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

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
240°F (116°C) or greater, pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). If the pointer
remains on the 240°F (116°C) or greater, and you hear
continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately,
and call an authorized dealership for service.
162 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

captured interior air to condense on windows and ham-
per visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
“Recirculation” mode to be selected while in the defrost
or defrost/floor modes. Attempting to use Recirculation
while in these modes will cause the LED in the button to
blink and then turn off.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) on will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature
control, air direction, and blower speed to maintain
comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higherblower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant, during the summer, to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy
traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer,
232 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

▫Replacement Tires .................... 277
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 278
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 279
▫ Premium System .................... 279
▫ General Information .................. 282
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 282
▫ 6.1L Engine ........................ 282
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 283
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 283
▫ E85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 284
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 284
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 285
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 285 ▫
Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 286
 Adding Fuel ......................... 287
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 287
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 288
 Trailer Towing ........................ 289
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 289
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 292
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 293
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 293
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 295
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 298
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 299
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 237

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

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

Off” mode by pressing the “ESP OFF” switch. Once the
situation requiring ESP to be switched to the “ESP Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momen-
tarily pressing the “ESP OFF” switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer and will take the appropriate
actions to attempt to stop the sway. The system may
reduce engine power and apply the brake of the appro-
priate wheel(s) to counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC
will become active automatically once an excessively
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. Note that TSC cannot stop all trailers from
swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the tongue weight recommendations. Refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information. When TSC is functioning, the “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” will flash, the engine power may bereduced and you may feel the brakes being applied to
individual wheels to attempt to stop the trailer from
swaying. TSC is disabled when the ESP system is in the
“Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The “ESP/
BAS Warning Light” and the “ESP/TCS Indi-
cator Light” in the instrument cluster both
come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. They should both go out with the engine
running.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section. To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 269

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs
[295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:
•The following table shows examples on how to calcu-
late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
WARNING!
•Do not tow when the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” is illuminated. Failure to follow
this could result in loss of control and serious
injury.
•The tailpipes may be hot and you could be seri-
ously injured if you come into contact with the
tailpipes.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in its loaded and
ready for operation condition. The recommended way to
measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 289