4WD JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

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.)
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steering effort, especially at very low ve-
hicle speeds and during parking maneu-
vers.
• If the condition persists, see your autho-
rized dealer for service.
EVIC Amber Telltale LightsThis area will show reconfigurable amber cau-
tion telltales. These telltales include:
•Forward Collision Warning (FCW) OFF
This light warns the driver of a
potential collision with the vehicle
in front and prompts the driver to
take action in order to avoid the
collision. For further information,
refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Understanding The Features Of Your
Vehicle.”
• Wait To Start Light — Diesel Only
This light will illuminate when the igni-
tion switch is first turned to the RUN
position. Wait until the light turns off
before starting the vehicle. Refer to “Starting
Procedures” in “Starting And Operating”. •
Water In Fuel Indicator — Diesel Only
This light indicates water has col-
lected in the fuel filter and should
be drained immediately. See your
authorized dealer for service.
• Air Suspension Up
The air suspension up telltale will
illuminate when the air suspension
is in use. For further information,
refer to “Starting And Operating”.
• Air Suspension Down
The air suspension down telltale
will illuminate when the air suspen-
sion is in use. For further informa-
tion, refer to “Starting And Operat-
ing”.
• Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approxi-
mately 3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn
on, and remain on until fuel is added. •
Loose Gascap Indicator
If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is
loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gascap indica-
tor will display in the telltale display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and press the SELECT button to turn
off the message. If the problem continues, the
message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel
filler cap may also turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL).
• Windshield Washer Fluid Low Indicator
This light will turn on to indicate the
windshield washer fluid is low.
• SERV 4WD
The SERV 4WD light monitors the
electric shift 4WD system. If the
SERV 4WD light stays on or comes
on during driving, it means that the
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4WD system is not functioning properly and
that service is required.
EVIC Red Telltale LightsThis area will show reconfigurable red telltales.
These telltales include:
•Door Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate
that one or more doors may be
ajar.
• Liftgate Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate
that liftgate may be ajar.
• Liftgate Flipper Glass Ajar
This light will turn on to indicate
that liftgate flipper glass may be
ajar. •
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pres-
sure. The light should turn on momen-
tarily when the engine is started. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and
shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much
oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
• Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the elec-
trical charging system. The light
should come on when the ignition
switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes
on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s
non-essential electrical devices or increase en-
gine speed (if at idle). If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging sys-
tem. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an
authorized dealer. If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump
Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emer-
gencies”.
•
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem
with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system. The light will come
on when the ignition is first turned
ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come
on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped
and the shift lever is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running,
your vehicle will usually be drivable. However,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as
possible. If the light is flashing when the engine
is running, immediate service is required. You
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
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•FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION ................ 231
• Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/Precautions .... 231
• Shift Positions .......................... 232
• Shifting Procedures ...................... 233
• Quadra-Drive II System – If Equipped ........... 234
• SELEC-TERRAIN™ — IF EQUIPPED ............... 234
• Description ............................ 234
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display
Messages ............................. 235
• QUADRA-LIFT™ — IF EQUIPPED ................ 236
• Description ............................ 236
• Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display
Messages ............................. 237
• Operation ............................. 238
• ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ...................... 238
• OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ..................... 239
• Quadra-Lift™ – If Equipped .................. 239
• When To Use 4WD LOW Range – If Equipped ....... 239
• Driving Through Water ..................... 239
• Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ............... 240
• Hill Climbing ........................... 240
• Traction Downhill ........................ 241
212

excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/
HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are de-
layed, and the transmission will automatically
downshift (for engine braking) during steady
braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pressing the
switch a second time restores normal opera-
tion. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed
drops or during some accelerations, the clutch
automatically disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not en-
gage, and the transmission will not shift
into the top overdrive gear, until the trans-
mission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to
4.8 km) of driving]. Because top gear is
disabled, and engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting properly when cold.
This is normal. Using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) feature, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able
to shift into and out of Overdrive. •
If the vehicle has not been driven for
several days, the first few seconds of
operation after shifting the transmission
into gear may seem sluggish. This is due
to the fluid partially draining from the
torque converter into the transmission.
This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five sec-
onds after starting the engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac II Operating
Instructions/Precautions
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully auto-
matic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode.
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case provides
three mode positions:
• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD
HI mode.
TOW/HAUL Switch
231

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

Shifting Procedures
4WD HI to 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD LOW” button
once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD
LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will begin to flash and remain on solid when the
shift is complete.NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or
a transfer case motor temperature protec-
tion condition exists, a “For 4x4 Low Slow
Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans in N Press
4 Low” will flash from the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD LOW” button
once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD
LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete.
NOTE:
•
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met,
or a transfer case motor temperature pro-
tection condition exists, a “For 4x4 High
Slow Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans in N Press 4 Low” message will flash from
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
• Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is pos-
sible with the vehicle completely stopped;
however, difficulty may occur due to the
mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be re-
quired for clutch teeth alignment and shift
completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to
3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is
moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h), the
transfer case will not allow the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position,
engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
Transfer Case Switch
233

Selec-Terrain™ consists of the following posi-
tions:
•Sport – Dry weather, on-road calibration.
Only available in 4WD High range. Perfor-
mance based tuning that provides a rear
wheel drive feel but with improved handling
and acceleration over a two-wheel drive ve-
hicle. The Electronic Stability Control will set
to allow more driver control of vehicle while
maintaining safe handling controls. The ve-
hicle will lower (if equipped with Air Suspen-
sion) to Aero Mode in High Range. 4WD Low
is not available in SPORT mode, if 4WD Low
is selected the Selec-Terrain™ will automati-
cally 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 oper-
ating 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 improved handling and accel-
eration 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 trac-
tion. Some binding may be felt on less for-
giving surfaces. The electronic brake con-
trols are set to limit traction control
management 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. Activate the Hill
Descent Control for steep downhill control.
Use for low speed obstacles such as large
rocks, deep ruts, etc. If equipped with air
suspension, the vehicle level will change to
Off-Road 2. If the Selec-Terrain™ switch is in
ROCK mode, and the transfer case is
switched from 4WD Low to 4WD High, the
Selec-Terrain™ system will return to AUTO.
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a mes-
sage will appear in the EVIC display. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
235

An advantage of the higher ground clearance
is a better view of the road, allowing you to
anticipate problems. They are not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as conventional
two-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily in off-road conditions. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
NOTE:
Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air
dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is
attached to the lower front fascia with seven
quarter turn fasteners and can be removed
by hand.
Quadra-Lift™ – If EquippedWhen off-roading, it is recommended that the
lowest useable vehicle height that will clear the
current obstacle or terrain be selected. The
vehicle height should then be raised as re-
quired by the changes in terrain.
The Selec-Terrain™ switch will automatically
change the vehicle to the optimized height
based on the Selec-Terrain™ switch position.
The vehicle height can be changed from the
default height for each Selec-Terrain™ modeby normal use of the air suspension switches.
Refer to “Quadra-Lift™ – If Equipped” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for further information.
When To Use 4WD LOW Range – If
Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for
additional traction. This range should be limited
to extreme situations such as deep snow, mud,
or sand where additional low speed pulling
power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of
25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
4WD LOW range.
CAUTION!
Do not use 4WD LOW range when operating
the vehicle on dry pavement. Driveline hard-
ware damage can result.
Driving Through WaterAlthough your vehicle is capable of driving
through water, there are a number of precau-
tions that must be considered before entering
the water.
Front Air Dam
1 — Front Bumper
2 — Front Air Dam Fasteners
239

NOTE:
Your vehicle is capable of water fording in
up to 20 inches (51 cm) of water, while
crossing small rivers or streams. To main-
tain optimal performance of your vehicle’s
heating and ventilation system it is recom-
mended to switch the system into recircula-
tion mode during water fording.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering, as a precaution, and check all
fluids afterward. Driving through water may
cause damage that may not be covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to
determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to enter-
ing. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than 5 mph
(8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave ef-
fects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in
storm run-off), avoid crossing until the water
level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If
you must cross flowing water avoid depths in
excess of 9 inches (23 cm). The flowing water
can erode the streambed, causing your vehicle
to sink into deeper water. Determine exit
point(s) that are downstream of your entry point
to allow for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
20 inches (51 cm), and reduce speed appro-
priately to minimize wave effects. Maximum
speed in 20 inches (51 cm) of water is less than
5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine oil, trans-
mission oil, axle, transfer case) to assure the
fluids have not been contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) shouldbe flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And SandIn heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for
additional control at slower speeds, shift the
transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information. Do not shift to a
lower gear than necessary to maintain forward
motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery
roads, because engine braking may cause
skidding and loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:
Before attempting to climb a hill, determine
the conditions at the crest and/or on the
other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,
shift the trans-
mission to a lower gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW. Use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
240