2023 JEEP RENEGADE Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING 87
(Continued)
(Continued)
GEAR RANGES
PARK (P)
This range supplements the Electric Park Brake
(
E P
B )


by locking the transmission. The engine can
be started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
When parking on a hill, apply the EPB before
shifti
ng the transmission to PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the gear selector out of
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.
CAUTION!
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important when
the engine is cold.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
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 (P) without
b linki

ng. 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 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 (or stopped) 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 or the propulsion system
is active. 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 transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
WARNING!
4

88 STARTING AND OPERATING
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, press the lock button
on the gear selector, and firmly move the gear
selector all the way forward until it stops and is
fully seated.
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.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
p rolonge

d periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
Electric Park Brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highwa
y 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 wh e

n 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. Under
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren to be in a vehicle unattended is
d anger

ous 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!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the
ON/RUN position, 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.
WARNING!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 Ú page 129.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 283.

STARTING AND OPERATING 89
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal
operat i

ng limits, the transmission controller may
modify the transmission shift schedule, reduce
engine torque, and/or expand the range of torque
converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
Trans m

ission Temperature Warning Light may
illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.
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, and shifts into EIGHTH or NINTH gear, are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm.
Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable
level.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
f eatu r

e 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 system can also provide
you with more control during passing, city driving,
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position
(besi
d

e the DRIVE position), it can be moved
forward and rearward. This allows the driver to
manually select the transmission gear being used.
Moving the gear selector forward (-) triggers a
downshift, and rearward (+) an upshift. The current
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift
up or d
own when the driver moves the gear
selector rearward (+) or forward (-), except as
described below:
The transmission will automatically upshift
when necessary to prevent engine overspeed.
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 or SECOND gear (depending on model)
when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as
the vehicle is accelerated.
You can start out (from a stop) in FIRST or
SECOND gear. Starting out in SECOND gear can
be helpful in snow or icy conditions. Tap the gear
selector forward or rearward to select the
desired gear after the vehicle is brought to a
stop.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to overspeed, that shift will not occur.
The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too
low of a vehicle speed.
Avoid using Cruise Control when AutoStick is
engaged because the transmission will not shift
automatically.
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.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
select
or to the DRIVE position. You can shift in or
out of the AutoStick position 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.
4

90 STARTING AND OPERATING
TRANSMISSION LIMP HOME MODE
Transmission function is electronically monitored
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 a fixed
gear, or may remain in neutral. The Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp
Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to
an authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
trans m

ission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. S hif

t the transmission into PARK, if possible. If
n ot
,
s

hift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engin
e turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Res
tart the engine.
6. S hif

t into the desired gear range. If the
p r
ob l
e

m is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recomm e
nd that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to determine if
the problem could recur. If the transmission
cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is
required.
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
(K
EYLESS VEHICLE)
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock, which requires the transmission to be in
PARK before the ignition can be turned to the OFF
position. Also, the transmission is locked in PARK
whenever the ignition is in the OFF position.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the
brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of
PARK, the ignition must be in the RUN position
(engine running or not) and the brake pedal must
be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed before
pushi n

g the button on the gear selector to shift
from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the
vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Active Drive (4WD) And Active Drive Low (4WD
LOW)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Power
Transf
er Unit (PTU). This system is automatic with
no driver inputs or additional driving skills
required. Under normal driving conditions, the
front wheels provide most of the traction. If the
front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted
automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the
front wheel traction loss, the greater the power
transfer to the rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input

(where one may have no wheel spin), torque
will be sent to the rear in a preemptive effort to
improve vehicle launch and performance
characteristics.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type
tires. Unequal tire sizes must not be used.
Unequal tire size may cause failure of the power
transfer unit.

STARTING AND OPERATING 91
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
The four-wheel drive (4WD) is fully automatic in
normal driving mode.
NOTE:
It is not possible to carry out the change of mode
when t
he vehicle exceeds the speed of 75 mph
( 1
2 0

k m
/h).
Enabling Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
The buttons for the activation of four-wheel drive
a re l oc

ated on the Selec-Terrain switch and allow
you to select the following:
4WD LOCK
4WD LOW — (Trailhawk models only)
Active Drive Control — If Equipped

4WD LOCK Button
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is locked to ensure
immed
i

ate availability of torque to the rear drive
axles. This feature is selectable in AUTO mode and
automatic in the other driving mode. 4WD LOCK
can be enabled by the following ways:
When the 4WD LOCK button is pushed.
When the Selec-Terrain switch is rotated from
AUTO to any other off-road modes.
Active Drive With Low Control
(Trailhawk Models Only)

