towing JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING!
You should switch off the ACC system:
•
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situ-
ations (i.e., in highway construction 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.
• 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 and death or serious personal
injury. The Cruise Control system has two control
modes:
•
Adaptive Cruise Control mode for maintaining
an appropriate distance between vehicles.
•Normal (fixed speed) cruise control mode for
cruising at a constant preset speed. For addi-
tional 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 function
differently. Always confirm which mode is se-
lected.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Operation
The speed control buttons (located on the right
side of the steering wheel) operates the ACC
system.
NOTE:
Any chassis/suspension modifications to
the vehicle will effect the performance of the
Adaptive Cruise Control.
Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons
1 — DISTANCE SETTING
2 — RES
+
3 — SET -
4 — CANCEL
5 — ON/OFF
6 — MODE
120

•ParkSense®, when on, will MUTE the ra-
dio when it is sounding a tone.
• Clean the ParkSense® sensors regularly,
taking care not to scratch or damage
them. The sensors must not be covered
with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system
not working properly. The ParkSense®
system might not detect an obstacle be-
hind or in front of the fascia/bumper, or it
could provide a false indication that an
obstacle is behind or in front of the
fascia/bumper.
•
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, causing
the “SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM”
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
sensors will not be detected when they are
in close proximity.
• 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.
• 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
(Continued)
138

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
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild wash-
ing solution, wiping parallel to the heating
elements. Labels can be peeled off after
soaking 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 distributed
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 attachments,
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 posi-
tion, keeping the crossbars parallel to the rack
frame. Once the crossbar is in the desired
position, retighten the with the wrench to lock
the crossbar into position.
NOTE:
•
To help control wind noise when the
crossbars are not in use, place the front
and rear crossbars approximately 24 in
(61 cm) apart. Optimal noise reduction
can then be achieved by adjusting the
front crossbar forward or aft using incre-
ments of 1 in (2.5 cm).
• If the rear crossbar (or any metallic ob-
ject) is placed over the satellite radio
antenna (if equipped), you may experi-
ence interruption of satellite radio recep-
tion. For improved satellite radio recep-
tion, avoid placing the rear crossbar over
the satellite radio antenna.
• The grab handles on the back of the
vehicle (if equipped) are not to be used as
a towing feature.
155

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to
eight seconds as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is first
turned to the ON/RUN position. If
the light is either not on during
starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Re-
straints” in “Things To Know Before Starting
Your Vehicle” for further information. 3. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
is part of an onboard diagnostic sys-
tem called OBD II that monitors en-
gine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the
key is in the ON/RUN position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning
the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
of your typical driving cycles. In most situations,
the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) on could cause damage to
the engine control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as ref-
erenced above, can reach higher tempera-
tures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could re-
sult in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
162

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)”.23. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This 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 tempera-
ture gauge reads “H” pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air condi-
tioner 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 dealer for service.
167

Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
•If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump
Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies”.
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem
with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system. The light will come
on when the ignition is first turned
ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during
starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped
and the shift lever is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running,
your vehicle will usually be drivable. How-
ever, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when
the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced per-
formance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing.
• Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated en-
gine condition. As temperatures rise
and the gauge approaches H,this in-
dicator 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 tem-
perature 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 converter slip condition,
such as 4-wheel-drive operation (e.g., snow
plowing, off- road operation). If this light comes
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until
the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Indicator illuminated will even-
tually cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure.
176

•TRAILER TOWING ............................278•Common Towing Definitions .................... .278
• Breakaway Cable Attachment .................... .279
• Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . .281
• Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................... .281
• Towing Requirements ........................ .282
• Towing Tips .............................. .285
•RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....287•Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ............287
• Recreational Towing – Quadra–Trac II® /Quadra–Drive® II
Four-Wheel Drive Models ...................... .287
219

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for
any other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and “Towing A Dis-
abled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest up-
shifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through underdrive first, second, and third
gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all normal operat-
ing conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the AutoStick® shift control
(refer to “AutoStick®” in this section) to select a
lower gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
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.
229

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil-
dren), and do not leave Keyless Enter-N-
Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN position.
A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position, and
also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the shift lever could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear
range, as this can damage the drivetrain. The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the shift lever
into the PARK position:
•
When shifting into PARK, firmly move the
shift lever all the way forward and to the left
until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the shift lever position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the
shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for
any other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and “Towing A Dis-
abled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergen-
cies” for further information.
233

DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest up-
shifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through underdrive first and second
gears, direct third gear and overdrive fourth and
fifth gears. The DRIVE position provides opti-
mum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
To access all six available gears, you must use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Opera-
tion” in this section).
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section) to se-
lect a lower gear range. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear range will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.If the transmission temperature exceeds normal
operating limits, the powertrain controller will
modify the transmission shift schedule and ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch en-
gagement. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is
in danger of overheating, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently 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.
234