trailer JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

Illuminated Vanity MirrorsTo access an illuminated vanity mirror, flip down
one of the visors.
Lift the cover to reveal the mirror. The light will
turn on automatically.
Sun Visor Extension — If EquippedThis feature has a pull out extension on the sun
visor for increased coverage.
BLIND SPOT MONITORING — IF
EQUIPPED
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system uses
two radar-based sensors, located inside the
rear bumper fascia, to detect highway licens-
able vehicles (automobiles, trucks, motor-
cycles, etc.) that enter the blind spot zones
from the rear/front/side of the vehicle.
When the vehicle is started, the BSM warning
light will momentarily illuminate in both outside
rear view mirrors to let the driver know that the
system is operational. The BSM system sen-
sors operate when the vehicle is in any forwardgear or REVERSE and enters stand by mode
when the vehicle is in PARK.
The BSM detection zone covers approximately
one lane on both sides of the vehicle (11 ft or
3.35 m). The zone starts at the outside rear view
mirror and extends approximately 20 ft (6 m) to
the rear of the vehicle. The BSM system moni-
tors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed has reached
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and
will alert the driver of vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:
•
The BSM system does NOT alert the
driver about rapidly approaching vehicles
that are outside the detection zones.
• The BSM system detection zone DOES
NOT change if your vehicle is towing a
trailer. Therefore, visually verify the adja-
cent lane is clear for both your vehicle
and trailer before making a lane change. If
the trailer or other object (i.e., bicycle,
sports equipment) extends beyond the
side of your vehicle, this may result in the
Illuminated Vanity Mirror
Rear Detection Zones
69

WARNING!(Continued)
Does not predict the lane curvature or
the movement of preceding vehicles and
will not compensate for such changes.
Does not always fully recognize com-
plex driving conditions, which can result
in wrong or missing distance warnings.
Can only apply a maximum of 25% of
the vehicle’s braking capability, and will
not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
WARNING!
You should switch off the ACC system:
• When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy
snow, sleet, heavy traffic, and complex
driving situations (i.e., in highway construc-
tion zones).
• When entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp; when driving on roads that are wind-
ing, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have
steep uphill or downhill slopes.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• When towing a trailer up or down steep
slopes.
• When circumstances do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
The Cruise Control system has two control
modes:
• Adaptive Cruise Control mode for maintain-
ing an appropriate distance between ve-
hicles.
• Normal (fixed speed) cruise control mode for
cruising at a constant preset speed. For
additional information, refer to “Normal
(Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode” in this
section.
NOTE:
The system will not react to preceding ve-
hicles. Always be aware of the mode se-
lected. You can change the mode by using the Cruise
Control buttons. The two control modes func-
tion differently. Always confirm which mode is
selected.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Operation
The speed control buttons (located on the right
side of the steering wheel) operates the ACC
system.
1 — DISTANCE SETTING
2 — RES
+
3 — SET -
4 — CANCEL
5 — ON/OFF
6 — MODE
11 8

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
120

ACC Unavailable Warning
If the system turns off, and the EVIC displays
“ACC/FCW Unavailable, Vehicle System Error”,
there may be a temporary malfunction that
limits ACC functionality. Although the vehicle is
still drivable under normal conditions, ACC will
be temporarily unavailable. If this occurs, try
activating ACC again later, following a key
cycle. If the problem persists, see your autho-
rized dealer.
Service ACC Warning
If the system turns off, and the EVIC displays
“ACC/FCW Unavailable Service Radar Sen-
sor”, it indicates there is an internal system
fault. Although the vehicle is still drivable under
normal conditions, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
Precautions While Driving With ACCIn certain driving situations, ACC may have
detection issues. In these cases, ACC may
brake late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to
stay alert and may need to intervene.
Adding A Trailer Hitch
The weight of a trailer/hitch may affect the
performance of ACC. If there is a noticeable
change in performance following the installa-
tion of a trailer/hitch, or if the ACC performance
does not return to normal after removing the
trailer/hitch see your authorized dealer.Offset Driving
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane
that is offset from your direct line of travel. There
will not be sufficient distance to the vehicle
ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and out
of the line of travel, which can cause your
vehicle to brake or accelerate unexpectedly.
Turns And Bends
In turns or bends, ACC may detect a vehicle
ahead too late or too early. This may cause your
vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly. Give
extra attention in curves and be ready to apply
the brakes if necessary. Be sure to select an
appropriate speed while driving in curves.
ACC/FCW Unavailable Warning
126

