check engine light JEEP CHEROKEE 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

During normal operation, after placing the
keyless ignition in the ON/RUN mode, the
Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains
on after the bulb check, it indicates that
there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the
bulb check, it indicates that someone used
an invalid key fob to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the
engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that
there is a fault in the electronics. Should this
occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM
— IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle security alarm monitors the ve-
hicle doors, hood, liftgate, and ignition for
unauthorized operation. While the vehicle
security alarm is armed, interior switches for
door locks and liftgate release are disabled. If
something triggers the vehicle securityalarm, the horn will sound for 29 seconds
and turn off all of the visual signals after an
additional 31 seconds. If the triggering de-
vice is not deactivated, the horn will sound
again after a five second delay for another
29 seconds. If the trigger remains present,
this cycle will repeat for up to five minutes.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the vehicle security
alarm:
1. Make sure the vehicle’s ignition is placed
in the “OFF” mode.
• For vehicles equipped with Keyless En- try, make sure the vehicle’s keyless
ignition system is OFF.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock the vehicle:
• Push the lock button on the interior power door lock switch with the driver
and/or passenger door open.
• Push the lock button on the exterior Passive Entry Door Handle with a valid
key fob available in the same exterior zone. Refer to "Doors" in "Getting To
Know Your Vehicle" in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Push the lock button on the key fob.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
To Disarm The System
The vehicle security alarm can be disarmed
using any of the following methods:
• Push the unlock button on the key fob.
• Grasp the passive entry door handle to unlock the door, refer to "Doors" in "Getting
To Know Your Vehicle" in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
• Cycle the ignition out of the off mode to disarm the system.
NOTE:
• The driver's door key cylinder and the lift- gate button on the key fob cannot arm or
disarm the vehicle security alarm.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
18

NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid
level conditions. The vehicle should have
service performed, and the brake fluid level
checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair
is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light
on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop
the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the
event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is re-
quired. Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from
the OFF position to the ON/RUN position.
The light should illuminate for approximately
four seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illumi-
nate, have the light inspected by an autho-
rized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
— Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate
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 indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light — If Equipped
This light indicates high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with strenuous
usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or slightly faster, with the transmission in
PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to
drive normally.
57

tion 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.
— Electric Power Steering Fault
Warning Light
This light will turn on when there's a fault
with the EPS (Electric Power Steering) sys-
tem. Refer to “Power Steering” in “Starting
And Operating” in the Owner’s Manual for
further information.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.
— Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is
ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
— Liftgate Open Warning Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
liftgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
Yellow Warning Lights
— Engine Check/Malfunction Indica-
tor Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems.
This warning light will illuminate when the
ignition is in the ON/RUN position before
engine start. If the bulb does not come on
when turning the ignition switch from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illumi-
nate the light after engine start. The vehicle
should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may
flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe
catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this
occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher tem-
peratures than in normal operating condi-
tions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury
to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause dam-
age to the vehicle control system. It also
59

CAUTION!
could affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
— Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Active Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will indicate when the Electronic
Stability Control system is Active. The “ESC
Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when
ESC is activated. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Indicator Light”
comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has
been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and corrected. • The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the
“ESC Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or click- ing sounds when it is active. This is normal;
the sounds will stop when ESC becomes
inactive.
• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.— Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off
Warning Light — If Equipped
This light indicates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN
or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on,
even if it was turned off previously.
— Electronic Park Brake Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate
the Electronic Park Brake is not functioning
properly and service is required. Contact an
authorized dealer.
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a message
is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure
is lower than the recommended value and/or
that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these
cases, optimal tire duration and fuel con-
sumption may not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire in
sequence.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more
flat tires as handling may be compro-
mised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp
braking and steering. If a tire puncture
occurs, repair immediately using the dedi-
cated tire repair kit and contact your au-
thorized dealer as soon as possible.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
60

Your vehicle may also be designed to perform
any of these other functions in response to
the Enhanced Accident Response System:
• Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off theHVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circu-
lation Door
• Cut off battery power to the: – Engine
– Electric Motor (if equipped)
– Electric power steering
– Brake booster
– Electric park brake
– Automatic transmission gear selector
– Horn
– Front wiper
– Headlamp washer pump NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the
ignition to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position
and remove the key from the ignition switch
to avoid draining the battery. Carefully check
the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine com-
partment and on the ground near the engine
compartment and fuel tank before resetting
the system and starting the engine. If there
are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle
electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an
accident, reset the system by following the
procedure described below.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System functions after an event, the
ignition switch must be changed from igni-
tion START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF. Care-
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the
engine compartment and on the ground near
the engine compartment and fuel tank before
resetting the system and starting the engine.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the air bag
system could cause it to fail when you
need it. You could be injured if the air bag
system is not there to protect you. Do not
modify the components or wiring, includ-
ing adding any kind of badges or stickers
to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel.
Do not modify the front bumper, vehicle
body structure, or add aftermarket side
steps or running boards.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of
the air bag system yourself. Be sure to
tell anyone who works on your vehicle
that it has an air bag system.
• Do not attempt to modify any part of your
air bag system. The air bag may inflate
accidentally or may not function prop-
erly if modifications are made. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
air bag system service. If your seat, in-
cluding your trim cover and cushion,
needs to be serviced in any way (includ-
103

