parking brake JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, other-
wise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not completely in PARK.
Check by trying to move the shift lever
rearward (with the brake pedal released),
after you have placed it in PARK. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•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
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit some-
one or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always apply the parking brake,
shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, the shift lever is locked in the
PARK position, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in
or near the vehicle, and do not leave Key-
less Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition switch from the
LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, and also press the brake pedal. Oth-
erwise, damage to the shift lever could
result.
(Continued)
223

CAUTION!(Continued)
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the shift lever
into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever
all the way forward and to the left until it stops
and is fully seated.
• Look at the shift lever position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the
shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a colli-
sion.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL can result in severe transmission dam-
age. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Start-
ing And Operating” and “Towing A Disabled
Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest up-
shifts and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through underdrive first, second, and
third gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive
fifth gear. The DRIVE position provides opti-
mum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) feature (refer to “Electronic Range Select
(ERS)” in this section) to select a lower gear
range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission dam-
age, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti-
vated. In this mode, the transmission remains in
the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a
stop. After the vehicle has stopped, the trans-
mission will remain in second gear regardless
224

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fifth gear). The
transmission will automatically shift into the
Overdrive gear if the following conditions are
present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accel-
erator.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
(5.7L Engine) — If Equipped
The shift lever position display (located in the
instrument panel cluster) indicates the trans-
mission gear range. You must press the brake
pedal to move the shift lever out of the PARK
position (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift In-
terlock System” in this section). To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the
DRIVE position. The electronically-controlled transmission pro-
vides a precise shift schedule. The transmis-
sion 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).
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
should be done only after the accelerator pedal
is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure
to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
moving the shift lever between these gears.
The transmission shift lever has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift posi-
tions. Manual downshifts can be made using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)” in this
section). Moving the shift lever to the left or right
(-/+) while in the DRIVE position will select the
highest available transmission gear, and will
display that gear in the instrument cluster as 6,
5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Gear RangesDO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may
place the shift lever in the PARK position first,
and then apply the parking brake.
Shift Lever
226

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, other-
wise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
shift lever out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not completely in PARK.
Check by trying to move the shift lever
rearward (with the brake pedal released),
after you have placed it in PARK. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•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
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit some-
one or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always apply the parking brake,
shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob. Once the key fob is
removed, the shift lever is locked in the
PARK position, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allow-
ing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally in-
jured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in or
near the vehicle, and do not leave Keyless
Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode.
A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition switch from the
LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, and also press the brake pedal. Oth-
erwise, damage to the shift lever could
result.
(Continued)
227

CAUTION!(Continued)
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the shift lever
into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever
all the way forward and to the left until it stops
and is fully seated.
• Look at the shift lever position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the
shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Set the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a colli-
sion.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL can result in severe transmission dam-
age. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Start-
ing And Operating” and “Towing A Disabled
Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest up-
shifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through underdrive first and second
gears, direct third gear and overdrive fourth
and fifth gears. The DRIVE position provides
optimum driving characteristics under all nor-
mal operating conditions.
To access all six available gears, you must use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) feature (refer
to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)” in this sec-
tion).
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) feature (refer to “Electronic Range Select
(ERS)” in this section) to select a lower gear
range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
228

When additional traction is required, the 4WD
LOW position can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
The 4WD LOW position is intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOW position on dry, hard-surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to
driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 4WD HI position at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference
will adversely affect shifting and cause damage
to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in
the N (Neutral) position without first fully en-
gaging the parking brake. The transfer case N
(Neutral) position disengages both the front
and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and
will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the
transmission position. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
4WD AUTO
This range is used on surfaces such as ice,
snow, gravel, sand, and dry hard pavement.NOTE:
Refer to “Selec-Terrain
– If Equipped” in
“Starting and Operating” for further infor-
mation on the various positions and their
intended usages.
NEUTRAL
This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. It is to be used
for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to
“Recreational Towing” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for further information.
4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It
locks the front and rear driveshafts together
and forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. It provides additional traction
and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
NOTE:
Refer to “Selec-Terrain – If Equipped” for
further information on the various positions
and their intended usages.
232

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 a collision. 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. Im-
pacted material can cause a wheel imbal-
ance and freeing the wheels of it will correct
the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L And 5.7L Engine
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 inter-
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will ob-
serve 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 nor-
mal 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.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power
steering assist could pose a safety risk to
yourself and others. Service should be ob-
tained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will in-
crease the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.
3.0L Diesel EngineYour vehicle is equipped with an electro-
hydraulic power steering system that will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electro-hydraulic power steering system expe-
riences a fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system will
provide mechanical steering capability.
242

MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM
(MDS) (IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L
ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine’s eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The
system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
The MDS system may take some time to
return to full functionality after a battery
disconnect.
PARKING BRAKEBefore leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the
shift lever in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle. •
This light only shows that the parking
brake is applied. It does not show the
degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. Apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make
it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
244

WARNING!(Continued)
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the ignition and lock your
vehicle. Never leave children alone in a
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, and do not leave Keyless Enter-
N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
(Continued)WARNING!(Continued)
• Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake sys-
tem serviced by an authorized dealer imme-
diately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
electronic brake control system that includes
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction
Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All five of
these systems work together to enhance ve-
hicle stability and control in various driving
conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Brake
Lock Differential (BLD), Ready Alert Braking,
Rain Brake Support and, if it has four-wheel
drive with the MP 3023 two-speed transfer
case, Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining ve-
hicle control under adverse braking conditions.
The system controls hydraulic brake pressure
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skid-
ding on slippery surfaces during braking.
245

WARNING!(Continued)
• HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the
vehicle on a hill without putting the trans-
mission in PARK and using the parking
brake, it will roll down the hill and could
cause a collision with another vehicle or
object. Always remember to use the park-
ing brake while parking on a hill, and that
the driver is responsible for braking the
vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be
done using the Customer Programmable Fea-
tures in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Ready Alert BrakingReady Alert Braking may reduce the time re-
quired to reach full braking during emergency
braking situations. It anticipates when an emer-
gency braking situation may occur by monitor-
ing how fast the throttle is released by the driver. When the throttle is released very
quickly, Ready Alert Braking applies a small
amount of brake pressure. This brake pressure
will not be noticed by the driver. The brake
system uses this brake pressure to allow a fast
brake response if the driver applies the brakes.
Rain Brake SupportRain Brake Support may improve braking per-
formance in wet conditions. It will periodically
apply a small amount of brake pressure to
remove any water buildup on the front brake
rotors. It only functions when the windshield
wipers are in the LO or HI mode, it does not
function in the intermittent mode. When Rain
Brake Support is active, there is no notification
to the driver and no driver interaction is re-
quired.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) —
Four-Wheel Drive Models With
MP3023 Two-Speed Transfer Case
Only
HDC maintains vehicle speed while descend-
ing hills during off-road driving situations and is
available in 4WD LOW range only. To enable
HDC, press the HDC switch or put the Selec-Terrain™ system in “ROCK” mode (“ROCK”
mode is only available in 4WD LOW range).
When HDC is enabled, the HDC icon will be
illuminated in the instrument cluster. HDC will
automatically apply the brakes to control down-
hill speed to the selected level when necessary
on grades greater than approximately 8%. It
will usually not activate on level ground.
The HDC speed may be adjusted by the driver
to suit the driving conditions. The speed corre-
sponds to the transmission gear selected.
HDC operation can be overridden with brake
application to slow the vehicle down below the
Hill Descent Switch
250