4WD LOW Button (Trailhawk)
The 4WD LOW mode helps to improve the off-road
perform

ance in all modes. To enable 4WD LOW,
please follow the steps below:
Enabling 4WD LOW
With the vehicle stationary, the ignition in RUN
p osition

or with the engine running, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and push the 4WD
LOW button once. The instrument cluster will
display the message "4WD LOW" once the shift is
complete.
NOTE:
Both LOCK and LOW LED lights will blink and
then become active on the Selec-Terrain switch
until the shift is complete.
The instrument cluster display will illuminate the
"4WD LOW" icon.
Disabling 4WD LOW
To disable the 4WD LOW mode, the vehicle must
be st a

tionary and the transmission shifted into
NEUTRAL. Push the 4WD LOW button once.
4

92 STARTING AND OPERATING
SELEC-TERRAIN
Selec-Terrain combines the capabilities of the
vehicle control systems, along with driver input, to
provide the best performance for all terrains.
MODE SELECTION GUIDE
Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the desired
mode.

Selec-Terrain Switch Selec-Terrain Switch (Trailhawk)

AUTO
: This four-wheel drive operation is a
continuous operation, is fully automatic and can
be used on and off-road. This mode balances
traction to ensure maneuverability and acceler -
ation improvement compared to a vehicle with
t wo-whe

el drive. This mode also reduces fuel
consumption, since it allows the disconnect of
the drive shaft where conditions permit.
SNOW : This mode allows you to have greater
stability under conditions of bad weather. It's
used on and off-road and on surfaces with poor
traction, such as roads covered with snow.
When in SNOW mode (depending on certain
operating conditions), the transmission will use
SECOND gear (rather than FIRST gear) during
launches, to minimize wheel slippage, except
for in 4WD LOW (Trailhawk models only).
SAND : For off-road driving or use on surfaces
with poor traction, such as sandy bottoms. The
transmission is set to provide maximum trac -
tion. This mode allows more wheel spin and
highe r

shift points to help motor through loose
areas.
MUD : For off-road driving or use on surfaces
with poor traction, such as roads covered by
mud or wet grass.
ROCK (Trailhawk only): This mode is only avail -
able in 4WD LOW. The device sets the vehicle to
m ax
im
i
ze traction and allow the highest
steering capacity for off-road surfaces. This
mode gives you the maximum performance
off-road. Use for low speed obstacles such as
large rocks, deep ruts, etc.
NOTE:
ROCK mode is only available on the vehicles
equipped with the Trailhawk package.
Activate the Hill Descent Control or Selec-Speed
Control for steep downhill control Ú page 222.

STARTING AND OPERATING 93
ACTIVE GRILLE SHUTTERS — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with Active Grille
Shutters. Active Grille Shutters is an automatic
system with mobile flaps applied in front of the
cooling module that aims to improve vehicle
aerodynamic efficiency with its automatic
opening/closing movement. The opening/closing
movement of the Active Grill Shutters reduces
consumption while ensuring optimal engine
operating temperature conditions.
When a greater air flow is required for cooling (e.g.
when d

riving in urban traffic) the flaps open,
whereas when temperature is low or air flow is
enough (example when driving on highways), the
flaps close.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions. If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” OR “POWER
STEER
I

NG ASSIST OFF - SERVICE SYSTEM”
message and a steering wheel icon are displayed
on the instrument cluster screen, it indicates that
the vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power
steering assistance Ú page 64.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe
-
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
STOP/START SYSTEM
The Stop/Start function was developed 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
restart the engine.
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 O

ccur:
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 64.
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.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
4

94 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
Vehicle is in 4WD LOW transfer case mode (if
equipped with 4WD).
Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pres -
sure with vehicle in DRIVE position.
Accelerator pedal input.
Engine temp is too high.
5 mph (8 km/h) threshold not achieved from
previou
s AUTOSTOP.
Steering angle is beyond threshold.
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven
s e v
e r
a

l times without the Stop/Start system going
into a STOP/START READY state under more
extreme conditions of the items listed above.
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in a forward gear, the engine will start when
the brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is
pressed. The transmission will automatically
re-engage upon engine restart.
Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automat

ically While In Autostop Mode:
The transmission gear selector is moved out of
DRIVE except in the PARK and NEUTRAL posi
-
tion.
To maintain cabin temperature comfort.
HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
HVAC system temperature or fan speed is
manually adjusted.
Battery voltage drops too low.
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed.
A Stop/Start system error occurs.
4WD system is put into 4WD LOW mode (if
equipped with 4WD).
A system fault is present.
Conditions That Force An Application Of The
E le
ct
r

ic Park Brake While In Autostop Mode:
The driver’s door is open and brake pedal
released.
The driver’s door is open and the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled.
The engine hood has been opened.
A Stop/Start system error occurs.
If the Electric Park Brake is applied with the engine
of f,
t
h

e engine may require a manual restart and
the Electric Park Brake may require a manual
release (press brake pedal and push Electric Park
Brake switch) Ú page 64.