suspension JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension modifications to
the vehicle will effect the performance of the
Adaptive Cruise Control.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)
You can only activate ACC if the vehicle speed
is above 18 mph (30 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the
READY state, the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) displays “Adaptive Cruise
Ready.”
When the system is OFF, the EVIC displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
NOTE:
You cannot enable ACC under the following
conditions:
•When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is set.
• When the automatic transmission is in
PARK, REVERSE or NEUTRAL. •
When pushing the RES + button without a
previously set speed in memory.
To ActivatePush and release the ON/OFF button. The ACC
menu in the EVIC displays “Adaptive Cruise
Ready.”
To turn the system OFF, push and release the
ON/OFF button again. At this time, the system
will turn off and the EVIC will display “Adaptive
Cruise Control Off.”
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous. You
could accidentally set the system or cause it
to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have a collision. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.
To Set A Desired ACC SpeedWhen the vehicle reaches the speed desired,
push the SET -button and release. The EVIC
will display the set speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
ACC Set
11 9

trol (ACC)” in “Understanding The Features
Of Your Vehicle” (if equipped).
• Distance Set — After changing the desired
following distance in the ACC system, this
message will display momentarily. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle” (if
equipped).
• Brake — If the ACC system predicts that its
maximum braking level is not sufficient to
maintain the set distance, this message will
flash and a chime will sound while ACC
continues to apply its maximum braking ca-
pacity. When this occurs, you should imme-
diately apply the brakes as needed to main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in
“Understanding The Features Of Your Ve-
hicle” (if equipped).
• Clean Radar Sensor in the Front of Vehicle —
If the ACC system deactivates due to perfor-
mance limiting conditions. Refer to “Adap-
tive Cruise Control (ACC)” in “Understanding
The Features Of Your Vehicle” (if equipped). •
ACC/FCW Unavailable Vehicle System Error
— If the ACC system turns off due to a
temporary malfunction that limits functional-
ity. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)”
in “Understanding The Features Of Your Ve-
hicle” (if equipped).
• ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Radar Sen-
sor — If the ACC system turns off due to an
internal system fault that requires service
from an authorized dealer. Refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC)” in “Understanding
The Features Of Your Vehicle” (if equipped).
• Coolant Low
• Service Air Suspension System
• Oil Change Due
• Key In Ignition
• Lights On
• Key In Ignition Lights On
• Ignition Or Accessory On
• Ignition Or Accessory On. Lights On
• Turn Signal On
• Park Assist On •
Warning Object Detected
• Memory 1 Profile Set
• Memory 2 Profile Set
• Memory System Unavailable — Not in Park
• Memory System Unavailable — Seatbelt
buckled
• Memory 1 Profile Recall
• Memory 2 Profile Recall
• Press Brake Pedal And Push Button To Start
• Wrong Key
• Damaged Key
• Key Not Programmed
• Function Currently Unavailable — Power Lift-
gate
• Unlock To Operate — Power Liftgate
• Put In Park To Operate — Power Liftgate
• Automatic High Beams On
• Automatic High Beams Off
• Service Four Wheel Drive System
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•Eco — Fuel Saver Indicator
• Terrain Settings — Automatic
• Terrain Settings — Rock
• Terrain Settings — Sand/Mud
• Terrain Settings — Snow
• Terrain Settings — Sport
• Sport Not Available In 4 Low 4 High Is
Required
• Rock Not Available In 4 Low 4 High Is
Required
• To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift
Procedure In Owners Manual
• For 4x4 Low Slow Below 5 Mph Or 8 Kph Put
Trans In N Press 4 Low
• For 4x4 High Slow Below 5 Mph Or 8 Kph Put
Trans In N Press 4 Low
• Terrain System Settings Not Available
