the actual current
gear, while in AutoStick mode.

Transmission Gear Selector

Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
from PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) into another gear
range.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler -
ating. This is especially 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. 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 ignition OFF.
Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position. The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, rotate the shifter all
the way counterclockwise until the indicator
displays PARK.
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P),
and is not blinking.
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.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must start the engine, 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.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 128

STARTING AND OPERATING129
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK (P) if you must exit the vehicle.
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
Ú
page 130. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
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 is inhibited until the transmission fluid is
warm. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
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
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage after
engine shutdown, perform this procedure only in a
desired location (preferably, at an authorized
dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK (P), if
possible. If not, shift the transmission to
NEUTRAL (N).
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 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.
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.
For Recreational Towing see Ú page 195.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle see Ú page 326.
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130STARTING AND OPERATING
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 — If Equipped
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.

AutoStick Paddle Shifters
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, tap one of the paddle
shifters on the steering wheel. Tapping the (-)
paddle shifters to enter AutoStick mode will
downshift the transmission to the next lower gear,
while tapping (+) to enter AutoStick mode will
retain the current gear. The current transmission
gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick mode, you can use the paddle shifters,
to manually shift the transmission. Tapping the (-)
paddle shifters, will downshift the transmission to
the next lower gear. Tapping the (+) paddle
shifters, will upshift the transmission to the next
highest gear.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver,
unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition
would result. It will remain in the selected gear
until another upshift or downshift is chosen, except
as follows.
The transmission will automatically downshift
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to
FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift (+) the trans
-
mission as the vehicle is accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or
SECOND gear. Tapping (+) at a stop will allow
starting in SECOND gear. Starting out in SECOND gear can be helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too
low of a vehicle speed.
Holding the (-) paddle pressed, will downshift
the transmission to the lowest gear possible at
the current speed.
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. The
vehicle will force an upshift, but it will stay in
AutoStick mode.
To disengage AutoStick mode, push and hold the
(+) paddle shifters until "D" is once again indicated
in the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of
AutoStick mode at any time without taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
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.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 130

STARTING AND OPERATING131
SPORT MODE — IF EQUIPPED

SPORT Mode

Your vehicle is equipped with a Sport Mode
feature. When activated, the engine and
transmission, steering and suspension (if
equipped with air suspension) are all set to their
SPORT settings. Sport Mode will provide improved
throttle response and modified transmission shift
points as well as firmer suspension and steering
for an enhanced driving experience. This mode
may be activated and deactivated by pushing the
SPORT ON button on the instrument panel switch
bank or by selecting SPORT mode using the
Selec-Terrain switch (if equipped). When Sport
Mode has been activated an indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
The driveline is equipped with a Front Axle
Disconnect (FAD) for the one-speed and two-speed
drivelines. The FAD operation is fully automated
and controlled by the Drivetrain Control Module
(DTCM). It does not require any customer input to
engage. The FAD is set to connect, disconnect and
provide 4WD function based on certain set
conditions detected by the DTCM, including but not
limited to the following:
Ambient temperature
Wipers
Selec-Terrain Mode selection
Wheel-slip detection
The FAD is actuated only in 4WD HI range and
stays connected for 4WD LOW.
QUADRA-TRAC I OPERATING
I
NSTRUCTIONS/PRECAUTIONS —
I
F EQUIPPED
The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which enables on-demand
four-wheel drive with active torque management.
No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) system, which combines
standard ABS and Traction Control, provides
resistance to any wheel that is slipping to allow
additional torque transfer to wheels with traction.
NOTE:The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate for
conditions where 4WD LOW range is recom -
mended Ú page 200.
QUADRA-TRAC II OPERATING
I
NSTRUCTIONS/PRECAUTIONS —
I
F EQUIPPED
The Quadra-Trac II system comes equipped with a
customer-selectable electronically operated
on-demand transfer case with active torque
management in all driveable ranges. This transfer
case provides the following operating range
positions:
4WD HI
N (NEUTRAL)
4WD LOW
When additional tractive effort and torque are
required, the 4WD LOW position can be used. The
4WD LOW position is intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOW
position 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 4WD HI position at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
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132STARTING AND OPERATING
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect performance and function of the
transfer case.
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 four-wheel drive system mode position,
see the following:
4WD HI
This is the default operating range for daily use.
N (NEUTRAL)
This range disengages the driveline from the
powertrain. It is used for towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle Ú page 195.
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).
SHIFTING PROCEDURES
4WD HI To 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position and the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N), push and hold the
4WD LOW button until the 4WD LOW Indicator
Light begins to flash in the instrument cluster.
When the shift is complete, the 4WD LOW Indicator
Light will remain on solid.

