traction control JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2010 WK / 3.G SRT Owners Manual

10. Oil Pressure Warning LightThis light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
continuous chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP), or Traction Control System (TCS). 12. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly, when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 249
 Parking Brake ........................ 250
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 252
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 255
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 255
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 255
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 256
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 257
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 257
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 260
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light ...................... 260
 Tire Safety Information ................. 262 ▫
Tire Markings ....................... 262
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 266
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 267
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 268
 Tires — General Information ............. 272
▫ Run Flat Tires ....................... 272
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 272
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 274
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 275
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 275
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 276
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 276
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 277
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
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 shift lever in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating
and reduce the risk of transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide the driver
with more control. AutoStick allows the driver to in-
crease engine braking ability, control upshift and down-
shift points, and enhance the driving experience. This
system can also provide the driver with more control
during passing, city driving, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 245

NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:
•Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on
the pedal. This could overheat the brakes and
result in unpredictable braking action, longer
stopping distances, or brake damage.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by down-
shifting the transmission or locking out overdrive
whenever possible.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Engines 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 maneuvering, parking or stopping.
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, espe-
cially 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.
•After 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.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and
Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway Control
(TSC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the ve-
hicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 255

stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
“ESP Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)” in this section for more information.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive thebenefit of the system, you must apply
continuousbrak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 385

Dealer Service.......................... 317
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 149
Defroster, Windshield ................... 73,230
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 314
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 106
Dipsticks Power Steering ........................ 249
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 309
Disarming, Theft System ................... 18
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 332
Door Locks ............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 28
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 128
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 82
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 137
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 255
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 255 Brake Assist System
.................... 256
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 257
Electronic Stability Program ............... 257
Traction Control System ................. 255
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 257
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 116
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 257
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 165
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 163,166
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 244
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 302
Jump Starting ......................... 304
Tow Hooks .......................... 308
Emission Control System Maintenance ......315,360
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...................... 321
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
10
INDEX 391

Bulb Replacement...................... 349
Cargo .............................. 143
Center Mounted Stop ................... 354
Cruise .............................. 164
Daytime Running ...................... 103
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............100,106
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator ....................... 160,163,260
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 165
Exterior .............................. 73
Fog .......................... 105,165,352
Fuses ............................... 341
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 302
Headlight Switch ...................... 100
Headlights ........................ 349,350
Headlights On With Wipers ............... 101
High Beam Indicator .................... 157
Illuminated Entry ....................... 18
Instrument Cluster ..................... 100 Interior
............................. 107
Lights On Reminder .................... 104
Low Fuel ............................ 166
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 158
Map Reading ......................... 108
Oil Pressure .......................... 160
Passing ............................. 106
Reading .......................... 108,127
Rear Servicing ........................ 352
Rear Tail ............................ 352
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 164
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 159
Service ............................. 349
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 158
Side Marker .......................... 352
SmartBeams .......................... 102
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 160
Traction Control .................... 160,260
Turn Signal ................ 73,100,106,351,352
396 INDEX

Tires ............................73,272,385
Air Pressure .......................... 274
General Information .................... 272
High Speed .......................... 275
Inflation Pressures ..................... 274
Life of Tires .......................... 277
Load Capacity ..................... 268,269
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 279
Pressure Warning Light .................. 160
Quality Grading ....................... 385
Radial .............................. 275
Replacement ......................... 277
Rotation ............................ 278
Safety .............................. 262
Sizes ............................... 264
Spinning ............................ 276
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 276
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 293
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 308 Towing
............................ 289,309
Behind a Motor Home .................. 299
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 309
Guide .............................. 293
Recreational .......................... 299
Weight .............................. 293
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home ......... 299
Traction Control ......................... 255
Traction Control Light .................... 160
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 260
Trailer Towing .......................... 289
Cooling System Tips .................... 299
Hitches ............................. 292
Minimum Requirements ................. 295
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 293
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 293
Trailer Weight .......................... 293
Transmission ........................... 335
Automatic ........................ 242,335
10
INDEX 403