• Raising Vehicle Ride Height (with icon)
• Lowering Vehicle Ride Height (with icon) •
Normal Vehicle Ride Height — This message
is displayed (for five seconds) when the
vehicle has achieved the Normal Vehicle
Ride Height.
• Off Road Ride Height Level 1 — This mes-
sage is displayed (for five seconds) when
the vehicle has achieved the Off Road
Height Level 1.
• Off Road Ride Height Level 2 — This mes-
sage is displayed (for five seconds) when
the vehicle has achieved the Off Road
Height Level 2.
• Vehicle Lowered To Entry/Exit (Park) Height
— This message is displayed (for five sec-
onds) when the vehicle has achieved the
Park Height.
• Entry/Exit (Park) Height in Progress — This
message is displayed (for five seconds)
when the request is made to go into Entry/
Exit Height while the vehicle speed is be-
tween 15 and 25 mph. This shows that the
request has been recognized and will lower
to Entry/Exit height when vehicle is below
15 mph. •
Service Air Suspension System — This is
displayed when a fault has occurred in the
system. The system will have limited opera-
tion at that point.
• Immediate Air Suspension Service/Repair
Required — This is displayed when a fault
has occurred in the system which results in a
complete system shutdown. The system will
be non operational at that point.
• Reduce Speed To Maintain Selected Ride
Height — This message is displayed in ad-
vance warning to the driver that the vehicle
will be moved to the next lower preset posi-
tion unless the speed is reduced.
• Selected Ride Height Not Permitted — The
vehicle speed is too high to enter one of the
preset levels (Entry/Exit Level/Off Road Ride
Height Level 1/Off Road Ride Height Level
2).
• Air Suspension System Cooling Down –
Please Wait — This message is displayed if
the compressor temperature level is too
high. Level control is suspended until the
compressor has cooled down.
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•Vehicle Cannot Be Lowered – Door Open —
This message is displayed if a door or the
liftgate is ajar and level control is sus-
pended.
• Air Suspension Temporarily Disabled For
Jacking And Tire Change.
• Aerodynamic Ride Height — This is dis-
played (for five seconds) when the vehicle
has achieved the Aerodynamic Height.
EVIC White Telltale LightsThis area will show reconfigurable white cau-
tion telltales. These telltales include:
• Shift Lever Status
The shift lever status “P,R,N,D,L,5,4,3,2,1” are
displayed indicating the shift lever position.
Telltales “5,4,3,2,1” indicate the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) feature has been engaged
and the gear selected is displayed. For further
information on ERS, refer to “Starting And Op-
erating” •
Electronic Speed Control ON
This light will turn on when the
electronic speed control is ON. For
further information, refer to “Elec-
tronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Ve-
hicle.”
• Electronic Speed Control SET
This light will turn on when the
electronic speed control is SET.
For further information, refer to
“Electronic Speed Control” in “Un-
derstanding The Features Of Your
Vehicle.”
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ON
This light will turn on when the
ACC is ON. For further information,
refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Understanding The
Features Of Your Vehicle.”
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) SET
This light will turn on when the
ACC is SET. For further informa-
tion, refer to “Adaptive Cruise Con- trol (ACC)” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle.”
•
Power Steering System Over Temp — If
Equipped
If the “POWER STEERING SYS-
TEM OVER TEMP” message and a
icon are displayed on the EVIC
screen, it indicates that extreme
steering maneuvers may have oc-
curred, which caused an over tem-
perature condition in the power steering sys-
tem. You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condi-
tion no longer exists. Once driving conditions
are safe, then pull over and let vehicle idle.
After five minutes, the system will cool and
return to normal operation. Refer to “Power
Steering” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
NOTE:
• Even if power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to
steer the vehicle. Under these conditions
there will be a substantial increase in
169

