heating JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

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

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

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

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

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

•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated en-
gine condition. As temperatures rise
and the gauge approaches H,this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.
Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass H,a continuous chime will occur
until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera-
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information.
• Transmission Temperature Light
This light indicates that there is
excessive transmission fluid tem-
perature that might occur with se-
vere usage such as trailer towing.
It may also occur when operating
the vehicle in a high torque con-
verter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive
operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road opera- tion). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or faster, with the trans-
mission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Indicator illuminated will eventu-
ally cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated and you continue operat-
ing the vehicle, in some circumstances you
could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust compo-
nents and cause a fire.
Engine Oil Change Indicator System
Oil Change Due
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change
Due” message will flash in the EVIC display for
approximately 10 seconds after a single chime
has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indica-
tor system is duty cycle based, which means
the engine oil change interval may fluctuate,
dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to
display each time you turn the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position or cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position if equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go. To turn off the message temporar-
ily, press and release the MENU button. To
reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer
to the following procedure.
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless
Enter-N-Go
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the
ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start
the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly,
three times within 10 seconds.
172

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

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

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.
Use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables
an additional underdrive gear which is not
normally used during through-gear accelera-
tions. This additional gear can improve vehicle
performance and cooling capability when tow-
ing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode,
gears 1 though 3 are underdrive gears, and
ERS 4 is direct drive. ERS 5 and 6 (Overdrive
gears ) are the same as the normal fourth and
fifth gears.
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
activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, 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
123456D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1-2 1-3 1,2,4 1,2,
4,51,2,
4-6 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. Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth
gears). The transmission will automatically shift
into the Overdrive gear if the following condi-
tions are present:
•
the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an ad-
equate temperature,
• the engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accel-
erator, and
• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been acti-
vated.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans-
mission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL
switch to select TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to
230

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