ABS JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

NOTE:
•The driver’s door key cylinder and the
liftgate button on the RKE transmitter
cannot arm or disarm the Vehicle Security
Alarm.
• The Vehicle Security Alarm remains
armed during power liftgate entry. Press-
ing the liftgate button will not disarm the
Vehicle Security Alarm. If someone enters
the vehicle through the liftgate and opens
any door the alarm will sound.
• When the Vehicle Security Alarm is
armed, the interior power door lock
switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to pro-
tect your vehicle; however, you can create
conditions where the system will give you a
false alarm. If one of the previously described
arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle
Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether
you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the
vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound.
If this occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security
Alarm. If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the
battery becomes disconnected, the Vehicle
Security Alarm will remain armed when the
battery is reconnected; the exterior lights will
flash, the horn will sound. If this occurs, disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm.
Tamper AlertIf something has triggered the Vehicle Security
Alarm in your absence, the horn will sound
three times and the exterior lights blink three
times when you unlock the doors. Check the
vehicle for tampering.
ILLUMINATED ENTRYThe courtesy lights will turn on when you use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting
in the outside mirrors (if equipped). Refer to
“Mirrors” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle” for further information.
The lights will fade to off after approximately
30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN
from the OFF position.
NOTE:
•
The front courtesy overhead console and
door courtesy lights do not turn on if the
dimmer control is in the Dome ONposi-
tion (extreme top position).
• The Illuminated Entry system will not op-
erate if the dimmer control is in the
“Dome defeat” position (extreme bottom
position).REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)This system allows you to lock or unlock the
doors or liftgate from distances up to approxi-
mately 33 ft (10 m) using a hand-held Key Fob
with RKE transmitter. The RKE transmitter does
not need to be pointed at the vehicle to activate
the system.
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•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

