2023 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE transmission

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

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).
4

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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

4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 133

STARTING AND OPERATING135

Selec-Terrain

Selec-Terrain consists of the following positions:
ROCK – Off-road calibration is only available in
4WD LOW. The vehicle is raised (if equipped
with air suspension) for improved ground clear -
ance. Traction-based tuning with improved
steerability for use on high traction off-road
surfaces. Use for low speed obstacles such as
large rocks, deep ruts, etc. If equipped with air
suspension, the vehicle level will change to
Off-Road 2 (OR2). If the Selec-Terrain switch is
in ROCK mode, and the transfer case is
switched from 4WD LOW to 4WD HI, the
Selec-Terrain system will return to AUTO.
SAND/MUD – Off-road calibration for use on low
traction surfaces such as mud or sand. Driveline
is maximized for traction. Some binding may be
felt on less forgiving surfaces. The electronic
brake controls are set to limit traction control
management of throttle and wheel spin. If
equipped with air suspension, the level will
change to Off-Road 1 (OR1).
SNOW – Tuning set for additional stability in
inclement weather. Use on and off-road on
loose traction surfaces such as snow. When in
SNOW mode (depending on certain operating
conditions), the transmission may use SECOND
gear (rather than FIRST gear) during launches,
to minimize wheel slippage. If equipped with air
suspension, the default ride height for SNOW is
Normal Ride Height (NRH).
AUTO – Fully automatic full-time four-wheel
drive operation can be used on and off-road.
Balances traction with seamless steering feel to
provide improved handling and acceleration
over two-wheel drive vehicles. If the suspension
is already in OR1 or OR2, the vehicle will not
lower to NRH with Auto selection as to maintain
capability.
NOTE:If equipped with air suspension, the level will only
raise to Normal Ride Height (NRH) in the AUTO
mode. If the vehicle is in OR1 or OR2 the height will
not lower automatically until defined speed
thresholds are exceeded.
SPORT – This mode is only available in 4WD HI.
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, the vehicle will also be dropped to Aero
Height for an enhanced driving experience.
When SPORT mode has been activated, an indi -
cator light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
M
ESSAGES
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message
will appear in the instrument cluster Ú page 98.
1 — Selec-Terrain Positions
2 — Selec-Terrain Toggle
4

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140STARTING AND OPERATING
If the Steering icon is displayed and the “Power
Steering System Over Temp” message is displayed
on the instrument cluster screen, they indicate
that extreme steering maneuvers may have
occurred which caused an over temperature
condition in the electric power steering system.
Once driving conditions are safe, pull over and let
the vehicle idle for a few moments until the icon
and message turn off.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is 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
re-start the engine.
This vehicle has been upgraded with a heavy-duty
starter, enhanced battery, and other upgraded
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 and if all
other conditions are met, can go into a STOP/
START AUTOSTOP ACTIVE Autostop mode. 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 Ú
page 98.
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
telltale 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
acceptable 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 gear.
Hood is open.
Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pres -
sure.
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 previously listed items.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 140