suspension JEEP CHEROKEE 2015 KL / 5.G Owners Manual

NOTE:Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications
to the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).
The minimum Set Speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the READY state,
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or
Driver Information Display (DID) displays “ACC
Ready.”
When the system is OFF, the EVIC/DID displays “Adap-
tive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following
conditions:
•When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
•When you apply the brakes.
•When the parking brake is set.
•When the automatic transmission is in PARK, RE-
VERSE or NEUTRAL.
•When the Vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
•When the brakes are overheated.
•When the driver door is open.
•When the driver seat belt is unbuckled.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 195

•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 509

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the device before further use.
•Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about½mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufac-
turer ’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
566 STARTING AND OPERATING

“clicking” sound is heard. This is an indication that the
fuel filler cap is properly tightened. Refer to “Onboard
Diagnostic System” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 591

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo
for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
(Continued)
600 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
RECOVERY STRAP — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be included with a recovery strap.
Recovery straps do not act like traditional tow straps,
chains, or winch cables.
WARNING!
Recovery straps should only be used in emergencies
to rescue stranded vehicles. Only use Recovery straps
on vehicles that fit within the recommended GVW of
your recovery strap. Only attach recovery straps to
OE recommended anchor points or emergency tow-
ing anchor points. Never attach to tow ball or vehicle
tie down point, these are not designed for this
purpose. Never attach to vehicle steering, drive train,
or any other suspension components. NEVER pull a
strap over sharp edges or abrasive surfaces that can
damage the recovery strap. NEVER use a damaged
strap, it has reduced strength. DO NOT attempt to
repair straps. ONLY persons involved in the recovery
should be in either vehicle. No passengers. Anyone
inside the vehicles can be struck by strap recoil,
causing serious injury. MOVE bystanders at least 40
feet from the recovery area when using the recovery
strap.
646 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
•When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, this vehicle must
towed with the front wheels OFF the ground (using a
towing dolly, or wheel lift equipment with the front
wheels raised).
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
4x4 Models With 1–Speed Power Transfer Unit —
With Key Fob
The manufacturer requires towing with all four wheels
OFFthe ground.
Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed,
or with one end of vehicle raised and the opposite end on
a towing dolly.
650 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Maintenance Chart
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years:2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints.XXX X X X X
Inspect front suspension, boot seals. tie rod ends,and replace if necessary.XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake linings, parking brake function. X X X X X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air cleaner filter.XXXXX
Replace air conditioning/cabin air filter.XXX X X X X
Replace spark plugs – 2.4L Engine **X
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
734 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES