warning JEEP CHEROKEE 2023 Workshop Manual

78STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle has not
experienced an Extended Park condition as previously
defined, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while the engine is
cranking. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. The starter motor will engage
automatically, run for 10 seconds, and then disengage.
Once this occurs, release the accelerator pedal and the
brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
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 contributes 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 consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades see
Úpage 256.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter -
preted as a problem.
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB)
Your vehicle is equipped with an EPB that offers simple
operation, and some additional features that make the
parking brake more convenient and useful.
The parking brake is primarily intended to prevent the
vehicle from rolling while parked. Before leaving the
vehicle, make sure that the parking brake is applied. Also,
be certain to leave the transmission in PARK (P).
You can engage the parking brake in two ways:
 Manually, by applying the EPB switch.
 Automatically, by enabling the Auto Park Brake feature
in the customer programmable features
Úpage 132.
The EPB switch is located in the center console, behind
the gear selector.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait
10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
 Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
 If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of
start can be dangerous if done improperly
Úpage 200.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING79
(Continued)

EPB Switch

To apply the parking brake manually, pull up on the EPB
switch momentarily. You may hear a sound from the back
of the vehicle while the parking brake engages. Once the
parking brake is fully engaged, the red Brake Warning
Light in the instrument cluster and an indicator on the
switch will illuminate. If your foot is on the brake pedal
while you apply the parking brake, you may notice a small
amount of brake pedal movement. The parking brake can
be applied even when the ignition switch is OFF but the
Brake Warning Light will not illuminate. The parking brake
can only be released when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:The EPB Warning Light will illuminate if the EPB switch is
held for longer than 90 seconds in either the released or
applied position. The light will extinguish upon releasing
the switch.
If the Auto Park Brake feature is enabled, the parking
brake will automatically engage whenever the
transmission is placed into PARK, while the ignition is turned OFF. If your foot is on the brake pedal, you may
notice a small amount of brake pedal movement while the
parking brake is engaging.
The parking brake will release automatically when the
ignition is ON, the transmission is in DRIVE (D) or REVERSE
(R) and the driver seat belt is buckled.
To release the parking brake manually, the ignition switch
must be in the ON/RUN position. Put your foot on the
brake pedal, then push the EPB switch down momentarily.
You may hear a sound from the back of the vehicle while
the parking brake disengages. You may also notice a small
amount of movement in the brake pedal. Once the parking
brake is fully disengaged, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster and the LED indicator on the switch will
extinguish.
NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK.
WARNING!

Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When exiting the vehicle, always turn the ignition off,
secure the key fob and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children, and do not leave a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the
ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.
 Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 79

80STARTING AND OPERATING
If exceptional circumstances should make it necessary to
engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion,
maintain upward pressure on the EPB switch for as long as
engagement is desired. The Brake Warning Light will
illuminate, and a continuous chime will sound. The rear
stop lamps will also be illuminated automatically while the
vehicle remains in motion.
To disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is in
motion, release the EPB switch. If the vehicle is brought to
a complete stop using the parking brake, when the vehicle
reaches approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) the parking brake
will remain engaged.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB system, a
yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate. This may be
accompanied by the Brake Warning Light flashing. In this
event, urgent service of the EPB system is required. Do not
rely on the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
Auto Park Brake
The EPB can be programmed to be applied automatically
whenever the vehicle is at a standstill and the automatic
transmission is placed in PARK, whenever the ignition is turned OFF. Auto Park Brake is enabled and disabled by
customer selection through the customer programmable
features
Úpage 132.
Any single Auto Park Brake application can be bypassed by
pushing the EPB switch to the release position while the
transmission is placed in PARK.
SafeHold
SafeHold is a safety feature of the EPB system that will
engage the parking brake automatically if the vehicle is
left unsecured while the ignition is in ON/RUN position.
The parking brake will automatically engage if all of the
following conditions are met:
 The vehicle is at a standstill.
 There is no attempt to press the brake pedal or accel -
erator pedal.
 The driver seat belt is unbuckled.
 The driver door is open.

SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pressing the
brake pedal and pushing the EPB Switch while the driver
door is open. Once manually bypassed, SafeHold will be
enabled again once the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20 km/h)
or the ignition is turned to the OFF position and back to ON
again.

Brake Maintenance Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer. You should only make repairs for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. You
should only enter Brake Maintenance mode during brake
service. When servicing your rear brakes, it may be necessary for
you or your technician to push the rear piston into the rear
caliper bore. With the EPB system, this can only be done
after retracting the EPB actuator. Fortunately, actuator
retraction can be done easily by entering the Brake
Maintenance mode through the Uconnect Settings in your
vehicle. This menu-based system will guide you through
the steps necessary to retract the EPB actuator in order to
perform rear brake service.
Maintenance mode has requirements that must be met in
order to be activated:

The vehicle must be at a standstill.
 The parking brake must be unapplied.
 The transmission must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
While in Maintenance Mode, the EPB Warning Light will
flash continuously while the ignition is ON.
When brake service work is complete, the following steps
must be followed to reset the parking brake system to
normal operation:
 Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
 Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
 Apply the EPB Switch.
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake engaged, or
repeated use of the parking brake to slow the vehicle,
may cause serious damage to the brake system. Be
sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor
vehicle. Do only that service work for which you have
the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take
your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

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STARTING AND OPERATING81
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF (key removal) position.
The key fob can only be removed from the ignition when
the ignition is in the OFF position, and the transmission is
locked in PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF
position.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN position (engine running or not)
and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission
out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds). Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.
WARNING!
 It is dangerous to shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N) if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
 Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and
remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the OFF
(key removal) position, (or, with Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™, when the ignition is in the OFF position)
the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement.
 When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
 Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting
the vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING!
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 81

82STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).
 In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects REVERSE while driving forward), the posi -
tion indicator will blink continuously until the selector is
returned to the proper position, or the requested shift
can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions.
The 9-speed transmission has been developed to meet
the needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles.
Software and calibration is refined to optimize the
customer’s driving experience and fuel economy. By
design, some vehicle and driveline combinations utilize
NINTH gear only in very specific driving situations and
conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Moving the gear selector into the MANUAL (-/+)
position (beside the DRIVE position) activates AutoStick
mode, providing manual shift control and displaying the
current gear in the instrument cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while
in the MANUAL position will manually select the
transmission gear Úpage 84.
NOTE:If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward), it
is probably in the MANUAL (AutoStick [+/-]) position
(beside the DRIVE position). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode,
the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the
instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to the right
(into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK, REVERSE,
and NEUTRAL.

Gear Selector

GEAR RANGES
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting out of
PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe
-
cially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
 Apply the parking brake.
 Shift the transmission into PARK.
 Turn the engine off.
 Remove the key fob.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
 Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting
the vehicle.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

STARTING AND OPERATING83
(Continued)The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:

When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the
gear selector and firmly move the selector all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.
 Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position.
 With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.

It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is
not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could
lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or some -
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
 Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and
remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the OFF
(key removal) position (or, with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™,
when the ignition is in the OFF position), the trans -
mission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
WARNING!
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter ‘n Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
 DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
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.
If Recreational Towing see
Úpage 120.
If Towing A Disabled Vehicle see
Úpage 205.
4

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 83

84STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick
shift control to select a lower gear
Úpage 84. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the
transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or
expand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light may illuminate,
and the transmission may operate differently until the
transmission cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature
improves warm-up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch, and shifts into EIGHTH or NINTH gear,
are inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm
Úpage 85. Normal operation will resume once the
transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
SPORT — If Equipped
This mode alters the transmission's automatic shift
schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are increased
to make full use of available engine power.
SPORT mode is activated using the rotary switch on the
center console
Úpage 88.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to
normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that
you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission. If
the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control of
the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This feature can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside
the DRIVE position), it can be moved forward and
rearward. This allows the driver to manually select the
transmission gear being used. Moving the gear selector
forward (-) triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an
upshift. The current gear is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
NOTE:
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift up or
down when the driver moves the gear selector rearward (+)
or forward (-), except as follows:


The transmission will automatically upshift when
necessary to prevent engine overspeed.
 The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

STARTING AND OPERATING85

The transmission will automatically downshift to FIRST or
SECOND gear (depending on model) when coming to a
stop. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift (+)
the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated.