WARNING!
• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat onthe driver’s side floor area. To check for
interference, with the vehicle properly
parked with the engine off, fully depress
the accelerator, the brake, and the
clutch pedal (if present) to check for
interference. If your floor mat interferes
with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat
in your trunk.
• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals and could cause
a loss of vehicle control.
•
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These ob-
jects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING!
•If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals then re-install the floor
mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat
has been properly installed and is se-
cured to your vehicle using the floor mat
fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones,
nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the
tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for
tightness. Check the tires (including spare)
for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or
if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
SAFETY
118

NOTE:
A delay of the start of up to five seconds is
possible under very cold conditions. The
“Wait to Start” telltale will be illuminated
during the pre-heat process, When the
engine Wait To Start light goes off the
engine will automatically crank.
CAUTION!
If the “Water in Fuel Indicator Light” re-
mains on, DO NOT START the engine be-
fore the water is drained from the fuel
filters to avoid engine damage.
3. The system will automatically engage the starter to crank the engine. If the vehicle
fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically after 30 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push
the button again.
5. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
6. Release the parking brake.
Engine Warm Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine
is cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the
engine up to operating speed slowly to allow
the oil pressure to stabilize as the engine
warms up.
NOTE:
High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor
engine performance. No-load engine speeds
should be kept under 1,200 RPM during the
warm-up period, especially in cold ambient
temperature conditions.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle)
in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem.
123

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Scheduled Servicing — Gasoline Engine
The scheduled services listed in this manual
must be done at the times or mileages speci-
fied to protect your vehicle warranty and
ensure the best vehicle performance and re-
liability. More frequent maintenance may be
needed for vehicles in severe operating con-
ditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. Inspection and service should
also be done anytime a malfunction is sus-
pected.
The oil change indicator system will remind
you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
An “Oil Change Required” will be displayed
in the instrument cluster and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is
necessary.
The oil change indicator message will illumi-
nate approximately 7,000 miles (11,200 km)
after the most recent oil change was per-
formed. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within 500 miles (800 km).
NOTE:
• The oil change indicator message will notmonitor the time since the last oil change.
Change your vehicle’s oil if it has been
12 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended
period of time.
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil
change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If this scheduled
oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer the message can
be reset by referring to the steps described
under ”Instrument Cluster Display” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first
sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir and brake master cylinder, fill as
needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
196

•Regardless of the distance covered, the tim-
ing and accessory belts must be changed
every 4 years for particularly demanding use
(cold climates, city driving, long periods of
idling) or at least every 6 years. Under no
circumstances should these intervals be
exceeded.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip
• Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first
sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reser- voir and brake master cylinder, fill as
needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights. At Each Oil Change
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
• Inspect for the presence of water in the fuel
filter/water separator unit.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required mainte-
nance items may result in damage to the
vehicle.
201

tire system for leaks. DO NOT REMOVE THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield and rear window washers
share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid res-
ervoir is located in the front of the engine
compartment. Be sure to check the fluid level
in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system
for a few seconds to flush out the residual
water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or
towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this
will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield
washer system in cold weather, select a solu-
tion or mixture that meets or exceeds the
temperature range of your climate. This rat-
ing information can be found on most washer
fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite
and burn you. Care must be exercised
when filling or working around the washer
solution.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be in-
spected periodically. Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal
can result in abnormally high brake tem-
peratures, excessive lining wear, and pos-
sible brake damage. You would not have
your full braking capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should
be checked whenever the vehicle is serviced,
or immediately if the brake system warning
light is on. If necessary, add fluid to bring
level within the designated marks on the side
of the reservoir of the brake master cylinder.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylin-
der area before removing cap. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should
be checked when pads are replaced. If the
brake fluid is abnormally low, check the sys-
tem for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer's recommendedbrake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubri-
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
further information. Using the wrong
type of brake fluid can severely damage
your brake system and/or impair its per-
formance. The proper type of brake fluid
209