traction control JEEP CHEROKEE 2017 KL / 5.G Owner's Manual

Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the 4WD System
to 4WD LOW range or Select Hill Descent Control if
equipped (refer toSafety Featuresin the “Safety” section
for further information). Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine com-
pression drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage.
• 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 braking system
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking
performance. Full braking power may not be available
to prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, inspect and clean the
braking components as soon as possible.
• Impacted material can cause wheel imbalance. Freeing
the wheels of impacted material will likely rectify im-
balance condition.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
and suspension components. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may
result in false speedometer and odometer readings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter). Traction levels may vary be-
tween different all season tires. All season tires can be identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the
tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four; failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry condi-
tions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or on ice. If
your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be aware these
tires are not designed for Winter or cold driving conditions.
Install Winter tires on your vehicle when ambient tempera-
tures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are covered with ice
or snow. For more information, contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
Summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury or
death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 495

WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
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 about ½ mile (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 pavement.
(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 manufacturer ’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 aggres-
sive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth,
quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear
should be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 501

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer in
each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on your
vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions onspecified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 503

Disabled Vehicle Towing.....................439
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................477
Do Not Disturb ........................... .589
Door Ajar ............................... .149
Door Ajar Light ........................... .149
Door Opener, Garage ....................... .108
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ........................45
Driving ................................. .385
E-85 Fuel ............................... .518
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .........119
Electric Parking Brake ...................... .264
Electronic Brake Control System ................169
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................168
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................177
Traction Control System ....................173
Electronic Range Select (ERS)..................276
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ......290, 293
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............173
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........148
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .......363
Emergency, In Case Of Hazard Warning Flasher ...................391
Jacking ........................... .414, 481Jump Starting
.......................... .431
Overheating ........................... .436
Emission Control System Maintenance ............164
Engine .............................. .451, 452
Air Cleaner ............................ .457
Block Heater ........................... .263
Break-In Recommendations .................264
Checking Oil Level ...................... .453
Cooling .............................. .474
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................252, 517
Fails To Start ........................... .262
Flooded, Starting ........................ .262
Jump

Starting .......................... .431
Oil .............................. .455, 521
Oil Filler Cap .....................451, 452, 456
Oil Filter .............................. .457
Oil Selection ........................ .455, 521
Oil Synthetic ........................... .457
Overheating ........................... .436
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .456
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................456
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........233, 444
Ethanol ............................. .515, 518
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................252, 517
Exhaust System ....................... .252, 472
12
INDEX 601

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)..........150
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) .............69
Park ................................. .160
Passing ................................66
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .143
Security Alarm ......................... .146
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........153, 195
Traction Control ........................ .176
Turn Signal ....................65, 66, 161, 255
Vanity Mirror ........................ .62, 119
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .147, 161
Load Floor, Cargo ......................... .107
Loading Vehicle ........................... .367
Tires................................. .485
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .140
Battery Saver On ........................ .140
Electrical Load Reduction ...................140
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................140
Locks Auto Unlock .............................42
Child Protection ..........................42
Power Door .............................37
Low Tire Pressure System .....................195
Lubrication, Body ......................... .466Luggage Carrier
.......................... .126
Lug Nuts ............................... .513
Maintenance Free Battery .....................454
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .447
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .150, 164
Manual, Service ........................... .596
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) .................50
Memory Seat ..............................50
Memory Seats And Radio .....................50
Methanol ............................... .515
Mirrors ..................................59
Heated .................................62
Outside ................................60
Rearview ........................... .59, 391
Vanity ............................. .62, 119
Modifications/Alterations,

Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................195
MOPAR Parts ............................ .595
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................65
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................264
Occupant Restraints ........................ .201
Oil, Engine .............................. .455
12
INDEX 605

High Speed............................ .491
Inflation Pressures ....................... .490
Jacking ........................... .414, 481
Life Of Tires ........................... .493
Load Capacity ...................... .485, 486
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............195
Pressure Warning Light ....................153
Quality Grading ........................ .503
Radial ............................... .491
Replacement ........................... .494
Rotation .............................. .501
Safety ............................ .481, 489
Snow Tires ............................ .496
Spare Tire ...................... .496, 497, 498
Spinning .............................. .492
Trailer Towing .......................... .374
Tread Wear Indicators .....................493
Tire Safety Information ...................... .481
Tire Service Kit ........423, 424, 425, 427, 428, 430, 431
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................373
To Open Hood ........................... .102
Torque Converter Clutch .....................277
Towing .......................... .369, 372, 439
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .439
Recreational ........................... .378Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome
............378
Traction Control .......................... .173
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................178
Trailer Towing ............................ .369
Cooling System Tips ..................... .378
Hitches ............................... .371
Minimum Requirements ....................373
Tips ................................. .377
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............372, 373
Wiring ............................... .376
T

railer Towing Guide ....................... .372
Trailer Weight ............................ .372
Transaxle ............................... .269
Automatic ............................ .269
Operation ............................. .269
Transmission ............................. .271
Automatic ......................... .271, 479
Maintenance ........................... .479
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ......108
Transporting Pets ......................... .251
Tread Wear Indicators ...................... .493
Turn Signals ........................... .66, 161
610 INDEX