2023 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE light

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

126STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
Maintenance Mode has requirements that must be
met in order to be activated:
The vehicle must be at a standstill.
The parking brake must be unapplied.
The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
While in Maintenance Mode, the EPB Warning
Light will flash continuously while the ignition is
ON.
When brake maintenance work is complete, the
following steps must be followed to reset the
parking brake system to normal operation:
Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
Apply the EPB Switch.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for
which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your
ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle
to a competent mechanic.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK (P) position as a substi -
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to
guard against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the transmission gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK without blinking.
Ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped,
and the PARK position is properly indicated,
before exiting the vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL (N) 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 something. 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, and turn the ignition OFF. When the
ignition is in the OFF position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
WARNING!

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 126

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

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

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

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

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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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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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