ESP JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2009 WK / 3.G Owner's Guide

NOTE:Regardless of the type of operation, when a
temperature knob is set to the full clockwise or full
counterclockwise position, the system will deliver full
hot or full cold air out of the ducts, respectively.
The operator can override the AUTO mode setting and
select the direction of the air by rotating the right mode
knob to one of the following positions. When the Mode is
set to any position other than AUTO, the automatic
control of air temperature is disabled. The user must
adjust the temperature knobs to obtain the desired tem-
perature.
Defrost
Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is also
directed to the front door windows through the side
window demister grilles. Some airflow is delivered to the
floor while in defrost so that comfort can be maintained.NOTE:The defrost mode is not automatically selected.
It must be manually selected, when desired.
Defrost/Floor
Air flows through the front and rear floor outlets
and the outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is
also directed to the front door windows through the
side window demister grilles. Some airflow is delivered
to the floor while in defrost so that comfort can be
maintained.
Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located under
the instrument panel and into the rear seating area
through vents under the front seats. Some airflow is
delivered to defrost while in floor mode, so that comfort
can be maintained.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
4

When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy
traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer,
additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa-
tion is encountered, operate the transmission in a lower
gear to increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed.
When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL and depress the accelerator slightly
for fast idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan
speed.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
272 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Quadra-Trac IIOperating
Instructions/Precautions — If Equipped.... 297
▫Shift Positions...................... 298
▫Shifting Procedures................... 298
▫Quadra-Drive IISystem — If Equipped.... 301
On-Road Driving Tips.................. 301
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 302
▫When To Use 4WD Low Range — If
Equipped.......................... 302
▫Driving Through Water................ 302
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 303
▫Hill Climbing....................... 304
▫Traction Downhill.................... 305
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 305Power Steering....................... 306
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 307
Parking Brake........................ 308
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 309
Electronic Brake Control System........... 312
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)........... 312
▫TCS (Traction Control System)........... 313
▫BAS (Brake Assist System).............. 313
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)......... 314
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program)........ 315
▫TSC (Trailer Sway Control)............. 320
▫HSA (Hill Start Assist) (4WD Models With
NV245 Two–Speed Transfer Case Only)..... 320
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫HDC (Hill Descent Control) (4WD Models
With NV245 Two–Speed Transfer
Case Only)......................... 323
▫ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light...................... 325
Tire Safety Information................. 326
▫Tire Markings....................... 326
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 330
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 331
Tires — General Information............. 335
▫Tire Pressure....................... 335
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 336
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 337
▫Radial-Ply Tires..................... 338▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped....... 338
▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped........ 339
▫Tire Spinning....................... 340
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 340
▫Life Of Tire........................ 341
▫Replacement Tires.................... 342
Tire Chains.......................... 343
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 344
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 345
▫Base System........................ 347
▫Premium System — If Equipped......... 350
▫General Information.................. 355
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

depending on engine temperature. When the “Wait To
Start” goes out, the engine is ready to start.
4. Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key (FOBIK) to briefly turn the ignition switch to the
START position and then release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will automatically disengage
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 20 seconds. The
starter can be disengaged by turning the ignition key to
the OFF position, if required.
5. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for approxi-
mately 30 seconds before driving. This allows oil to
circulate and lubricate the turbocharger.
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient temperatures below
0°F (-18°C). Long periods of idling may be harmful to
your engine because combustion chamber temperatures
can drop so low that the fuel may not burn completely.Incomplete combustion allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also, the
unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting the oil
and causing rapid wear to the engine.
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.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine
at moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine Idling - In Cold Weather
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient temperatures below
0°F (-18°C). Long periods of idling may be harmful to
your engine because combustion chamber temperatures
can drop so low that the fuel may not burn completely.
Incomplete combustion allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also, the
unburned fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting the oil
and causing rapid wear to the engine.
Stopping The Engine
Before turning off your turbo diesel engine, always allow
the engine to return to normal idle speed and run for
several seconds. This assures proper lubrication of the
turbocharger. This is particularly necessary after any
period of hard driving.
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine shutdown.
After full load operation, idle the engine three to five
minutes before shutting it down. This idle period willallow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat
away from the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is especially impor-
tant for turbocharged, charge air cooled engines.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater cord to
a ground-fault interrupter protected 110-115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
The engine block heater cord is located:
•3.7L/4.7L Engine — coiled and strapped to the engine
oil dipstick tube.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

5. Using the screwdriver, reach into the manual override
opening. Press and hold the shift lock lever down.
6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized
dealer, if the shift lock manual override has been used.
Five–Speed Automatic Transmission
The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles/kilometers.
Gear Ranges
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. If
there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the
engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first.
Interlock Manual Override
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the transmission limp home mode
will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will
remain in the current gear (3.7L and 3.0L diesel engine) or
in direct gear (4.7L and 5.7L engines) until the vehicle is
brought to a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off, and be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only 2nd gear (3.7L and 3.0L diesel engine) or 3rd
gear (4.7L and 5.7L engines) will be available in the
DRIVE position. Have the transmission checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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 automati-
cally, at a calibrated speed, at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. The
feature is operational in Overdrive and in DRIVE.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 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. For vehicles
with 4.7L or 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive
gears), the transmission may not shift into the top
Overdrive gear (normal 5th gear) until the transmis-
sion fluid and engine coolant are warm.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission 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 con-
verter 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 shift lever
between DRIVE and 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING