climate control JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

•If your liftgate is power closing and you
put the vehicle in gear, the liftgate will
continue to power close. However, ve-
hicle movement may result in a detection
of an obstruction.
WARNING!
•Driving with the liftgate open can allow
poisonous exhaust gases into your vehicle.
You and your passengers could be injured
by these fumes. Keep the liftgate closed
when you are operating the vehicle.
• If you are required to drive with the liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are
closed, and the climate control blower
switch is set at high speed. Do not use the
recirculation mode.
Gas props support the liftgate in the open
position. However, because the gas pressure
drops with temperature, it may be necessary to
assist the props when opening the liftgate in
cold weather.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTSSome of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
• Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the
driver and all passengers
• Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front
passenger
• Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR)
located on top of the front seats (integrated
into the head restraint)
• Supplemental Driver Side Knee Air Bag
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Cur-
tains (SABIC) for the driver and passengers
seated next to a window
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SAB)
• An energy-absorbing steering column and
steering wheel
• Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occu-
pant •
Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners
that may enhance occupant protection by
managing occupant energy during an im-
pact event
• All seat belt systems (except the driver’s and
front passenger) include Automatic Locking
Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt
webbing into position by extending the belt
all the way out and then adjusting the belt to
the desired length to restrain a child seat or
secure a large item in a seat — if equipped
If you will be carrying children too small for
adult-sized seat belts, the seat belts or the
ISOFIX feature also can be used to hold infant
and child restraint systems. Refer to ISOFIX —
Child Seat Anchorage System for more infor-
mation.
NOTE:
The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multi-
stage inflator design. This allows the air bag
to have different rates of inflation based on
the severity and type of collision.
Please pay close attention to the information in
this section. It tells you how to use your restraint
29

WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of
your vehicle that is not equipped with seats
and seat belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon-
scious and can eventually poison you. To
avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips: Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to
move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, adjust your heating or
cooling controls to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed
and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation
mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly main-
tained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas
for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or misposi-
tioned parts. Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is
raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
Safety Checks You Should Make
Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking
for cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts
must be replaced immediately. Do not disas-
semble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced
after a collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must
be replaced after a collision if they have been
damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four
to eight seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is
not lit during starting, see your authorized
dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
56

Front Passenger Seat Fold-Flat
Feature — If Equipped
To fold the seatback to the flat load-floor posi-
tion, lift the recline lever and push the seatback
forward. To return to the seating position, raise
the seatback and lock it into place.
Heated Seats — If EquippedOn some models, the front and rear seats may
be equipped with heaters in both the seat
cushions and seatbacks.
WARNING!
•Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medi-
cation, alcohol use, exhaustion or other
physical condition must exercise care when
using the seat heater. It may cause burns
even at low temperatures, especially if
used for long periods of time.
• Do not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket or
cushion. This may cause the seat heater to
overheat. Sitting in a seat that has been
overheated could cause serious burns due
to the increased surface temperature of the
seat.
Vehicles Equipped With Remote Start
On models that are equipped with remote start,
the driver’s heated seat can be programmed to
come on during a remote start. Refer to “Re-
mote Starting System — If Equipped” in
“Things to Know Before Starting Your Vehicle”
for further information. Front Heated Seats
There are two heated seat switches that allow
the driver and passenger to operate the seats
independently. The controls for each heater are
located near the bottom center of the instru-
ment panel (below the climate controls).
You can choose from HIGH, LOW or OFF heat
settings. Amber indicator lights in each switch
indicate the level of heat in use. Two indicator
lights will illuminate for HIGH, one for LOW and
none for OFF.
Press the switch once to select
HIGH-level heating. Press the
switch a second time to select
LOW-level heating. Press the
switch a third time to shut the heat-
ing elements OFF.
NOTE:
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be
felt within two to five minutes.
When the HIGH-level setting is selected, the
heater will provide a boosted heat level during
the first four minutes of operation. Then, the
heat output will drop to the normal HIGH-level.
If the HIGH-level setting is selected, the system
Fold-Flat Passenger Seat
96

will automatically switch to LOW-level after a
maximum of 55 minutes of continuous opera-
tion. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the
change. The LOW-level setting will turn OFF
automatically after a maximum of 45 minutes.
Rear Heated Seats
On some models, the two outboard seats are
equipped with heated seats. There are two
heated seat switches that allow the rear pas-
sengers to operate the seats independently.
The heated seat switches for each heater are
located on the rear of the center console.You can choose from HIGH, LOW or OFF heat
settings. Amber indicator lights in each switch
indicate the level of heat in use. Two indicator
lights will illuminate for HIGH, one for LOW and
none for OFF.
Press the switch once to select
HIGH-level heating. Press the
switch a second time to select
LOW-level heating. Press the
switch a third time to shut the heat-
ing elements OFF.
NOTE:
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be
felt within two to five minutes.
When the HIGH-level setting is selected, the
heater will provide a boosted heat level during
the first four minutes of operation. Then, the
heat output will drop to the normal HIGH-level.
If the HIGH-level setting is selected, the system
will automatically switch to LOW-level after a
maximum of 55 minutes of continuous opera-
tion. At that time, the number of illuminated
LEDs changes from two to one, indicating the
change. The LOW-level setting will turn OFF
automatically after a maximum of 45 minutes.Ventilated Seats — If EquippedOn some models, both the driver and passen-
ger seats are ventilated. Located in the seat
cushion and seatback are small fans that draw
the air from the passenger compartment and
blow air through fine perforations in the seat
cover to help keep the driver and front passen-
ger cooler in higher ambient temperatures.
There are two ventilated seat switches that
allow the driver and passenger to operate the
seats independently. The ventilated seat
switches are located on the switch bank in the
center stack of the instrument panel, just below
the climate controls. The ventilated seat
switches are used to
control the speed of the
fans located in the seat.
Press the switch once
to choose HIGH, press
it a second time to
choose LOW. Pressing
the switch a third time
will turn the ventilated
seat OFF. When HIGH speed is selected both
Rear Heated Seat Switches
97

WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering column while driv-
ing or driving with the steering column un-
locked, could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle. Be sure the steering column is
locked before driving your vehicle. Failure to
follow this warning may result in serious injury
or death.
POWER TILT/TELESCOPING
STEERING COLUMN — IF
EQUIPPED
This feature allows you to tilt the steering col-
umn upward or downward. It also allows you to
lengthen or shorten the steering column. The
power tilt/telescoping steering column lever is
located below the multifunction lever on the
steering column.To tilt the steering column, move the lever up or
down as desired. To lengthen or shorten the
steering column, pull the lever toward you or
push the lever away from you as desired.
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Driver Memory
Seat, you can use your Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or the memory
switch on the driver’s door trim panel to
return the tilt/telescopic steering column to
pre-programmed positions. Refer to “Driver
Memory Seat” in this section for further
information.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering column while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering column while driv-
ing or driving with the steering column un-
locked, could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle. Be sure the steering column is
locked before driving your vehicle. Failure to
follow this warning may result in serious injury
or death.
HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF
EQUIPPED
The steering wheel contains a heating element
that helps warm your hands in cold weather.
The heated steering wheel has only one tem-
perature setting. Once the heated steering
wheel has been turned on it will operate for
approximately 58 to 70 minutes before auto-
matically shutting off. The heated steering
wheel can shut off early or may not turn on
when the steering wheel is already warm.
The heated steering wheel switch is located on
the switch bank below the climate controls.
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering
11 4

the OFF position and the wipers will cycle
several times before returning to the parked
position.
NOTE:
As a protective measure, the pump will stop
if the switch is held for more than 20 sec-
onds. Once the switch is released the pump
will resume normal operation.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is
turned OFF, the wiper will automatically return
to the “park” position.
If the liftgate flipper glass is open, the rear
window wiper/washer functionality is inter-
rupted and the wiper stops at that “park” posi-
tion. When the liftgate flipper glass is closed,
the rear wiper will resume wiper/washer func-
tionality after five seconds.
Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is
located on the climate control panel.
Press this button to turn on the rear
window defroster and the heated outside mir-
rors (if equipped). An indicator in the button will
illuminate when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window defroster automatically turns
off after approximately 10 minutes. For an ad-
ditional five minutes of operation, press the
button a second time.
NOTE:
To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
rear window defroster only when the engine
is operating.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
•
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow. Use a soft cloth and a mild washing
solution, wiping parallel to the heating ele-
ments. Labels can be peeled off after soak-
ing with warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF
EQUIPPED
The crossbars and siderails are designed to
carry the weight on vehicles equipped with a
luggage rack. The load must not exceed
150 lbs (68 kg), and should be uniformly dis-
tributed over the luggage rack crossbars.
NOTE:
If not equipped with crossbars, your autho-
rized dealer can order and install MOPAR 
crossbars built specifically for this roof rack
system.
Distribute cargo weight evenly on the roof rack
crossbars. The roof rack does not increase the
total load carrying capacity of the vehicle. Be
sure the total load of cargo inside the vehicle
plus that on the external rack does not exceed
the maximum vehicle load capacity.
To move the crossbars, loosen the attach-
ments, located at the upper edge of each
crossbar, approximately eight turns using the
anti-theft wrench provided with the MOPAR 
crossbars. Then, move the crossbar to the
desired position, keeping the crossbars paral-
lel to the rack frame. Once the crossbar is in the
150

•CLIMATE CONTROLS ........................ 205
• Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped ............................. 205
• Operating Tips .......................... 208
• Operating Tips Chart ...................... 210
156

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES
1 — Air Outlet6 — Lower Switch Bank11 — Hood Release
2 — Instrument Cluster 7 — Hazard Switch12 — Fuel Door Release
3 — Radio 8 — Storage Bin13 — Headlight Switch
4 — Glove Compartment 9 — ESC Button14 — Dimmer Control
5 — Climate Controls 10 — Ignition Switch
157

than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” come on momentarily each time
the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN.
• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/
RUN, the ESC system will be ON, even if it
was turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is active. This is
normal; the sounds will stop when ESC
becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
5. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light — If
Equipped This light will illuminate when the
TOW/HAUL button has been se-
lected. The TOW/HAUL button is
located in the center of the instru-
ment panel (below the climate
controls). 6. Turn Signal Indicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn
signals when the turn signal lever is op-
erated. A tone will chime, and an EVIC
message will appear if the turn signals are left
on for more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTE:
Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
7. High Beam Indicator Indicates that headlights are on high
beam.
8. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped This indicator will illuminate when the
front fog lights are on.
9. Hill Descent Control Indicator Light — If
Equipped The symbol indicates the status of
the Hill Decent Control (HDC) fea-
ture. The lamp will be on solid
when HDC is armed. HDC can
only be armed when the transfer
case is in the “4WD Low” position and the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph
(48 km/h). If these conditions are not met while
attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC
indicator lamp will flash on/off.
10. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Display/Odometer Display
The odometer display shows the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
When the appropriate conditions exist, this
display shows the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) messages. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center”.
11. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufac-
turer 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.)
160

CLIMATE CONTROLSThe air conditioning and heating system is
designed to make you comfortable in all types
of weather.
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) — If Equipped
•The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
allows both driver and front passenger seat
occupants to select individual comfort set-
tings.
• When occupants in the vehicle select the
AUTO mode operation, a comfort tempera-
ture can be set by using the temperature up
and down buttons, and the auto blower
operation will be set automatically.
• The system provides set-and-forget opera-
tion for optimum comfort and convenience.
• The system can be controlled manually, if
desired.
The ATC system automatically maintains the
interior comfort level desired by the driver and
passenger. 1. A/C Button
Press and release to change the current Air
Conditioning (A/C) setting, the indicator illumi-
nates when A/C is ON. Performing this function
will cause the ATC to switch into manual mode.
2. Recirculation Control Button
Press and release to change the current set-
ting, the indicator illuminates when ON.
3. Left Front Seat Occupant Temperature
Display
This display shows the temperature setting for
the left front seat occupant.4. Mode Display
This display shows the current Mode selection
(Panel, Bi-Level, Floor, Mix).
5. Blower Control Display
This display shows the current Blower speed
selection.
6. Right Front Seat Occupant Temperature
Display
This display shows the temperature setting for
the right front seat occupant.
7. Front Defrost Button
Press and release to change the current set-
ting, the indicator illuminates when ON. Per-
forming this function will cause the ATC to
switch into manual mode. The blower will en-
gage immediately if the Defrost mode is se-
lected.
8. Passenger Temperature Control Up
Button
Provides the passenger with independent tem-
perature control. Push the button for warmer
temperature settings.
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) Panel
205