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
170

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.
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QUADRA-LIFT™ — IF EQUIPPED
Description
The Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system pro-
vides full time load leveling capability along
with the benefit of being able to adjust vehicle
height by the push of a button.•
Normal Ride Height (NRH) – This is the
standard position of the suspension and is
meant for normal driving.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) (Raises the vehicle ap-
proximately 1.3 in (33 mm) (1.1 in (28 mm)
w/AMS package) – This position should be
the default position for all off-road driving
until OR2 is needed. A smoother and more
comfortable ride will result. Press the “Up”
button once from the NRH position while the
vehicle speed is below 48 mph (77 km/h).
When in the OR1 position, if the vehicle
speed remains between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 50 mph (80 km/h) for greater than
20 seconds or if the vehicle speed exceeds
50 mph (80 km/h), the vehicle will be auto-
matically lowered to NRH. Refer to “Off-Road
Driving Tips” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
• Off-Road 2 (OR2) (Raises the vehicle ap-
proximately 2.6 in (65 mm) (2.2 in (56mm)
w/AMS package) – This position is intended
for off-roading use only where maximum
ground clearance is required. To enter OR2,
press the “Up” button twice from the NRH
position or once from the OR1 position while vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h).
While in OR2, if the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the vehicle height will be
automatically lowered to OR1. Refer to “Off-
Road Driving Tips” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for further information.
• Aero Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 0.5 in (13 mm) – This position pro-
vides improved aerodynamics by lowering
the vehicle. The vehicle will automatically
enter Aero Mode when the vehicle speed
remains between 62 mph (100 km/h) and
66 mph (106 km/h) for greater than 20 sec-
onds or if the vehicle speed exceeds 66 mph
(106 km/h). The vehicle will return to NRH
from Aero Mode if the vehicle speed remains
between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 35 mph
(56 km/h) for greater than 20 seconds or if
the vehicle speed falls below 30 mph
(48 km/h). The vehicle will enter Aero Mode,
regardless of vehicle speed if the Selec-
Terrain™ knob is turned to the “SPORT”
position. Turning the Selec-Terrain™ knob to
the “AUTO” position will return the system to
normal operation.
Selec-Terrain™ Switch
1—UpButton
2 — Down Button
3 — Park Mode Indicator Lamp
4 — Normal Ride Height Indicator Lamp
5 — Off-Road 1 Indicator Lamp
6 — Off-Road 2 Indicator Lamp
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•Park Mode (Lowers the vehicle approxi-
mately 1.5 in (38 mm) – This position lowers
the vehicle for easier passenger entry and
exit as well as lowering the rear of the vehicle
for easier loading and unloading of cargo. To
enter Park Mode, press the “Down” button
once while the vehicle speed is below
25 mph (40 km/h). Once the vehicle speed
goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) the vehicle
height will begin to lower. If the vehicle
speed remains between 15 mph (24 km/h)
and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than
60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Park Mode change will
be cancelled. To exit Park Mode, press the
“Up” button once while in Park Mode or drive
the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h).
The Selec-Terrain™ switch will automatically
change the vehicle to the proper height based
on the position of the Selec-Terrain™ switch.
The height can be changed from the default
Selec-Terrain™ setting by normal use of the air
suspension buttons. Refer to “Selec-Terrain™”
in “Starting and Operating” for further informa-
tion. The system requires that the engine be running
for all changes. When lowering the vehicle all of
the doors, including the liftgate, must be
closed. If a door is opened at any time while the
vehicle is lowering the change will not be
completed until the open door(s) is closed.
The Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system uses
a lifting and lowering pattern which keeps the
headlights from incorrectly shining into oncom-
ing traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of
the vehicle will move up first and then the front.
When lowering the vehicle, the front will move
down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed
that the air suspension system operates briefly,
this is normal. The system is correcting the
position of the vehicle to ensure a proper
appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the
Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system has a fea-
ture which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. Press and hold both the “Up” and
“Down” buttons simultaneously between 5 and
10 seconds, a message will appear in the EVIC
stating leveling has been disabled immediatelyafter both buttons have been released. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. Driving the vehicle over
5 mph (8 km/h) will return the air suspension to
normal operation. Refer to “Jacking and Tire
Changing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pres-
sure volume of air to operate the system. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the sys-
tem, see your authorized dealer for service.
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.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
237

OperationThe indicator lamps 3 through 6 will illuminate
to show the current position of the vehicle.
Flashing indicator lamps will show a position
which the system is working to achieve. When
raising, if multiple indicator lamps are flashing
on the “Up” button, the highest flashing indica-
tor lamp is the position the system is working to
achieve. When lowering, if multiple indicators
are flashing on theUpbutton the lowest solid
indicator lamp is the position the system is
working to achieve.
Pressing the “UP” button once will move the
suspension one position higher from the cur-
rent position, assuming all conditions are met
(i.e. engine running, speed below threshold,
etc). The “UP” button can be pressed multiple
times, each press will raise the requested level
by one position up to a maximum position of
OR2 or the highest position allowed based on
current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc).
Pressing the “DOWN” button once will move
the suspension one position lower from the
current level, assuming all conditions are met
(i.e. engine running, doors closed, speed be-
low threshold, etc). The “DOWN” button can be pressed multiple times. Each press will lower
the requested level by one position down to a
minimum of Park Mode or the lowest position
allowed based on current conditions (i.e. ve-
hicle speed, etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on
vehicle speed and the current vehicle height.
The indicator lamps and EVIC messages will
operate the same for automatic changes and
user requested changes.
•
Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 4, 5, and
6 will be illuminated when the vehicle is in
OR2.
• Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4 and 5
will be illuminated when the vehicle is in
OR1.
• Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamp 4
will be illuminated when the vehicle is in this
position.
• Park Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illumi-
nated when the vehicle is in Park Mode. If
Park Mode is requested while vehicle speed
is between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph
(40 km/h), indicator lamp 4 will remain on solid and indicator lamp 3 will flash as the
system waits for the vehicle to reduce
speed. If vehicle speed is reduced to, and
kept below, 15 mph (24 km/h) indicator lamp
4 will turn off and indicator lamp 3 will flash
until Park Mode is achieved at which point
indicator lamp 3 will go solid. If during the
height change to Park Mode, the vehicle
speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h), the height
change will be paused until the vehicle
speed either goes below 15 mph (24 km/h)
and the height change continues to Park
Mode, or exceeds 25 mph (40 km/h) and the
vehicle height will return to NRH. Park Mode
may be selected while the vehicle is not
moving provided that the engine is still run-
ning and all doors remain closed.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPSUtility vehicles have higher ground clearance
and a narrower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road appli-
cations. Specific design characteristics give
them a higher center of gravity than ordinary
cars.
238

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