 You can start out (from a stop) in FIRST or SECOND
gear. Starting out in SECOND gear can be helpful in
snow or icy conditions. Tap the gear selector forward or
rearward to select the desired gear after the vehicle is
brought to a stop.
 If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
overspeed, that shift will not occur.
 The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
 Avoid using Cruise Control when AutoStick is engaged
because the transmission will not shift automatically.
 Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
 The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to
the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
position at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until the trans -
mission fluid is warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles [2 to 5 km]
of driving). Because the engine speed is higher when the
torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if
the transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is
normal. The torque converter clutch will function normally
once the transmission is sufficiently warm.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
1-SPEED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD).
The system is automatic with no driver inputs or additional
driving skills required. Under normal driving conditions,
the front wheels provide most of the traction. If the front
wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted
automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the front
wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the
rear wheels. Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle input
(where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be sent to
the rear in a preemptive effort to improve vehicle launch
and performance characteristics.
2-SPEED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) — I
F EQUIPPED

2-Speed 4x4 Switch
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size
may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
4

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86STARTING AND OPERATING

2-Speed 4x4 Switch (with Rear Lock)

The Four-Wheel Drive is fully automatic in the normal
driving mode. The Selec-Terrain buttons provide three
selectable mode positions:
4WD LOW
 REAR LOCK (If Equipped)
 N (NEUTRAL)
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW range
position can be used to provide an additional gear
reduction, which allows for increased torque to be
delivered to both the front and rear wheels. 4WD LOW is
intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in
4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the normal
driving mode at a given road speed. Take care not to
overspeed the engine, and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause
damage to the driveline components.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
SHIFT POSITIONS
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
4WD system mode position, see the information below:
N (NEUTRAL)
This range disengages the driveline from the powertrain. It
is to be used for flat towing behind another vehicle
Úpage 120.
4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It provides an
additional gear reduction which allows for increased
torque to be delivered to both the front and rear wheels
while providing maximum pulling power for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
NOTE:For further information on the various positions and their
intended uses Úpage 88.
SHIFTING PROCEDURES
Shifting Into 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the
ignition in the ON/RUN position and the engine running,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N), and push the
4WD LOW button once. The 4WD LOW indicator light in the
instrument cluster will begin to flash and remain on solid
when the shift is complete.

4WD LOW Button

NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a message will
flash from the instrument cluster display with instructions
on how to complete the requested shift
Úpage 63.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the power transfer unit in the N
(NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The 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 parking brake should
always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
unless the vehicle is otherwise secured (for example,
when attached to the tow vehicle).

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 86

88STARTING AND OPERATING
SELEC-TERRAIN
DESCRIPTION
Selec-Terrain allows the driver to specify the driving
surface to allow the vehicle systems to provide the best
performance possible across a wide range of conditions.
Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the desired mode.

Selec-Terrain Switch

Selec-Terrain offers the following modes:
AUTO — Fully automatic, full-time four-wheel drive oper -
ation can be used on and off-road. Balances traction
with a seamless steering feel to provide improved
handling and acceleration.
 SNOW — Tuning set for additional stability in inclement
weather. Use when driving on loose traction surfaces
such as snow, while either on or off-road. When in
SNOW mode (depending on certain operating condi -tions), the transmission may use SECOND gear (rather
than FIRST gear) during launches, to minimize wheel
slippage.
 SPORT — This mode alters the transmission's auto -
matic shift schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds
are increased to make full use of available engine
power.
NOTE:SPORT mode is not available when 4WD LOW is selected.
 SAND/MUD — Off-road calibration for use on low trac -
tion surfaces such as mud, sand, or wet grass. The
4WD system provides maximum capability to all
wheels. Some binding may be felt on high traction
surfaces. The electronic brake system will be adjusted
to reduce the automatic braking of slipping wheels and
to allow the engine to operate without restriction.
 ROCK — Off-road calibration is only available in 4WD
LOW range. ROCK mode provides the most aggressive
four-wheel drive performance for extreme off-road
terrain. Use for low speed obstacles such as large
rocks, deep ruts, etc. The driver may notice additional
tire scrubbing and steering wheel feedback while
driving in ROCK mode on higher traction off-road
surfaces. For use only in off-road driving situations.
NOTE:
 ROCK mode is only available on the vehicles equipped
with the Off-Road package.
 Activate the Hill Descent Control or Selec-Speed
Control for steep downhill control
Úpage 143.
Instrument Cluster Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the instrument cluster Úpage 63.
POWER STEERING
The power steering system will provide increased vehicle
response and ease of maneuverability. The power steering
system adapts to different driving conditions.
If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” or “POWER
STEERING ASSIST OFF - SERVICE SYSTEM”
message and a steering wheel icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster display
screen, it indicates that the vehicle needs to be taken to
an authorized dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has
lost power steering assistance
Úpage 68.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM HOT - PERFORMANCE
MAY BE LIMITED” message and an icon are displayed on
the instrument cluster display screen, it indicates that
extreme steering maneuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition in the power
steering system. You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condition no
longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, pull over
and let the vehicle idle for a few moments until the light
turns off
Úpage 68.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

23_KL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 88