engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2004 WK / 3.G Owner's Guide

Rocking the Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between ªFirstº and R (Reverse),
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
selector in N (Neutral) for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheat-
ing and reduce the risk of transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.CAUTION!
When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving between
ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Selec-TracTOperating Instructions/Precautions
The Selec-Tracttransfer case provides five mode posi-
tions Ð two (rear) wheel drive high mode, part-time four
wheel drive high range, full-time four wheel drive high
range, neutral, and four wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential which allows driving the vehicle in the 4 FULL
TIME position at all times on any given road surface
including dry hard surfaced roads. The 4 FULL TIME
186 STARTING AND OPERATING

mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds which eliminates driveline binding and
component wear that is normally associated with driving
the vehicle in the 4 PART TIME position on dry hard
surfaced roads. This feature provides the safety, security,
and convenience of operating in 4 wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4 PART TIME
and 4LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together through the transfer case inter-axle
differential and force the front and rear driveshafts to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to these positions. The 4 PART
TIME and 4LO positions are intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4 PART TIME and 4LO
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to driveline components.The PART TIME indicator light, located in the instrument
panel, alerts the driver that a four wheel drive mode
which locks the front and rear driveshafts together has
been selected. This light illuminates when the transfer
case is shifted to either the 4 PART TIME or 4LO
positions. There is no light for the 2WD, 4 FULL TIME, or
N (Neutral) positions.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The Selec-Tracttrans-
fer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and there-
fore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal
for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or
rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the trans-
fer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 4 ALL TIME
position at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed
the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
5

induce a torque interrupt and allow full engagement of
the newly selected position. With the vehicle stationary, it
may be necessary to shift from D (Drive) to R (Reverse)
and back to D (Drive) after shifting. This will allow full
engagement of the newly selected position. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4 PART TIME to 4 FULL TIME or 4 FULL TIME to
4 PART TIME
Shifting between 4 PART TIME and 4 FULL TIME can be
made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle
is in motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
With the vehicle in motion, two momentary releases of the
accelerator pedal may be required after shifting. This will
induce a torque interrupt and allow full engagement of
the newly selected position. With the vehicle stationary, it
may be necessary to shift from D (Drive) to R (Reverse)
and back to D (Drive) after shifting. This will allow full
engagement of the newly selected position. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4 FULL TIME to 4 LO or 4 LO to 4 FULL TIME
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into N (Neutral). While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the trans-
mission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn the
engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4LO is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4LO
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
Quadra-Trac IITOperating
Instructions/Precautions Ð If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac IIttransfer case is fully automatic in the
normal driving 4 ALL TIME mode. The Quadra-Trac IIt
transfer case provides three mode positions Ð four wheel
drive high range, neutral, and four wheel drive low
range.
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4 ALL TIME
mode. The 4 ALL TIME mode transmits torque to the rear
axle during normal driving, similar to a rear wheel drive
vehicle. When speed difference is increased between the
front and rear driveshafts the majority of engine torque
can be transmitted to the front driveshaft.
When additional traction is required, the 4LO position
can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts togetherand force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. The 4LO position is intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4LO position on dry
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 4 ALL TIME
position 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 transfer case.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 191
5

speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
4 ALL TIME to 4 LO or 4 LO to 4 ALL TIME
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into N (Neutral). While the vehicle iscoasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly into the desired position. Do not pause
in transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the trans-
mission into N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn the
engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4LO is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4LO
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 193
5

²Do not ªrideº the brakes by resting your foot on the
pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.
²When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-
ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission or locking out overdrive whenever pos-
sible.
²Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up,
which could cause rear wheels to spin and result in
loss of vehicle control. Be especially careful while
driving on slippery roads, in close-quarter maneuver-
ing, parking or stopping. Remember, always engage
4-wheel drive when driving on slippery roads (Selec-
Trac only). The Quadra-Trac II transfer case engages
four-wheel drive automatically when required.
²Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control. Under such conditions, engage
4-wheel drive (Selec-Trac only).
²After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
When To Use 4 LO (Low) Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4 LO for additional
traction in moving forward or descending a hill, for
low-speed pulling power or to improve handling and
control on slippery or difficult terrain. Also use 4 LO
range on the road in rain, ice, snow, mud or sand to get
heavy loads rolling, or whenever ªHighº range four-
wheel drive traction is insufficient.
In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4 LO if necessary. Don't
shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction
will be lost.
Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
Hill Climbing
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4 LO. Use first
gear and 4 LO for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose headwaywhile climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing
the compression braking of the engine and transmission
200 STARTING AND OPERATING

to help regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to
control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid
locking or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway byturning the front wheels sharply left and right. This will
provide fresh ªbiteº into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4 LO range. Let the vehicle go slowly down the
hill with all four wheels turning against engine compres-
sion 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 transmis-
sion whenever possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5

NOTE:The Tire Pressure Monitor system must be
retrained following a tire rotation. See your authorized
dealer for service.
The suggested rotation method is the ªforward-crossº
shown in the following diagram.FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high quality unleaded gasoline having
an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of
premium gasoline will provide no benefit over high
quality regular gasoline, and in some circumstances may
result in poorer performance.
NOTE: 4.7L HO Engines (If Equipped): High quality
premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91
is recommended but not required.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Engine damage resulting from operation with a
heavy spark knock may not be covered by the new
vehicle warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consid-
ering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturer's world wide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasoline that meets the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as Reformulated Gasoline.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates, and is spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.The manufacturer strongly supports the use of reformu-
lated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline
will provide excellent performance and durability for the
engine and fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing METHANOL.
Gasoline containing methanol may damage critical
fuel system components.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING