JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2023 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING189
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Grand Cherokee — 2nd Row Seats
Engine ModelGCWRFrontal Area Maximum GTW Maximum Trailer TW
(See Note)
2.0L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,625 lb (4,366 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
2.0L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 12,125 lb (5,568 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) 600 lb (272 kg)
3.6L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 8,600 lb (3,901 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,300 lb (5,126 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
3.6L RWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 8,500 lb (3,856 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L RWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,200 lb (5,080 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
5.7L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 12,700 lb (5,761 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 7,200 lb (3,266 kg) 720 lb (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 189

190STARTING AND OPERATING
Grand Cherokee L — 3rd Row Seats
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the
Tire And Loading Information Placard Úpage 374. The addition of passengers and cargo may require reducing trailer tongue weight and Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicles not factory-equipped with the trailer tow package are limited to 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) GTW and 350 lb (158 kg) TW.
Engine ModelGCWRFrontal Area Maximum GTW Maximum Trailer TW
(See Note)
3.6L RWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L RWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,700 lb (5,307 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
3.6L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,700 lb (5,307 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
5.7L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 13,100 lb (5,942 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 7,200 lb (3,266 kg) 720 lb (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 190

STARTING AND OPERATING191
TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER COVER
R
EMOVAL — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch
receiver cover, this must be removed to access the
trailer hitch receiver. This cover is located at the
bottom center of the rear fascia/bumper.

1. Turn the two locking retainers located at the
bottom of the hitch receiver cover a quarter
turn counterclockwise and pull bottom of the
hitch receiver cover outward (towards you).

2. Pull the bottom of the cover outward (towards you) then downwards to disengage the tabs
located at the top of the hitch receiver cover to
remove.

Hitch Receiver Cover
To reinstall the cover after towing repeat the
procedure in reverse order.NOTE:Be sure to engage all tabs of the hitch receiver
cover in the fascia/bumper prior to installation.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your fascia/bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or equip
-
ment 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 dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire And Loading Infor -
mation Placard for the maximum combined weight
of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
1 — Hitch Receiver Cover
2 — Locking Retainers
WARNING!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to sway severely side to
side which will cause loss of control of the
vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier
in front is the cause of many trailer collisions.
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 191

192STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of the new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled
Servicing Ú
page 330. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
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.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 374.
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.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and 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
damage 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 hook retainers of the vehicle
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK (P). For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL (N). Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
WARNING!
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
WARNING!

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 192

STARTING AND OPERATING193
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller 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 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever pulling a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved
trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the
vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer
connector. Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect the trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle (or any other device plugged into
vehicle’s electrical connectors) before
launching a boat into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.

Four-Pin Connector

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle'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 stopping
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.
CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 193

194STARTING AND OPERATING

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you
can use the AutoStick shift control to manually
select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. This
action will also provide better engine braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 194

STARTING AND OPERATING195
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift must be placed in Transport Mode before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck Úpage 136. If the
vehicle cannot be placed in Transport Mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs should be fastened over the tires using specific straps (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Without 4WD LOW Four-Wheel Drive Models
With 4WD LOW
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDSee Instructions
Transmission in PARK
Ensure vehicle is set to
Normal Ride Height — if
equipped
Transfer case in N
(NEUTRAL)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOKOK
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 195

196STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,
following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the Electric Park Brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
4. Turn the ignition OFF.
5. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s
instructions.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
Q
UADRA-TRAC I (SINGLE-SPEED
T
RANSFER CASE WITHOUT 4WD LOW
R
ANGE) FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
Recreational towing is not allowed. These models
do not have a N (NEUTRAL) position in the transfer
case.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle
trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
Q
UADRA–TRAC II WITH 4WD LOW
R
ANGE
The transfer case must be shifted into N
(NEUTRAL) and the transmission must be in PARK
(P) for recreational towing. The N (NEUTRAL)
selection button is adjacent to the air suspension
switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case N
(NEUTRAL) can take place with the selector switch
in any mode position.
NOTE:
Ensure vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height - if
equipped Ú page 136.
If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air
suspension, the engine should be started and
left running for a minimum of 60 seconds (with
all the doors closed) at least once every 24
hours. This process allows the air suspension to
adjust the vehicle’s ride height to compensate
for temperature effects.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 196

STARTING AND OPERATING197
Shifting Into Transfer Case N (NEUTRAL)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level
ground, with the engine running.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 4. If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air
suspension, ensure the vehicle is set to
Normal Ride Height with the Auto Entry/Exit
setting deselected.
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 4 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N
(NEUTRAL) button, and must continue to be
met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met
before pushing the N (NEUTRAL) button or
are no longer met during the shift, then the
N (NEUTRAL) indicator light will flash contin -
uously until all requirements are met or until
the N (NEUTRAL) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will
not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (NEUTRAL) position indicator
light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Tow with all
four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the
ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
The transmission must be in PARK for recre -
ational towing.
Before recreational towing, perform the proce -
dure outlined under “Shifting into N
(NEUTRAL)” to be certain that the transfer
case is fully in N (NEUTRAL). Otherwise,
internal damage will result.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will
be damaged.
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 Electric Park Brake. The
transfer case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages
both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even
if the transmission is in PARK. The Electric Park
Brake should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain
that the transfer case is fully in N (NEUTRAL)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.
4

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 197

198STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift
air suspension, the engine should be
started and left running for a minimum of
60 seconds (with all the doors closed) at
least once every 24 hours. This process
allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for
temperature effects.
Engaging/disengaging of the Electric Park
Brake requires the ignition to be in the ON/
RUN position.
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“4WD Shift Canceled” or a “4WD Shift
Aborted/ Retry Shift” message will be
displayed on the instrument cluster. To reat -
tempt 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 instru -
ment cluster display Ú page 98.
5. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(NEUTRAL) button (located by the selector
switch) for more than four seconds. The light
behind the N symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on
solid) when the shift to N (NEUTRAL) is
complete. A “Four Wheel Drive System In
Neutral” message will appear in the
instrument cluster.

N (NEUTRAL) Button

6. After the shift is complete and the N (NEUTRAL) light stays on, release the N
(NEUTRAL) button.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission back into NEUTRAL.
10. Apply the Electric Park Brake. 11. With the transmission and transfer case in N
(NEUTRAL), push and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button until the engine turns off. Ensure
vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
12. Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release the brake pedal.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the Electric Park Brake. Ensure vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
15. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (without pressing the brake pedal), to turn the
ignition to the OFF position.
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case N (NEUTRAL)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal use:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Apply the Electric Park Brake.
3. Start the engine or for 4xe vehicles ensure the vehicle is in Ready to Drive mode, the READY
indicator will appear in the instrument cluster
display.

23_WL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 198