JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and trailer tongue weight. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in itsloaded and ready for operation 
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be sup-
ported by the scale. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and have an accident.Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted hitch system may
reduce handling, stability and braking perfor-
mance and could result in an accident. Con-
sult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or
a reputable trailer/caravan dealer for addi-
tional information.
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Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi-
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Breakaway Cable AttachmentEuropean braking regulations for braked trail-
ers up to 7,700 lbs (3 500 kg), require trailers to
be fitted with either a secondary coupling or
breakaway cable.The recommended location for attaching the
normal trailer’s breakaway cable is in the
stamped slot located on the sidewall of the
hitch receiver.
With Attachment Point
•
For detachable tow bar pass the cable
through the attachment point and clip it back
onto itself or attach the clip directly to the
designated point.
Detachable Ball Clip Loop Method
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•For fixed ball tow bar attach the clip directly
to the designated point. This alternative must
be specifically permitted by the trailer manu-
facturer since the clip may not be sufficiently
strong for use in the way. Without Attachment Points
•
For detachable ball tow bar, you must follow
the recommended manufacturer or supplier
procedure. •
For fixed ball tow bar, loop the cable around
the neck of the tow ball. If you fit the cable
like this, use a single loop only.
Fixed Ball Clip Loop MethodDetachable Ball Neck Loop Method
Fixed Ball Neck Loop Method
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) — withTrailer BrakeMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
without Trailer Brake Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L Gasoline 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)249 lbs (113 kg)
5.7L Gasoline 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
3.0L Diesel 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
Maximum trailer towing speed is limited to 62 mph (100 km/h) unless local laws require a lower speed.
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be consid-
ered as part of the combined weight of
occupants and cargo, and should never ex-
ceed the weight referenced on the Tire and
Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires
– General Information” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for further information.
Trailer And Tongue WeightAlways load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. Loads balanced over the
wheels, or heavier in the rear, can cause the
trailer to sway severelyside-to-side which will
cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents. Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your
trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•
The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options, or au-
thorized dealer-installed options, must be
considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the tire loading information
placard located on the drivers door pillar for
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the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing RequirementsTo promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at
full throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
•
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dy-
namic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle transmission in PARK. For four-
wheel drive vehicles, make sure the trans-
fer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block
or chock the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
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Towing Requirements – Tires
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential tothe safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper
tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and
Operating” for proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – Gen- eral Information” in “Starting and Operating”
for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem or vacuum system of your vehicle with
that of the trailer. This could cause inad-
equate braking and possible personal injury. An electronically-actuated trailer brake con-
troller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically-actuated brakes. When towing
a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge-
actuated brake system, an electronic brake
controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg), and required for
trailers in excess of 1,654 lbs (750 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake lines. It can overload
your brake system and cause it to fail. You
might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stop-
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident. Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package includes a 13 pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to
the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a
trailer connector.
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Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
1 Left Turn Signal Black/ White
2 Rear Fog Light White
3
aGround/Common
Return for Contacts
(Pins) 1 and 2 and 4 to 8 Brown
4 Right Turn Signal Black/ Green
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
5 Right Rear Position, Side Marker Lights,and Rear Registra- tion Plate Illumina- tion Device.
b
Green/Red
6 Stop Lights Black/Red
7 Left Rear Position, Side Marker Lights,and Rear Registra- tion Plate Illumina- tion Device.
b
Green/Black
8 Reverse lights Blue/Red
9 Permanent Power Supply (+12V) Red
10 Power Supply Con- trolled by IgnitionSwitch (+12V) Yellow
11
aReturn for Contact (Pin) 10 Yellow/
Brown
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
12 Reserve for Future Allocation –
13
aReturn for Contact (Pin) 9 Red/
Brown
Note: The allocation pin 12 has been
changed from “Coding for coupled Trailer” to
“Reserve for Future Allocation.”
aThe three return circuits shall not be con-
nected electrically in the trailer.
bThe rear position registration plate illumina-
tion device shall be connected such that no
light of the device has a common connection
with both pins 5 and 7.
13 - Pin Connector
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Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area
away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in
this range, the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped),
or a lower gear range, should be selected.
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or se-
lecting a lower gear range (using the Elec-tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control)
while operating the vehicle under heavy op-
erating conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before
towing (5.7L engine).
To avoid transmission overheating, when
towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph (32 km/h) or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the
ERS shift control) is recommended (5.7L
Models Only).
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Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you expe-rience speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL and increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily. Trailer Hitch Attaching Points
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow
a trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow
hitch must be attached to your vehicle using
the provided attaching points on the vehicle’s
frame. Refer to the following chart to determine
the accurate attaching points. Other equip-
ment, such as trailer sway controls and braking
equipment, trailer equalizing (leveling) equip-
ment and low profile mirrors, may also be
required or strongly recommended.Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching Points And
Overhang Dimensions
Fixed, Detach andRetractable Hitch
A 1.85 ft. (565 mm)
B 2.09 ft. (636 mm)
C 2.32 ft. (707 mm)
D 2.4 ft. (733 mm)
E 1.62 ft. (494 mm)
F 1.47 ft. (447 mm)
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheel OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONESee Instructions
•
Transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift™ must be lowered to the “Park” (lowest) level, and have automatic leveling disabled, before tying
them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck. Refer to “Quadra-Lift™ – If Equipped” in “Starting and Operating” for more infor-
mation. If the vehicle cannot be lowered to the “Park” level (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not
to the body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or loss of proper tie-down tension.
276