automatic transmission JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2011 WK2 / 4.G User Guide

WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be selected only when the vehicle is at
a complete stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The
transmission automatically upshifts through fifth gear.
The DRIVE position provides optimum driving charac-
teristics under all normal operating conditions.
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the ERS designation for the current gear (the transmis-
sion will not downshift). For example, if you are in
DRIVE and are in third (direct) gear, when you tap the
shift lever one time to the left (-), the display will show 4
(ERS 4 is direct gear). Another tap to the left (-) will shift
the transmission down to ERS 3 (the added underdrive
gear). When in the DRIVE position in fifth gear, the first
tap to the left (-) will downshift the transmission and
display 5 (ERS 5 is the same as normal fourth gear).
Another tap to the left (-) will shift the transmission
down to ERS 4 (direct gear).
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display12345*D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-5
* Applies to vehicles equipped with 5.7L engines only.
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to the
left “D(-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fifth gear for 3.6L engine, fourth
and fifth gears for 5.7L engine). The transmission will
automatically shift to Overdrive, if the following condi-
tions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
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STARTING AND OPERATING 353

•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating temperature.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts, depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm-up time of
the engine and transmission. If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSION
OVER TEMP” message may display, and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive, to the
most desirable gear, if the accelerator pedal is fully
pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When to Use TOW/HAUL Mode – If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 ignition
switch 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 second gear (3.6L engine) or third gear (5.7L
engine) 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
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch may 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
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

to allow more driver control of vehicle while maintain-
ing safe handling controls. The vehicle will lower (if
equipped with Air Suspension) to Aero Mode in High
Range. 4WD Low is not available in SPORT mode, if
4WD Low is selected the Selec-Terrain™ will auto-
matically switch back to AUTO.
•Snow– Tuning set for additional stability in inclement
weather. Use on and off road on loose traction surfaces
such as snow. When in Snow mode (depending on
certain operating conditions), the transmission may
use second gear (rather than first gear) during
launches, to minimize wheel slippage. If equipped
with air suspension, the level will change to Normal
Ride Height (NRH) if the transfer case is in high range.
The level will change to Off-Road 1 if the transfer case
is in Low range.
•Auto – Fully automatic full time four-wheel drive
operation can be used on and off road. Balances traction with seamless steering feel to provide im-
proved handling and acceleration over two-wheel
drive vehicles. If equipped with air suspension, the
level will change to NRH.
•Sand/Mud
– Off road calibration for use on low
traction surfaces such as mud, sand, or wet grass.
Driveline is maximized for traction. Some binding
may be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The electronic
brake controls are set to limit traction control manage-
ment of throttle and wheel spin. If equipped with air
suspension, the level will change to Off-Road 1.
•Rock – Off-road calibration only available in 4WD
Low range. The vehicle is raised (if equipped with Air
Suspension) for improved ground clearance. Traction
based tuning with improved steer-ability for use on
high traction off-road surfaces. Activates the Hill De-
scent Control for steep downhill control. Use for low
speed obstacles such as large rocks, deep ruts, etc. If
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped), or a lower gear range,
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or
selecting a lower gear range (using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature) while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking. The transmission fluid and filter should be changed if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation. Refer to “Maintenance Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before towing
(5.7L engine).
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 451

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheel OFF theGroundTwo-Wheel Drive
Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED See Instructions
•Transmission in PARK
•Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
•Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK OK
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift™ must be lowered to the “Park” (lowest) level, and have automatic
leveling disabled, before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck. Refer to “Quadra-Lift™
– If Equipped” in “Starting and Operating” for more information. If the vehicle cannot be lowered to the “Park”
level (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs must be fastened to the axles (not to the body). Failure to
follow these instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or loss of proper tie-down tension.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 453

Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
Jack Warning Label
466 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be injured by
moving fan blades.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission
into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal accessories. 3. Remove the protective cover over the remote positive
(+)
battery post. Pull upward on the cover to remove it.
4. If using another vehicle to jump-start the battery, park
the vehicle within the jumper cables reach, set the
parking brake and make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
Jump-Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this procedure could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage due to battery ex-
plosion.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 473

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see Brake/
Transmission Interlock Manual Override (under Starting
and Operating, Automatic Transmission) for instructions
on shifting the automatic transmission out of the PARK
position for towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC position,
not in the LOCK position.
Towing Without the Ignition Key Fob
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Two-Wheel Drive Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear
wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL. Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the
distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 479