2023 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tow

122STARTING AND OPERATING
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least
10 minutes, then repeat the Extended Park
Starting procedure.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed
the “Normal Starting” procedure and has not
experienced an Extended Park condition as
defined previously, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it there while the engine is cranking. This should
clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
The starter motor will engage automatically, run for
10 seconds, and then disengage. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal and brake pedal,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it
will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine
and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
Brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of
local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory
is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant.
Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations
will occur Ú page 338.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start
from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly Ú page 320.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than 10
seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before
trying again.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

124STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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. If exceptional circumstances should make it
necessary to engage the parking brake while the
vehicle is in motion, maintain upward pressure on
the EPB switch for as long as engagement is
desired. The BRAKE telltale light will illuminate,
and a continuous chime will sound. The rear stop
lamps will also be illuminated automatically while
the vehicle remains in motion.
To disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is
in motion, release the switch. If the vehicle is
brought to a complete stop using the parking
brake, when the vehicle reaches approximately
3 mph, (5 km/h) the parking brake will remain
engaged.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB
system, a yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate.
This may be accompanied by the BRAKE telltale
light flashing. In this event, urgent service of the
EPB system is required. Do not rely on the parking
brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
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 igni
-
tion OFF, secure the key fob, and lock your
vehicle.
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 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 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!
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake
engaged, or repeated use of the parking brake
to slow the vehicle may cause serious damage to
the brake system. Be sure the parking brake is
fully disengaged before driving; failure to do so
can lead to brake failure and a collision.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124

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.
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 129

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

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

138STARTING AND OPERATING
AIR SUSPENSION MODES
The Air Suspension system has multiple modes to
protect the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air
suspension system has a feature which allows the
automatic leveling to be disabled Ú page 204.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with the
ignition on.
Auto Entry/Exit Mode
To assist in entering and exiting the vehicle, the air
suspension system has a feature which
automatically lowers the vehicle to Entry/Exit ride
height Úpage 204.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with the
ignition on. Transport Mode
To assist with flat bed towing, the air suspension
system has a feature which will put the vehicle into
Entry/Exit height and disable the automatic load
leveling system Ú
page 204.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with the
ignition on.
Suspension Display Messages Mode
The “Suspension Display Messages” setting allows
you to only display suspension warnings
Úpage 204.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with the
ignition on.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode
must be enabled Ú page 204.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with the
ignition on.
If equipped with a touchscreen radio, all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done
through the radio Ú page 204.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message
will appear in the instrument cluster Ú page 98.
OPERATION
The indicator lamps 1 through 5 will illuminate to
show the current position of the vehicle. Flashing
indicator lamps will show a position which the
system is working to achieve. When raising, if
multiple indicator lamps are flashing while raising,
the highest flashing indicator lamp is the position
the system is working to achieve. When lowering, if
multiple indicators are flashing while lowering, the
lowest solid indicator lamp is the position the
system is working to achieve.
Toggle up once will move the suspension one
position higher from the current position,
assuming all conditions are met (i.e. ignition on,
speed below threshold, etc). Toggle up can be
pushed multiple times. Each toggle up will raise
the requested level by one position up to a
maximum position of OR2 or the highest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle
speed, etc).
Toggle down once will move the suspension one
position lower from the current level, assuming all
conditions are met (i.e. ignition on, doors closed,
speed below threshold, etc). Toggle down can be
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure
volume of air to operate the system. To avoid
personal injury or damage to the system, see an
authorized dealer for service.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 138

STARTING AND OPERATING143
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel
operate the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Driving Assist Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the
current system settings for Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), Active Lane Management (ALM), and the
Active Driving Assist (ADA) systems. The
information it displays depends on ACC, ALM, and
ADA system statuses.
Pushing the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) buttons
will display one of the following messages in the
instrument cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
the display will read “ACC: XX mph (km/h)”.
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the
instrument cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop
and hold the vehicle in the stop position
for approximately 10 minutes when
following a vehicle ahead. If the vehicle
ahead does not start moving within
10 minutes, the parking brake will be acti -
vated, and the ACC system will be
canceled.
You should not utilize the ACC system:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway
construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway
off-ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or
have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep
slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
WARNING!
1 — Distance Increase Button
2 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — CANC/Cancel
4 — Distance Decrease Button
5 — SET (+)/Accel
6 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
(If Equipped)
7 — RES/Resume
8 — SET (-)/Decel
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 143