trailer JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2017 WK2 / 4.G User Guide

NOTE:
• If the power steering assistance is no lon-ger operational, it is still possible to steer
the vehicle. Under these conditions there
will be a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
• See your authorized dealer for service.
– Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is
ajar/open and not fully closed.
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
single chime.
– Liftgate Open Warning Light
This indicator will turn when the liftgate is
open.
If the vehicle is moving there will also be a
single chime.
– Transmission Temperature Warning
Light
This light indicates that there is excessive
transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer tow- ing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle, with the transmission
in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once
the light turns off, you may continue to drive
normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a
fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
– Hood Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when the hood
is left open and not fully closed.
Yellow Telltale Lights
– Engine Malfunction Warning Light
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems.
The light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illumi-
nate the light after engine start. The vehicle
should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may
flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe
catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this
occurs.
83

required. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally if
the “Brake System Warning Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on,
the brake system should be serviced as soon
as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” does not come on when the ignition is
turned to the ON/RUN mode, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control system (EBC). This
system includes Electronic Brake Force Dis-
tribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start
Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Elec-
tronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). These systems
work together to enhance both vehicle stabil-
ity and control in various driving conditions.Your vehicle may also be equipped with
Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Ready Alert Brak-
ing (RAB), Rain Brake Support (RBS), Dy-
namic Steering Torque (DST), Hill Descent
Control (HDC), and Selec-Speed Control
(SSC).
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
This function manages the distribution of the
braking torque between the front and rear
axles by limiting braking pressure to the rear
axle. This is done to prevent overslip of the
rear wheels to avoid vehicle instability, and to
prevent the rear axle from entering ABS be-
fore the front axle.
Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will
turn on when the ignition is turned to the
ON/RUN mode and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains
on or comes on while driving, it indicates that
the brake system is not functioning properly
and that immediate service is required. If the“Brake System Warning Light” does not
come on when the ignition is turned to the
ON/RUN mode, have the light repaired as
soon as possible.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emer-
gency braking situation by sensing the rate
and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This
can help reduce braking distances. The BAS
complements the anti-lock brake system
(ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly re-
sults in the best BAS assistance. To receive
the benefit of the system, you must apply
continuous braking pressure during the stop-
ping sequence, (do not “pump” the brakes).
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the brake
pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
93

WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities
of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-
ner, which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to mitigate roll
back from a complete stop while on an in-
cline. If the driver releases the brake while
stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to
hold the brake pressure for a short period. If
the driver does not apply the throttle before
this time expires, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down
the hill as normal.The following conditions must be met in
order for HSA to activate:
• The feature must be enabled.
• The vehicle must be stopped.
• Park brake must be off.
• Driver door must be closed.
• The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
• The gear selection must match vehicle
uphill direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill
is in forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is
in REVERSE gear).
• HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward gears. The system will not activate
if the transmission is in PARK or NEU-
TRAL. For vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission, if the clutch is
pressed, HSA will remain active.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill
Start Assist (HSA) will not activate and
slight rolling may occur, such as on minor
hills or with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer. HSA is not a substitute for
WARNING!
active driving involvement. It is always the
driver’s responsibility to be attentive to
distance to other vehicles, people, and
objects, and most importantly brake op-
eration to ensure safe operation of the
vehicle under all road conditions. Your
complete attention is always required
while driving to maintain safe control of
your vehicle. Failure to follow these warn-
ings can result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off.
To change the current setting, proceed as
follows:
• If disabling HSA using your instrumentcluster display, refer to “Instrument Clus-
ter Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
• If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings, refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multime-
dia” for further information.
SAFETY
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For vehicles not equipped with an instrument
cluster display, perform the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheelspointing straight forward).
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half turn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bank below the climate con-
trol four times within twenty seconds. The
“ESC Off Indicator Light” should turn on
and turn off two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slighty more than
one-half turn to the right.
8. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode and then back to ON. If the sequence was
completed properly, the “ESC Off Indica-
tor Light” will blink several times to con-
firm HSA is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate
roll back while towing a trailer.
WARNING!
• If you use a trailer brake controller withyour trailer, the trailer brakes may be
activated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold both the vehicle
and the trailer on a hill when the brake
pedal is released. In order to avoid roll-
ing down an incline while resuming ac-
celeration, manually activate the trailer
brake or apply more vehicle brake pres-
sure prior to releasing the brake pedal.
• HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when leaving your
vehicle. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
• Failure to follow these warnings can re-
sult in a collision or serious personal
injury.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel
spin of each of the driven wheels. If wheel
spin is detected, the TCS may apply brake
pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or re-
duce engine power to provide enhanced ac-
celeration and stability. A feature of the TCS,
Brake Limited Differential (BLD), functions
similar to a limited slip differential and con-
trols the wheel spin across a driven axle. If
one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster
than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow
more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. BLD may remain en-
abled even if TCS and ESC are in a reduced
mode.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and
stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or
understeering of the vehicle by applying the
brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer
condition. Engine power may also be reduced
to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
95

should be used for most driving conditions.
Alternate ESC modes should only be used for
specific reasons as noted in the following
paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times
when a more spirited driving experience is
desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for
more wheel spin than normally allowed. This
mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes
stuck.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
push the “ESC Off” switch and the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will illuminate. To turn the
ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC
Off” switch and the “ESC Off Indicator Light”
will turn off.
NOTE:
For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes
a momentary button push will toggle the ESC
mode. Multiple momentary button pushed
may be required to return to ESC On.NOTE:
• When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func-
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited
slip feature described in the TCS section),
has been disabled and the “ESC Off Indi-
cator Light” will be illuminated. When in
“Partial Off” mode, the engine power re-
duction feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
• Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” mode.
Full Off – If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on
any public roadways. In this mode, TCS and
ESC features are turned OFF. To enter the
“Full Off” mode, push and hold the “ESC
Off” switch for five seconds while the vehicle
is stopped with the engine running. After five
seconds, a chime will sound, the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will illuminate, and the
“ESC OFF” message will display in the in-
strument cluster. To turn ESC ON again,
momentarily push the “ESC Off” switch. NOTE:
System may switch from ESC “Full Off” to
“Partial Off” mode when vehicle exceeds a
predetermined speed. When the vehicle
speed slows below the predetermined speed
the system will return to ESC “Full Off”.
“Full Off” can only be achieved in Track
Mode if so equipped.
ESC modes may also be affected by drive
modes if so equipped.
WARNING!
• In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine
torque reduction and stability features
are disabled. Therefore, enhanced ve-
hicle stability offered by the ESC system
is unavailable. In an emergency evasive
maneuver, the ESC system will not en-
gage to assist in maintaining stability.
“ESC Off” mode is intended for off-
highway or off-road use only.
• With the ESC switched off, the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered by ESC
is unavailable. In an emergency evasive
maneuver, the ESC system will not en-
97

occurring during severe or evasive driving
maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift due to
other factors, such as road conditions, leav-
ing the roadway, or striking objects or other
vehicles.
NOTE:
ERM is disabled anytime the ESC is in “Full
Off” mode (if equipped). Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in this section for a
complete explanation of the available ESC
modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading,
road conditions and driving conditions,
influence the chance that wheel lift or
rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all
wheel lift or roll overs, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking
objects or other vehicles. The capabilities
of an ERM-equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's
safety or the safety of others.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize
an excessively swaying trailer and will take
the appropriate actions to attempt to stop the
sway. TSC will become active automatically
once an excessively swaying trailer is recog-
nized. Note that TSC cannot stop all trailers
from swaying. Always use caution when tow-
ing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue
weight recommendations. Refer to “Trailer
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for fur-
ther information. When TSC is functioning,
the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” will flash, the engine power may be
reduced and you may feel the brakes being
applied to individual wheels to attempt to
stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is disabled
when the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” or
“Full Off” modes.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the
vehicle down, stop at the nearest safe
location, and adjust the trailer load to
eliminate trailer sway.
Ready Alert Braking (RAB)
Ready Alert Braking may reduce the time
required to reach full braking during emer-
gency braking situations. It anticipates when
an emergency braking situation may occur by
monitoring how fast the throttle is released by
the driver. The EBC will prepare the brake
system for a panic stop.
Rain Brake Support (RBS)
Rain Brake Support may improve braking
performance in wet conditions. It will periodi-
cally apply a small amount of brake pressure
to remove any water buildup on the front
brake rotors. It functions when the wind-
shield wipers are in LO or HI speed. When
Rain Brake Support is active, there is no
notification to the driver and no driver inter-
action is required.
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
Dynamic Steering Torque is a feature of the
ESC and EPS modules that provides torque at
the steering wheel for certain driving condi-
tions in which the ESC module is detecting
vehicle instability. The torque that the steer-
ing wheel receives is only meant to help the
99

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with run flat tires —
When the TPMS indicates a tire pressure of
14 psi (96 kPa) or lower, always check tire
pressure and replace the tire at the first
opportunity. At inflation pressure of/or below
14 psi (96 kPa) the tire is in the run-flat
mode of operation. In this condition, it is
recommended a vehicle maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h) for a maximum distance of
50 miles (80 km). The manufacturer does not
recommend using the run flat feature while
driving a vehicle loaded at full capacity or
towing a trailer.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
will warn the driver of a low tire pressure
based on the vehicle recommended cold tire
pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature
by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
This means that when the outside tempera-
ture decreases, the tire pressure will de-
crease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehiclehas not been driven for at least three hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a
three-hour period.
Refer to “Tires” in “Servic-
ing And Maintenance” for information on how to
properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire
pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven - this is normal and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire
pressure if the tire pressure falls below the
low pressure warning threshold for any rea-
son, including low temperature effects, or
natural pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of
low tire pressure as long as the condition
exists, and will not turn off until the tire
pressure is at or above recommended cold
tire pressure. Once the low tire pressure
warning has been illuminated, the tire pres-
sure must be increased to the recommended
cold tire pressure in order for the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring Telltale Light to be turned
off. NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(30 kPa) above the recommended cold plac-
ard pressure in order to turn the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light off.
The system will automatically update and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
extinguish once the updated tire pressures
have been received. The vehicle may need to
be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) to receive this information.
For example, your vehicle has a recom-
mended cold (parked for more than three
hours) tire pressure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If
the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and
the measured tire pressure is 28 psi
(193 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C)
will decrease the tire pressure to approxi-
mately 24 psi (165 kPa). This tire pressure is
sufficiently low enough to turn ON the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light. Driving
the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise
to approximately 28 psi (193 kPa), but the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
still be ON. In this situation, the Tire Pressure
107

