towing JEEP CHEROKEE 2015 KL / 5.G User Guide

and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range
provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide in-
creased torque at the wheels.
For further information on four-wheel drive operation
and proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation —
If Equipped” in “Starting And Operating”.
15. SERV 4WD Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the 4WD is in need of
service. If this light is illuminated, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
16. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
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350 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Door Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate that one or
more doors may be ajar.
•Oil Pressure Warning Light
This telltale indicates low engine oil pressure. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound
when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the
light does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 353

•Service Adaptive Cruise Control Telltale
This light will turn on when a ACC is not
operating and needs service. For further infor-
mation, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle”.
•Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal
(11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
•Transmission Over Temperature Telltale — If
Equipped
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
•Service 4WD Telltale
If the light stays on or comes on during driv-
ing, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is re-
quired. We recommend you drive to the near-
est service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
•Diesel Wait To Start Telltale — If Equipped
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position. It’s duration may be longer
based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is out. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 355

12. Amber Reconfigurable Telltale Display
•Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive
transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer
towing. It may also occur when operating
the vehicle in a high torque converter slip condition,
such as 4-wheel-drive operation (e.g., snow plowing,
off- road operation). If this light comes on, stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle or faster, with the
transmission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
•Low Fuel Telltale
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0
gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain
on until fuel is added.
•Rear Axle Lock Indicator — If Equipped
This light indicates when the rear axle lock
has been activated.
368 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message Indicator
This telltale will turn on to indicate the fuel
filler cap is loose.
13. Odometer Display/Fuel Gauge/Temperature Gauge/
Submenu Area
•The odometer display shows the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser
the correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. If
your odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the
repair technician should leave the odometer reading
the same as it was before the repair or service. If s/he
cannot do so, then the odometer must be set at zero,
and a sticker must be placed in the door jamb stating
what the mileage was before the repair or service. It
is a good idea for you to make a record of the
odometer reading before the repair/service, so that
you can be sure that it is properly reset, or that the
door jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer must be
reset at zero.
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Driver Information Display (DID) mes-
sages and Submenus.
•Fuel Gauge
Fuel Gauge displays the level of fuel in the fuel tank
when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position.
•Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indi-
cates that the engine cooling system is operating
satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tem-
perature when driving in hot weather, up mountain
grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be
370 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. You may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
•Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates engine oil tempera-
ture is high. If the light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible.
•Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned to the ON/RUN po-
sition. If the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
Oil Change Reset
Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Due” message will
display in the DID for five seconds after a single chime
has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil change
interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty
cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval
may fluctuate, dependent upon your personal driving
style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition is cycled to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, push and
374 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the
light does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
•Electric Power Steering Malfunction Warning Light
This telltale is on when the Electric Power
Steering is not operating and needs service.
•Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 377

•Transmission Over Temperature Telltale — If
Equipped
This telltale indicates that the transmission
fluid temperature is running hot. This may
occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing.
If this telltale turns on, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light
turns off.
•Service 4WD Telltale
If the light stays on or comes on during driv-
ing, it means that the 4WD system is not
functioning properly and that service is re-
quired. We recommend you drive to the near-
est service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
•Diesel Wait To Start Telltale — If Equipped
The “Wait To Start” telltale will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the ignition is
turned to the RUN position. It’s duration may be longer
based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not
initiate start until telltale is out. Refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
•LaneSence Failure Telltale
This telltale will turn on to indicate that the
LaneSense Departure has detected a failure.
•Diesel Low Diesel Exhaust Telltale — If Equipped
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is low
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 379

▫Starting............................587
▫Cruising Range.......................587
▫Replacement Parts....................588
▫Maintenance........................588
!ADDING FUEL........................588
▫Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release.........590
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............590
!VEHICLE LOADING....................591
▫Certification Label....................591
!TRAILER TOWING.....................593
▫Common Towing Definitions.............593
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............597
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)............................598
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............599
▫Towing Requirements..................600
▫Towing Tips.........................605
!RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)...................606
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .606
▫Recreational Towing — Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Models............................606
▫Recreational Towing — 4X4 Models With 1-Speed
Power Transfer Unit....................607
▫Recreational Towing — 4X4 Models With 2-Speed
Power Transfer Unit....................607
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 471

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. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control (refer to#Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Operation#in this section for further information)
to select a lower gear range. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
490 STARTING AND OPERATING