•Objects such as bicycle carriers, trailer
hitches, etc., must not be placed within
12 in (30 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper
while driving the vehicle. Failure to do so
can result in the system misinterpreting a
close object as a sensor problem, caus-
ing the “SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYS-
TEM” message to be displayed in the
instrument cluster.
• On vehicles equipped with a tailgate,
ParkSense should be disabled when the
tailgate is in the lowered or open position.
A lowered tailgate could provide a false
indication that an obstacle is behind the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is
unable to recognize every obstacle, includ-
ing small obstacles. Parking curbs might be
temporarily detected or not detected at all.
Obstacles located above or below the sen-
sors will not be detected when they are in
close proximity.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
• The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using ParkSense in order to be able to
stop in time when an obstacle is detected.
When backing up, it is recommended that
the driver looks over his/her shoulder when
using ParkSense.
WARNING!
• Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the ParkSense Park
Assist System. Always check carefully be-
hind your vehicle, look behind you, and be
sure to check for pedestrians, animals,
other vehicles, obstructions, and blind
spots before backing up. You are respon-
sible for safety and must continue to pay
attention to your surroundings. Failure to
do so can result in serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Before using the ParkSense Park Assist
System, it is strongly recommended that
the ball mount and hitch ball assembly is
disconnected from the vehicle when the
vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do
so can result in injury or damage to ve-
hicles or obstacles because the hitch ball
will be much closer to the obstacle than the
rear fascia when the warning display turns
on the single flashing arc and sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could
detect the ball mount and hitch ball assem-
bly, depending on its size and shape, giving
a false indication that an obstacle is behind
the vehicle.
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP
CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with the Park-
View Rear Back Up Camera that allows you to
see an on-screen image of the rear surround-
ings of your vehicle whenever the shift lever is
put into REVERSE. The image will be displayed
136

23. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Indicator Light — If EquippedThis light indicates the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) is off.
24. Vehicle Security Light This light will flash rapidly for ap-
proximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle theft alarm is arming. The
light will flash at a slower speed
continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on
for about three seconds when the ignition is first
turned on.
25. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the engine cooling system
is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher
temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed the upper
limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads “H” pull over and stop the ve-
hicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H”
and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealership for service if your ve-
hicle overheats. If you decide to look under
the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle”. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.26. Rear Fog Light Indicator
This indicator will illuminate when the
rear fog lights are on.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE
INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) features a driver-interactive display that
is located in the instrument cluster.
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display
164

•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

Summer Operation
NOTE:
In some cases during high temperature
trailer tow operation the Air Conditioning
system performance may be reduced. This
is to help protect the engine from overheat-
ing during the high load condition.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped
with an automatic recirculation system. Whenthe system senses a heavy load or high heat
conditions, it may use partial Recirculation A/C
mode to provide additional comfort.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter
months, make sure the air intake, located di-
rectly in front of the windshield, is free of ice,
slush, snow, or other obstructions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri-
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
209

•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

•FUEL REQUIREMENTS — DIESEL ENGINE ........... 264
• ADDING FUEL ............................ 265
• Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................... 265
• Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ................ 266
• TRAILER TOWING ......................... 266
• Common Towing Definitions ................. 266
• Breakaway Cable Attachment ................. 268
• Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) .............................. 270
• Trailer And Tongue Weight .................. 270
• Towing Requirements ..................... 271
• Towing Tips ........................... 274
• RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC) . . . 276
• Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........ 276
• Recreational Towing — Quadra–
Trac II /Quadra–Drive II Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . 277
215