JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2007 WK / 3.G Owners Manual

NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 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 into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Manually shifting (using the ERS shift control) between 4
(direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive gear) positions will
demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.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 D (Drive) and R (Reverse),
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
NOTE:The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF
before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in Section 3 of this manual.
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

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 “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between
“First” and R (Reverse), do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac IOperating
Instructions/Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac Iis a single speed (HI range only)
transfer case which provides convenient full-time
4–wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. This
transfer case divides engine torque almost evenly with 48percent of engine torque to the front axle and 52 percent
of engine torque to the rear axle. The Brake Traction
Control System (BTC), which combines standard ABS
and Traction Control, provides resistance to any wheel
that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer to
wheels with traction.
NOTE:The Quadra-Trac Isystem is not appropriate
for conditions where LOW range is recommended. Refer
to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in this section.
Quadra-Trac IIOperating
Instructions/Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac IItransfer case is fully automatic in the
normal driving 4 HI mode. The Quadra-Trac IItransfer
case provides three mode positions — four wheel drive
high range, neutral, and four wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4 HI mode.
This transfer case divides engine torque almost evenly
with 48 percent of engine torque to the front axle and 52
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

percent of engine torque to the rear axle. When speed
differences are increased between the front and rear drive
shafts, the transfer case can transmit up to 100 percent of
available engine torque to the front or rear drive shafts.
When additional traction is required, the 4 LOW position
can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together
and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. The 4 LOW position is intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4 LOW position on dry
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4 LOW, the engine speed
is approximately three times that of the 4 HI 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 263
5

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
4HI
Four Wheel Drive High Range — All roads surfaces such
as ice, snow, gravel, sand, and dry hard pavement.
N (Neutral)
Neutral — Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4 LOW
Four Wheel Drive Low Range — Low speed 4 wheel
drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedures
4HIto4LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. “The 4WD
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

LOW Indicator Lamp” in the instrument cluster will
begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. Release the T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a “CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual. (See page 183 for
more information.)
4LOWto4HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. The “4WD
Shifter T-Handle
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

LOW Indicator Lamp” in the instrument cluster will flash
and go out when the shift is complete. Release the
T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a “CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual. (See page 183 for
more information.)
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible
with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty
may occur 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
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to 3 mph (0
to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5
km/h), the transfer case will not allow the shift.Neutral (N) Shift Procedure
1. Key ON, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place transmission in N (Neutral).
4. Hold down N (Neutral) “pin” switch (with a pen, etc.)
for 4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to
blink indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking
(stay on solid) when Neutral shift is complete. A “4WD
SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will display on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual. (See page 183 for more informa-
tion.)
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Repeat Steps 1– 4 to shift out of Neutral.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will flash from
the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Referto “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 4 of this manual. (See page 183 for more
information.)
Quadra-Drive IISystem — If Equipped
The optional Quadra-Drive IISystem features three
torque transfer couplings. The couplings include ELSD
(Electronic Limited Slip Differential) front and rear axles
and Quadra-Trac IItransfer case. The optional ELSD
axles are fully automatic and require no driver input to
operate. Under normal driving conditions the units func-
tion as standard axles balancing torque evenly between
left and right wheels. With a traction difference between
left and right wheels the coupling will sense a speed
difference. As one wheel begins to spin faster than the
other, torque will automatically transfer from the wheel
that has less traction to the wheel that has traction. While
the transfer case and axle couplings differ in design, their
Neutral Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

operation is similar. Follow the Quadra-Trac IItransfer
case shifting information, preceding this section, for
shifting this system.
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.
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
NOTE:Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air
dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is attached to
the lower front fascia with quarter turn fasteners, and can
be removed by hand.
When To Use 4WD LOW Range — If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction. This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, or sand where additional
low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in
excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
4WD LOW range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water:
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches deep will
require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent dam-
age to your vehicle. If you must drive through water, try
to determine the depth and the bottom condition (and
location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with
caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than
5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off) avoid crossing until the water level recedesand/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 inches. The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

Driving 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 4WD LOW if necessary.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW 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 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.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING