warning light JEEP CHEROKEE 2021 Owner handbook (in English)

SAFETY
100
(Continued)
BeltAlert warning sequence has completed,
the Seat Belt Reminder Light will remain
solid red until the driver and outboard front
seat passenger are buckled. The BeltAlert
warning sequence may repeat based on
vehicle speed until the driver and occupied
outboard front seat passenger seat belts are
buckled. The driver should instruct all occu-
pants to buckle their seat belts.
Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger
unbuckles their seat belt while the vehicle is
traveling, the BeltAlert warning sequence
will begin until the seat belts are buckled
again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert
is not active when the outboard front
passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert may
be triggered when an animal or other items
are placed on the outboard front passenger
seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be
restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured
by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed. Rear Seat BeltAlert
Rear Seat BeltAlert shows the driver whether
the seat belts in the rear seat are buckled or
unbuckled. When the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position, a Seat Belt
Reminder Light turns on for each rear seat
position. If a seat belt is buckled, the Seat
Belt Reminder Light for that position will
illuminate solid green. If a seat belt is
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
illuminate red. If a rear passenger unbuckles
a seat belt that was buckled at the start of
the trip, a single chime will sound and the
Seat Belt Reminder Light for that position
will change from solid green to blinking red.
This will alert the driver to stop the vehicle
until the rear passenger buckles the seat belt
again. After the driver and outboard front
seat passenger have buckled their seat belts
all Seat Belt Reminder Lights will turn off.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by
an authorized dealer. FCA does not recom
-
mend deactivating BeltAlert.
NOTE:
If BeltAlert has been deactivated, the Seat
Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain
on until the driver and outboard front seat
passenger seat belts are buckled.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are
equipped with lap/shoulder belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only
during very sudden stops or collisions. This
feature allows the shoulder part of the seat
belt to move freely with you under normal
conditions. However, in a collision the seat
belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking
the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out
of the vehicle.
WARNING!
Relying on the air bags alone could lead
to more severe injuries in a collision. The
air bags work with your seat belt to
restrain you properly. In some collisions,
the air bags won’t deploy at all. Always
wear your seat belt even though you have
air bags.

In a collision, you and your passengers can
suffer much greater injuries if you are not
properly buckled up. You can strike the
interior of your vehicle or other passengers,
or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.
Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.

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SAFETY
108
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect
you in a collision. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associ-
ated with the electrical Air Bag System
Components. Your vehicle may be equipped
with the following Air Bag System Compo -
nents:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag
system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position.
If the ignition switch is in the OFF position or
in the ACC position, the air bag system is not
on and the air bags will not inflate. The ORC contains a backup power supply
system that may deploy the air bag system
even if the battery loses power or it becomes
disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light
in the instrument panel for approximately
four to eight seconds for a self-check when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position. After the self-check, the Air Bag
Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC
detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound to alert you if the
light comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag
Warning Light if a malfunction is detected
that could affect the air bag system. The
diagnostics also record the nature of the
malfunction. While the air bag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of
the following occurs, have an authorized
dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in
collisions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode
to restrain occupants who are wearing
the seat belt or children who are using
booster seats. The locked mode is only
used to install rear-facing or
forward-facing child restraints that have
a harness for restraining the child.
WARNING! (Continued)
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109
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come
on during the four to eight seconds when
the ignition switch is first in the ON/RUN
position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on
after the four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on inter-
mittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE:
If the speedometer, tachometer, or any
engine related gauges are not working, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may
also be disabled. In this condition the air
bags may not be ready to inflate for your
protection. Have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light
If a fault with the Air Bag Warning
Light is detected, which could
affect the Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS), the Redundant Air
Bag Warning Light will illuminate on the
instrument panel. The Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light will stay on until the fault is
cleared. In addition, a single chime will
sound to alert you that the Redundant Air
Bag Warning Light has come on and a fault
has been detected. If the Redundant Air Bag
Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving have an authorized
dealer service the vehicle immediately.
For additional information regarding the
Redundant Air Bag Warning Light refer to
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
section of this manual.
Front Air Bags
This vehicle has front air bags and lap/
shoulder belts for both the driver and front
passenger. The front air bags are a supple -
ment to the seat belt restraint systems. The
driver front air bag is mounted in the center
of the steering wheel. The passenger front air
bag is mounted in the instrument panel,
above the glove compartment. The words
“SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed
on the air bag covers.
Front Air Bag/Knee Impact Bolster Locations
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your
instrument panel could mean you won’t
have the air bag system to protect you in a
collision. If the light does not come on as
a bulb check when the ignition is first
turned on, stays on after you start the
vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have
an authorized dealer service the air bag
system immediately.
1 — Passenger Front Air Bag
2 — Driver Front Air Bag
3 — Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag/
Driver Knee Impact Bolster
4 — Passenger Knee Impact Bolster
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111
Front Air Bag Operation
Front Air Bags are designed to provide addi-
tional protection by supplementing the seat
belts. Front air bags are not expected to
reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or roll -
over collisions. The front air bags will not
deploy in all frontal collisions, including
some that may produce substantial vehicle
damage — for example, some pole colli -
sions, truck underrides, and angle offset
collisions.
On the other hand, depending on the type
and location of impact, front air bags may
deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end
damage but that produce a severe initial
deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle
deceleration over time, vehicle speed and
damage by themselves are not good indica -
tors of whether or not an air bag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection
in all collisions, and also are needed to help
keep you in position, away from an inflating
air bag. When the ORC detects a collision requiring
the front air bags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated
to inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper passenger side of the instrument
panel separate and fold out of the way as the
air bags inflate to their full size. The front air
bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to
blink your eyes. The front air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the
knees of the driver and front passenger, and
position the front occupants for improved
interaction with the front air bags.
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supple
-
mental Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the
instrument panel below the steering column.
The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
provides enhanced protection during a
frontal impact by working together with the
seat belts, pretensioners, and front air bags.
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SABs) – If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with Supple -
mental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs).
If your vehicle is equipped with Supple -
mental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs),
please refer to the information below.
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SABs) are located in the outboard side of
the front seats. The SABs are marked with
“SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or on
the seat trim on the outboard side of the
seats.
WARNING!
Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee
impact bolsters in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the
knee impact bolsters such as alarm
lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
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SAFETY
114
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the inte-
rior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment. Rollover Events (If Equipped With Rollover
Sensing)
Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners are
designed to activate in certain rollover events
(if equipped with rollover sensing). The
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deter
-
mines whether deployment in a particular
rollover event is appropriate, based on the
severity and type of collision. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of
whether or not Side Air Bags and seat belt
pretensioners should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags and seat belt preten -
sioners will not deploy in all rollover events.
The rollover sensing system determines if a
rollover event may be in progress and
whether deployment is appropriate. In the
event the vehicle experiences a rollover or
near rollover event, and deployment is appro -
priate, the rollover sensing system will
deploy the Side Air Bags and seat belt
pretensioners on both sides of the vehicle.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of
partial or complete ejection of vehicle occu -
pants through side windows in certain roll -
over or side impact events.
Air Bag System Components
NOTE:
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
monitors the internal circuits and intercon -
necting wiring associated with electrical Air
Bag System Components listed below:
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
WARNING!
Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do
not lean against the door or window. Sit
upright in the center of the seat.
Being too close to the Side Air Bags
during deployment could cause you to be
severely injured or killed.
Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could
lead to more severe injuries in a colli -
sion. The Side Air Bags work with your
seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, Side Air Bags won’t
deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt
even though you have Side Air Bags.
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115
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in
all collisions. This does not mean something
is wrong with the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the
air bags, any or all of the following may
occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the
occupants as the air bags deploy and
unfold. The abrasions are similar to fric-
tion rope burns or those you might get
sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor.
They are not caused by contact with chem-
icals. They are not permanent and
normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven’t healed significantly within a few
days, or if you have any blistering, see your
doctor immediately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a
normal by-product of the process that
generates the non-toxic gas used for air
bag inflation. These airborne particles may
irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If
you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the
area with cool water. For nose or throat irri -
tation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these parti -
cles settle on your clothing, follow the
garment manufacturer’s instructions for
cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags
have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the air bags will not be in place to
protect you. NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air
bag deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be
taken to an authorized dealer immedi
-
ately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communica -
tion network remains intact, and the power
remains intact, depending on the nature of
the event, the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System
perform the following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor
(if equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery
has power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain
on as long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locks
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt
pretensioners cannot protect you in
another collision. Have the air bags, seat
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt
retractor assemblies replaced by an
authorized dealer immediately. Also, have
the Occupant Restraint Controller System
serviced as well.
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SAFETY
116
(Continued)
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
the HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC
Circulation 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 pumpNOTE:
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
compartment 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. If
you have any doubt, contact an authorized
dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System Reset
Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident
Response System functions after an event,
the ignition switch must be changed from
ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF.
Carefully 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,
including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim
cover or the upper passenger 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.
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135
Exhaust GasThe best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent mechanic inspect the
complete exhaust system and adjacent body
areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle
Seat Belts

Inspect the seat belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately.
Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies
must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc.). If there is any question
regarding seat belt or retractor condition,
replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The Air Bag warning 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. After the bulb check, this
light will illuminate with a single chime when
a fault with the Air Bag System has been
detected. It will stay on until the fault is
removed. If the light comes on intermittently
or remains on while driving, have an autho
-
rized dealer service the vehicle immediately.
Refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage
or in confined areas any longer than
needed to move your vehicle in or out of
the area.
If you are required to drive with the
trunk/liftgate/rear doors open, make sure
that all windows are closed and the
climate control BLOWER switch is set at
high speed. DO NOT use the recircula-
tion mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, adjust your
heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.
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SAFETY
136
(Continued)
(Continued)
(Continued)
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost
mode and place the blower control on high
speed. You should be able to feel the air
directed against the windshield. See an
authorized dealer for service if your defroster
is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit your
vehicle. Only use a floor mat that does not
interfere with the operation of the acceler -
ator, brake or clutch pedals. Only use a floor
mat that is securely attached using the floor
mat fasteners so it cannot slip out of position
and interfere with the accelerator, brake or
clutch pedals or impair safe operation of your
vehicle in other ways.
WARNING!
An improperly attached, damaged, folded,
or stacked floor mat, or damaged floor mat
fasteners may cause your floor mat to
interfere with the accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle
control. To prevent SERIOUS INJURY or
DEATH:
ALWAYS securely attach your floor
mat using the floor mat fasteners. DO
NOT install your floor mat upside down
or turn your floor mat over. Lightly pull to
confirm mat is secured using the floor
mat fasteners on a regular basis.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING
FLOOR MAT FROM THE VEHICLE
before installing any other floor mat.
NEVER install or stack an additional
floor mat on top of an existing floor mat.
ONLY install floor mats designed to fit
your vehicle. NEVER install a floor mat
that cannot be properly attached and
secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA
approved floor mat for the specific make,
model, and year of your vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on
the 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
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals.
WARNING! (Continued)
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137
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 the area under the vehicle after over-
night 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 immediately.
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 acceler -
ator, 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
secured to your vehicle using the floor
mat fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
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