traction control JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2012 WK2 / 4.G Owners Manual

To Cancel
The 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 occurs.
•A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.
•If the transmission is shifted into NEUTRAL.
•The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-
tem (ESC/TCS) activates.Driver Override
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 207

WARNING!
In the normal Cruise Control mode, the system will
not react to vehicles ahead. In addition, the proximity
warning does not activate and no alarm will sound
even if you are too close to the vehicle ahead since
neither the presence of the vehicle ahead nor the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected. Be sure to
maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead. Always be aware which mode is
selected.
To Set A Desired Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, press the
SET-button and release. The EVIC will display the set
speed.
NOTE: You must observe the display when setting or
changing speed, not the speedometer.
To Vary The Speed Setting
There are two ways to change the set speed:
•Use the accelerator pedal to adjust the vehicle to the
desired speed and press the SET -button.
•Tap the RES +or SET -button to increase or decrease
the set speed in 1 mph (1.6 km/h) increments respec-
tively. Hold the RES +or SET -button for 5 mph
(8 km/h) increments.
To Cancel
The system will disable normal Cruise Control without
erasing the memory if:
•You softly tap or depress the brake pedal.
•You press the CANCEL button.
•The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-
tem (ESC/TCS) activates.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 223

Power Steering ....................... 459
▫ 3.6L Engine ........................ 459
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 460
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 461
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) — 5.7L Engine Only .......... 462
 Parking Brake ........................ 462
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 464
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 464
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 465
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 465
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 466
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 467▫
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 470
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 471
▫ Ready Alert Braking – If Equipped ........ 473
▫ Rain Brake Support – If Equipped ........ 473
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) — Four-Wheel
Drive Models With MP3023 Two-Speed
Transfer Case Only ................... 474
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 476
 Tire Safety Information ................. 477
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 477
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 481
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 482
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 483
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 409

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally 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 engage, and the
transmission will not shift into the top overdrive gear,
until the transmission 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 transmission is not
shifting properly when cold. This is normal. Using theElectronic Range Select (ERS) feature, when the trans-
mission 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 trans-
mission 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 con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac I
Operating Instructions/
Precautions – If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time four-
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
440 STARTING AND OPERATING

ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.
NOTE:The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate
for conditions where 4WD LOW range is recommended.
Refer to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information.
Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/
Precautions – If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully automatic 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. 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 441

SELEC-TERRAIN™ — IF EQUIPPED
Description
Selec-Terrain™ combines the capabilities of the vehicle
control systems, along with driver input, to provide the
best performance for all terrains.Selec-Terrain™ consists of the following positions:
•Sport
– Dry weather, on-road calibration. Only avail-
able in 4WD High range. Performance based tuning
that provides a rear wheel drive feel but with im-
proved handling and acceleration over a two-wheel
drive vehicle. The Electronic Stability Control will set
to allow more driver control of vehicle while maintain-
ing safe handling controls. The vehicle will lower (if
equipped with Air Suspension) to Aero Mode in High
Range. 4WD Low is not available in SPORT mode, if
4WD Low is selected the Selec-Terrain™ will auto-
matically 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 operating conditions), the transmission may
use second gear (rather than first gear) during
launches, to minimize wheel slippage. If equipped
Selec-Terrain™ Switch
446 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 im-
proved handling and acceleration 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 traction. Some binding
may be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The electronic
brake controls are set to limit traction control manage-
ment 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 De-
scent 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 447

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 appropriately 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, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
In 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
Operating” 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 transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.
456 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you stall or begin to lose forward motionwhile
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine,
and shift into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill,
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake. Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain forward motion
by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a
fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually provide
traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear, and the transfer
case into 4WD LOW range. Let the vehicle go slowly
down the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 457

WARNING! (Continued)
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing 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 system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
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 vehicle 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 trans-
fer case, Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
464 STARTING AND OPERATING