stop start JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

3. Watch the “Wait To Start Light” in the instru-
ment cluster. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther information. It may glow for up to three
seconds, depending on engine temperature.
4. When the “Wait To Start Light” goes out, the
engine will automatically start.
5. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for
approximately 30 seconds before driving. This
allows oil to circulate and lubricate the turbo-
charger.
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient tempera-
tures below 0°F (-18°C). Long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because com-
bustion chamber temperatures can drop so low
that the fuel may not burn completely. Incom-
plete combustion allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also,
the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.Engine Warm Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is
cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the
engine up to operating speed slowly to allow
the oil pressure to stabilize as the engine
warms up.
NOTE:
High-speed, no-load running of a cold en-
gine can result in excessive white smoke
and poor engine performance. No-load en-
gine speeds should be kept under 1,200
RPM during the warm-up period, especially
in cold ambient temperature conditions.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate
the engine at moderate speeds for five minutes
before full loads are applied.
Engine Idling – In Cold Weather
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient tempera-
tures below 0°F (-18°C). Long periods of idling
may be harmful to your engine because com-
bustion chamber temperatures can drop so low
that the fuel may not burn completely. Incom-
plete combustion allows carbon and varnish to
form on piston rings and injector nozzles. Also,the unburned fuel can enter the crankcase,
diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
Stopping The Engine
Before turning off your turbo diesel engine,
always allow the engine to return to normal idle
speed and run for several seconds. This as-
sures proper lubrication of the turbocharger.
This is particularly necessary after any period
of hard driving.
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricating
oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from
the combustion chamber, bearings, internal
components, and turbocharger. This is espe-
cially important for turbocharged, charge air
cooled engines.
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when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position
and once removed the shift lever is locked in
PARK.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmis-
sion Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the
shift lever in the PARK position unless the
brakes are applied. To move the shift lever out
of the PARK position, the ignition switch must
be turned to the ON/RUN position (engine
running or not) and the brake pedal must be
pressed.
Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
(3.6L and 3.0L Diesel 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 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
222

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

of which forward gear is selected. PARK, RE-
VERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the ve-
hicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for
service without damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF
position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmis-
sion will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible conve-nience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem
could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position. For example, if you shift the transmis-
sion into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down
into second and first gear normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in
the DRIVE position, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically, shifting between all available
gears. Tapping the shift lever to the left (-) will
downshift the transmission, activate ERS mode,
display the current gear in the instrument clus-
ter, and maintain that gear as the top available
gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the shift lever
to the left (-) or right (+) will change the top
available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the
shift lever to the right (+) until “D” is once again
displayed in the shift lever position indicator in
the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing an accident or personal injury.
Screen Display
12 34D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
press and hold the shift lever to the left (-).
The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
225

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

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

If the transmission operating temperature ex-
ceeds normal operating limits, the powertrain
controller will modify the transmission shift
schedule and expand the range of torque con-
verter clutch engagement. This is done to pre-
vent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
“Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may
illuminate and the transmission may downshift
out of Overdrive until the transmission cools
down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily
loaded vehicle at low speeds (such as tow-
ing a trailer up a steep grade, or in stop-
and-go traffic) during hot weather. In these
conditions, torque converter slip can im-
pose a significant additional heat load on
the cooling system. Downshifting the trans-
mission to the lowest possible gear (when
climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL
(when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to
reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera-
tion may be modified depending on engine andtransmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of both the torque
converter clutch and the top overdrive gear are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm
(refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold
temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), opera-
tion may briefly be limited to first and direct
gears only. Normal operation will resume once
the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
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
direct gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home
Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF
position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmis-
sion will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible conve-
nience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem
could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.
229

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

4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with
a pen, etc.) for four seconds until the LED light
by the switch starts to blink indicating shift in
progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on
solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is complete.
5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to shift out of NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift
Procedure in Owners Manual” message will
flash from the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Ve-hicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Quadra-Drive
II System – If
Equipped
The optional Quadra-Drive II System features
two torque transfer couplings. The couplings
include an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
(ELSD) rear axle and the Quadra-Trac II trans-
fer case. The optional ELSD axle is fully auto-
matic and requires no driver input to operate.
Under normal driving conditions, the unit func-
tions as a standard axle, balancing torque
evenly between left and right wheels. With a
traction difference between left and right
wheels, the coupling will sense a speed differ-
ence. As one wheel begins to spin faster than
the other, torque will automatically transfer from
the wheel that has less traction, to the wheel
that has traction. While the transfer case and
axle coupling differ in design, their operation is
similar. Follow the Quadra-Trac II transfer case
shifting information, preceding this section, for
shifting this system.
SELEC-TERRAIN™ — IF EQUIPPED
Description
Selec-Terrain™ combines the capabilities of
the vehicle control systems, along with driver
input, to provide the best performance for all
terrains.
Neutral Switch
Selec-Terrain™ Switch
234

If you stall or begin to lose forward motion
while climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to
come to a stop and immediately apply the
brakes. Restart the engine, and shift into RE-
VERSE. Back slowly down the hill, allowing the
compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required
to control vehicle speed, apply them lightly and
avoid locking or skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion,
or cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle.
Always back carefully straight down a hill in
REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a
hill always drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the
crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and
maintain forward motion by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a fresh “bite”
into the surface and will usually provide traction
to complete the climb.
Traction DownhillShift the transmission into a low gear, and the
transfer case into 4WD LOW range. Let the
vehicle go slowly down the hill with all four
wheels turning against engine compression
drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of
braking control. Avoid repeated heavy braking
by downshifting the transmission whenever
possible.
After Driving Off-RoadOff-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to
check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness,
particularly on the chassis, drivetrain com-
ponents, steering, and suspension. Re-
tighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake
hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller
shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the ra-
diator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake lin-
ings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned
as soon as possible.
241