Accelerating For Passing.........174
Deactivation .................174
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
(ACC) ................... .174
Activation..................175
Setting A Desired Speed ..........175
Varying The Speed .............175
To Resume ..................177
Deactivation .................177
Setting The Following Distance ......177
Changing Modes ..............177
PARKSENSE REAR PARK
ASSIST .................. .179
ParkSense Sensors.............179
Activation/Deactivation ParkSense . . . .179
Instrument Cluster Display ........179
ParkSense System Usage Precautions . .179
PARKSENSE FRONT AND REAR
PARKASSIST.............. .180
Sensors....................180
Activation/Deactivation ...........181
Engagement/Disengagement .......181Operation With A Trailer
..........182
General Warnings ..............182
PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ......182
LANESENSE............... .183
LaneSense Operation............183
Turning LaneSense ON Or OFF ......184
LaneSense Warning Message .......184
Changing LaneSense Status ........185
PARKVIEW REAR BACK-UP CAM-
ERA .................... .185
Symbols And Messages On The Display .185
REFUELING THE VEHICLE.....186
Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release . . .187
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIE-
SELENGINE............... .188
Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel.....190
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel . . . .190
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ............190
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage .......191
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid .......191
TRAILER TOWING...........193
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) — Non SRT .......193
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) — Diesel .........194
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) — SRT ..........195
Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover Removal
(Summit Models) — If Equipped .....195
Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover Removal (SRT
Models) — If Equipped ..........196
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) .........198
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle....................198
Recreational Towing-Two Wheel Drive
Models ....................199
Recreational Towing — Quadra-Trac I
(Single-Speed Transfer Case) Four-Wheel
Drive Models ................199
Recreational Towing — Quadra–Trac
II/Quadra–Drive II Four-Wheel Drive
Models ....................199STARTING AND OPERATING
148

Diesel Engines
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it underload.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time. The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
"Technical Specifications” in this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
SRT Engines
The following tips will be helpful in obtaining
optimum performance and maximum dura-
bility for your new SRT Vehicle.
Despite modern technology and World Class
manufacturing methods, the moving parts of
the vehicle must still wear in with each other.
This wearing in occurs mainly during the first
500 miles (805 km) and continues through
the first oil change interval.
It is recommended for the operator to observe
the following driving behaviors during the
new vehicle break-in period:
0 to 100 miles (0 to 161 km):
• Do not allow the engine to operate at idle
for an extended period of time.
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than halfway to avoid rapid ac-
celeration.
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 3,500 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 55 mph (88 km/h) and observe local speed limits.
100 to 300 miles (161 to 483 km):
• Depress the accelerator pedal slowly and not more than halfway to avoid rapid ac-
celeration in lower gears (1st to 3rd gears).
• Avoid aggressive braking.
• Drive with the engine speed less than 5,000 RPM.
• Maintain vehicle speed below 70 mph (112 km/h) and observe local speed
limits.
STARTING AND OPERATING
156

AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking, elimi-
nate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more
control during passing, city driving, cold slip-
pery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear
selector into the MANUAL (M) position (be-
side the DRIVE position), or tap one of the
shift paddles on the steering wheel. Tapping
the (-) shift paddle to enter AutoStick mode
will downshift the transmission to the nextlower gear, while tapping (+) to enter
AutoStick mode will retain the current gear.
The current transmission gear will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. In AutoStick
mode, you can use the gear selector (in the
MANUAL position), or the shift paddles, to
manually shift the transmission. Tapping the
gear selector forward (-) while in the
MANUAL (M) position, or tapping the (-) shift
paddle on the steering wheel, will downshift
the transmission to the next lower gear. Tap-
ping the lever rearward (+) (or tapping the (+)
shift paddle) will command an upshift.
NOTE:
The shift paddles may be disabled (or re-
enabled, as desired) using the Uconnect Per-
sonal Settings or, in SRT models, using Drive
Modes.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will
shift up or down when (+/-) is manually se-
lected by the driver (using the gear selector,
or the shift paddles), unless an engine lug-
ging or overspeed condition would result. It
will remain in the selected gear until another
upshift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below. • The transmission will automatically down-
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent en-
gine lugging) and will display the current
gear.
• The transmission will automatically down- shift to first gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle
is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear (or third gear, in 4LO range,
Snow mode, or Sand mode). Tapping (+)
(at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear can be
helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that shift will not
occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Holding the (-) paddle depressed, or hold- ing the gear selector in the (-) position, will
downshift the transmission to the lowest
gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more notice- able when AutoStick is enabled.
Shift Paddles
STARTING AND OPERATING
160