4WD LOW Button

NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a “To
Complete 4WD Shift Put Transmission In Neutral”
or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Speed Must Be Below
3 MPH” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Allow Engine
To Return To Idle” message will flash from the
instrument cluster display Ú page 98.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shafts 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.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer
case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages both the
front and rear drive shafts 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.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

STARTING AND OPERATING133
4WD LOW To 4WD HI

With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL (N), push and hold the 4WD LOW button
until the 4WD LOW Indicator Light begins to flash
in the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the 4WD LOW Indicator Light will
remain off.

NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met —
“4WD Shift Cancelled” or “4WD Shift Aborted/
Retry Shift” message will be displayed on the
instrument cluster. To reattempt shift, put the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and push and hold
the 4WD LOW button.
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a “To
Complete 4WD Shift Put Transmission In
Neutral” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Speed
Must Be Below 3 MPH” or a “To Complete 4WD
Shift Allow Engine To Return To Idle” message
will flash from the instrument cluster display
Úpage 98.

Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with
the vehicle completely stopped; however, diffi -
culty 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 transfer case will not
allow the shift.

QUADRA-TRAC II SYSTEM —
I
F EQUIPPED
The Quadra-Trac II System features two torque
transfer couplings. The couplings include an
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) rear axle
and the Quadra-Trac II transfer case. The ELSD
axle is fully automatic and requires no driver input
to operate. Under normal driving conditions, the
unit functions as a standard axle, balancing torque
evenly between left and right wheels. With a
traction difference between left and right wheels,
the coupling will sense a speed difference. As one
wheel begins to spin faster than the other, torque
will automatically transfer from the wheel that has
less traction, to the wheel that has traction. While
the transfer case and axle coupling differ in design,
their operation is similar. Follow the Quadra-Trac II
transfer case shifting information, preceding this
section, for shifting this system.
ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT —
I
F EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system
allows greater front suspension travel in off-road
situations.
This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch
located on the instrument panel (to the right of the
gear selector).

SWAY BAR Switch

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134STARTING AND OPERATING
Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system.
Push the switch again to deactivate the system.
The Sway Bar Indicator Light (located in the
instrument cluster) will illuminate when the bar is
disconnected. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will
flash during activation transition, or when
activation conditions are not met. The stabilizer/
sway bar should remain in on-road mode during
normal driving conditions.
NOTE:If the electronic disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar
is disconnected and then driven at speeds above
18 mph (29 km/h), the system will reconnect for
driver safety. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will
continue to flash as the system waits for the driver
to slow the vehicle and will automatically
disconnect again unless the driver cancels the
request with the SWAY BAR switch. The system can
cancel the pending disconnect request if drivetrain
changes are made (e.g. 4WD HI to 4WD LOW)
based on road conditions. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to 4WD
LOW and push the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the
off-road position Ú
page 131. The Sway Bar
Indicator Light will flash until the stabilizer/sway
bar has been fully disconnected.
NOTE:The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due
to left and right suspension height differences.
This condition is due to driving surface differences
or vehicle loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/reconnect, the right and left
halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment
may require that the vehicle be driven onto level
ground or rocked from side to side.
To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR
switch again.
SELEC-TERRAIN — IF EQUIPPED
SELEC-TERRAIN MODE SELECTION
Selec-Terrain combines the capabilities of the
vehicle control systems, along with driver input, to
provide the best performance for all terrains. Tap
the toggle up or down to cycle through the
positions.
WARNING!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected
before driving on hard surfaced roads or at
speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h); a
disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute
to the loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury. Under certain circumstances,
the front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle
stability and assists with vehicle control. The
system monitors vehicle speed and will attempt
to reconnect the stabilizer/sway bar at speeds
over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a
flashing or solid Sway Bar Indicator Light. Once
vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph
(22 km/h), the system will once again attempt to
return to off-road mode.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to
on-road mode, the Sway Bar Indicator Light will
flash in the instrument cluster and vehicle
stability may be reduced. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving
faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) with a
disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute
to the loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury.

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