the windshield or camera lens will cause the
system to function improperly.
Daytime Running Lights — If
Equipped
The Daytime Running Lights (low intensity)
come on whenever the engine is running, and
the transmission is not in the PARK position.
The lights will remain on until the ignition is
switched to the OFF or ACC position or the
parking brake is engaged. Also, if a turn signal
is activated, the DRL lamp on the same side of
the vehicle will turn off for the duration of the
turn signal activation. Once the turn signal is no
longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate. The
headlight switch must be used for normal night-
time driving.
Disabling The Daytime Running Lights
To disable the Daytime Running Lights open
the hood and located the Power Distribution
Center (PDC), located on the right side of the
engine compartment.Open the PDC by pulling outward on the lock-
ing tabs (one on each side) and pulling upward
on the cover.Remove the left and right Daytime Running
Lamp relays and reinstall the PDC cover.
Automatic Headlight Leveling — HID
Headlights Only
This feature prevents the headlights from inter-
fering with the vision of oncoming drivers.
Headlight leveling automatically adjusts the
height of the headlight beam in reaction to
changes in vehicle pitch.
Headlight DelayTo aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with
a headlight delay that will leave the headlights
on for approximately 90 seconds. This delay is
PDC Location
Locking Tab
Daytime Running Light Relays
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Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. If
you do not, the vehicle may continue to accel-
erate beyond the set speed. If this occurs:
•The message “DRIVER OVERRIDE” will dis-
play in the EVIC.
• The system will not be controlling the dis-
tance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. The vehicle speed will only be deter-
mined by the position of the accelerator
pedal.To CancelThe system will disable ACC without erasing
the memory if:
•You softly tap the brake pedal.
• You depress the brake pedal.
• You press the CANCEL switch.
• An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) event oc-
curs.
• A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.
• If the transmission is shifted into NEUTRAL.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Con-
trol System (ESC/TCS) activates.
NOTE:
If ACC is resumed or set with the ESC/TCS
off, ESC will automatically be re-engaged.
To Turn OffThe system will turn off and erase the set speed
in memory if:
• You push the ON/OFF button.
• You turn OFF the ignition.
• You switch to Four-Wheel Drive Low.
To Resume SpeedPress the RES +button and release. Then
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
The EVIC will display the last set speed.Driver Override
Adaptive Cruise Control Cancelled
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To keep the ACC System operating properly, it
is important to note the following maintenance
items:
•Always keep the sensor clean. Carefully
wipe the sensor lens with a soft cloth. Be
cautious not to damage the sensor lens.
• Do not remove any screws from the sensor.
Doing so could cause an ACC system mal-
function or failure and require a sensor re-
alignment.
• If the sensor is damaged due to a collision,
see your authorized dealer for service.
• Do not attach or install any accessories near
the sensor, including transparent material or
aftermarket grilles. Doing so could cause an
ACC system failure or malfunction.
When the condition that deactivated the system
is no longer present, the system will return to
the “Adaptive Cruise Control Off” state and will
resume function by simply reactivating it.
NOTE:
• If the “Clean Radar Sensor In Front Of
Vehicle” message occurs frequently (e.g.
more than once on every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other obstruction,
have the radar sensor realigned at your
authorized dealer.
• Installing a snow plow, front-end protec-
tor, an aftermarket grille or modifying the
grille is not recommended. Doing so may
block the sensor and inhibit ACC opera-
tion.
Removing ACC Sensor For Off-Roading
NOTE:
When off-roading, it may be advisable to
remove the ACC sensor. The sensor is lo-
cated behind the front lower grille in the
center of the vehicle. After removing the
lower fascia, you may remove the lower
sensor and bracket assembly.
To remove the sensor follow these instructions:
1. Unplug the connector by depressing the two
tabs on the connector and pulling it out. Do not
pull by the wiring or use any tools to remove the
connector.
2. Remove the wiring christmas tree attach-
ment from the back of the bracket. 3. Remove the two M6 fasteners that connect
the bracket to the bumper.
NOTE:
Do not change the adjustment fasteners or
pull the sensor off of the bracket. Doing so
may misalign the sensor.
Store the sensor and bracket assembly in a
safe location. The wiring and connector must
be stowed properly after the sensor and
bracket assembly is removed.
A connector plug is stowed on top of the
bumper beam. Insert the wiring connector into
the connector plug.
NOTE:
When the sensor is removed, Adaptive
Cruise Control, Normal Cruise Control, and
Forward Collision Warning will not be avail-
able. The cluster will display the warning
“ACC/FCW Unavailable - Service Radar Sen-
sor.”
To reinstall the sensor and bracket assembly
reverse the process above. The fastener torque
required to assembly the bracket back to the
beam is 6.6 ft lbs (9 Nm).
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13. Seat Belt Reminder LightWhen the ignition switch is first turned
to ON/RUN, this light will turn on for
four to eight seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver or
front passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled, a
chime will sound. After the bulb check or when
driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Indicator
Light will flash or remain on continuously. Refer
to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further infor-
mation.
14. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake
functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake applica-
tion. If the brake light turns on it
may indicate that the parking
brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been cor-
rected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during
sharp cornering maneuvers, which change
fluid level conditions. The vehicle should
have service performed, and the brake fluid
level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), are also equipped with Elec-
tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the
event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning
Light will turn on along with the ABS Light.
Immediate repair to the ABS system is re-
quired.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two sec-
onds. The light should then turn off unless the
parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
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The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake
is applied. It does not show the degree of
brake application.
15. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) LightThis light monitors the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS). The light will
turn on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four
seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of
the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. However, the conventional
brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
16. 4 LOW
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive
LOW mode. The front and rear
driveshafts are mechanically
locked together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Low range provides a greater
gear reduction ratio to provide increased
torque at the wheels.
For further information on four-wheel drive op-
eration and proper use, refer to “Four-Wheel
Drive Operation — If Equipped” in “Starting
And Operating”.
17. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
18. Fuel Door Reminder The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel
door is located. 19. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel
tank when the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position.
20. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) White Telltale Area
This area will display the EVIC reconfigurable
white telltales. For further information, refer to
“Electronic vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”.
21. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Amber Telltale Area
This area will display the EVIC reconfigurable
amber caution telltales. For further information,
refer to “Electronic vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)”.
22. Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Red Telltale Area
This area will display the EVIC reconfigurable
red telltales. For further information, refer to
“Electronic vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”.
163

•After Driving Off-Road ..................... 241
• POWER STEERING ......................... 242
• 3.6L And 5.7L Engine ...................... 242
• 3.0L Diesel Engine ....................... 242
• Power Steering Fluid Check .................. 243
• MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS)
(IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L ENGINE ONLY .............. 244
• PARKING BRAKE .......................... 244
• ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ........... 245
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................ 245
• Traction Control System (TCS) ................ 246
• Brake Assist System (BAS) .................. 246
• Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............... 246
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .............. 247
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) .................. 248
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) ..................... 249
• Ready Alert Braking ...................... 250
• Rain Brake Support ....................... 250
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel Drive Models
With MP3023 Two-Speed Transfer Case Only ........ 250
• ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC OFF
Indicator Light .......................... 251
213

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!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent ac-
cidents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of
an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be ex-
ploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin
of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, brake pressure is applied to the
slipping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced
to provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
A feature of the TCS system, Brake Limited
Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited-
slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven
axle is spinning faster than the other, the sys-tem will apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque to be applied
to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature
remains active even if ESC system is in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Brake Assist System (BAS)The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Apply-
ing the brakes very quickly results in the best
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the
system, you must apply
continuousbraking
pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from ex-
cessive speed in turns, driving on very slip-
pery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabili-
ties of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)This system anticipates the potential for wheel
lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM
determines that the rate of change of the steer-
ing wheel angle and vehicle speed are suffi-
cient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the brake of the appropriate wheel and
may also reduce engine power to lessen the
chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving
maneuvers.
246