engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2023 Repair Manual

190STARTING AND OPERATING
Grand Cherokee L — 3rd Row Seats
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the
Tire And Loading Information Placard Úpage 374. The addition of passengers and cargo may require reducing trailer tongue weight and Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicles not factory-equipped with the trailer tow package are limited to 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) GTW and 350 lb (158 kg) TW.
Engine ModelGCWRFrontal Area Maximum GTW Maximum Trailer TW
(See Note)
3.6L RWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L RWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,700 lb (5,307 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
3.6L AWD Without Trailer Tow
Prep Group 9,000 lb (4,082 kg) 30 sq ft (2.79 sq m) 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) 350 lb (159 kg)
3.6L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 11,700 lb (5,307 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) 620 lb (281 kg)
5.7L AWD With Trailer Tow
Prep Group 13,100 lb (5,942 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 7,200 lb (3,266 kg) 720 lb (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

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192STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of the new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
Perform the maintenance listed in the Scheduled
Servicing Ú
page 330. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 374.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that
a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.

When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission,
steering, suspension, chassis structure or tires.

Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the hook retainers of the vehicle
hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning
corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK (P). For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL (N). Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
WARNING!
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
WARNING!

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194STARTING AND OPERATING

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, you
can use the AutoStick shift control to manually
select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. This
action will also provide better engine braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes

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STARTING AND OPERATING195
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift must be placed in Transport Mode before tying them down (from the body) on a trailer or flatbed truck Úpage 136. If the
vehicle cannot be placed in Transport Mode (for example, engine will not run), tie-downs should be fastened over the tires using specific straps (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper tie-down tension.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Without 4WD LOW Four-Wheel Drive Models
With 4WD LOW
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDSee Instructions
Transmission in PARK
Ensure vehicle is set to
Normal Ride Height — if
equipped
Transfer case in N
(NEUTRAL)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOKOK
4

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196STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the
ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,
following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the Electric Park Brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
4. Turn the ignition OFF.
5. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s
instructions.
6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the
straight position.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
Q
UADRA-TRAC I (SINGLE-SPEED
T
RANSFER CASE WITHOUT 4WD LOW
R
ANGE) FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
Recreational towing is not allowed. These models
do not have a N (NEUTRAL) position in the transfer
case.
NOTE:This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle
trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
Q
UADRA–TRAC II WITH 4WD LOW
R
ANGE
The transfer case must be shifted into N
(NEUTRAL) and the transmission must be in PARK
(P) for recreational towing. The N (NEUTRAL)
selection button is adjacent to the air suspension
switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case N
(NEUTRAL) can take place with the selector switch
in any mode position.
NOTE:
Ensure vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height - if
equipped Ú page 136.
If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air
suspension, the engine should be started and
left running for a minimum of 60 seconds (with
all the doors closed) at least once every 24
hours. This process allows the air suspension to
adjust the vehicle’s ride height to compensate
for temperature effects.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will
cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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STARTING AND OPERATING197
Shifting Into Transfer Case N (NEUTRAL)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level
ground, with the engine running.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 4. If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air
suspension, ensure the vehicle is set to
Normal Ride Height with the Auto Entry/Exit
setting deselected.
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 4 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N
(NEUTRAL) button, and must continue to be
met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met
before pushing the N (NEUTRAL) button or
are no longer met during the shift, then the
N (NEUTRAL) indicator light will flash contin -
uously until all requirements are met or until
the N (NEUTRAL) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will
not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (NEUTRAL) position indicator
light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Tow with all
four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the
ground (using a vehicle trailer).
Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
The transmission must be in PARK for recre -
ational towing.
Before recreational towing, perform the proce -
dure outlined under “Shifting into N
(NEUTRAL)” to be certain that the transfer
case is fully in N (NEUTRAL). Otherwise,
internal damage will result.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will
be damaged.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first
fully engaging the Electric Park Brake. The
transfer case N (NEUTRAL) position disengages
both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even
if the transmission is in PARK. The Electric Park
Brake should always be applied when the driver
is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain
that the transfer case is fully in N (NEUTRAL)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.
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198STARTING AND OPERATING
If the vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift
air suspension, the engine should be
started and left running for a minimum of
60 seconds (with all the doors closed) at
least once every 24 hours. This process
allows the air suspension to adjust the
vehicle’s ride height to compensate for
temperature effects.
Engaging/disengaging of the Electric Park
Brake requires the ignition to be in the ON/
RUN position.
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“4WD Shift Canceled” or a “4WD Shift
Aborted/ Retry Shift” message will be
displayed on the instrument cluster. To reat -
tempt shift, put the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N) and push and hold the 4WD
LOW button.
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“To Complete 4WD Shift Put Transmission
In Neutral” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift
Speed Must Be Below 3 MPH” or a “To
Complete 4WD Shift Allow Engine To Return
To Idle” message will flash from the instru -
ment cluster display Ú page 98.
5. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(NEUTRAL) button (located by the selector
switch) for more than four seconds. The light
behind the N symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on
solid) when the shift to N (NEUTRAL) is
complete. A “Four Wheel Drive System In
Neutral” message will appear in the
instrument cluster.

N (NEUTRAL) Button

6. After the shift is complete and the N (NEUTRAL) light stays on, release the N
(NEUTRAL) button.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission back into NEUTRAL.
10. Apply the Electric Park Brake. 11. With the transmission and transfer case in N
(NEUTRAL), push and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button until the engine turns off. Ensure
vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
12. Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release the brake pedal.
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the Electric Park Brake. Ensure vehicle is in RUN position with the engine off.
15. Push the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (without pressing the brake pedal), to turn the
ignition to the OFF position.
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case N (NEUTRAL)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for normal use:

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Apply the Electric Park Brake.
3. Start the engine or for 4xe vehicles ensure the vehicle is in Ready to Drive mode, the READY
indicator will appear in the instrument cluster
display.

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STARTING AND OPERATING199
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that
must be met before pushing the N
(NEUTRAL) button, and must continue to be
met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met
before pushing the N (NEUTRAL) button or
are no longer met during the shift, the N
(NEUTRAL) indicator light will flash continu -
ously until all requirements are met or until
the N (NEUTRAL) button is released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position
for a shift to take place and for the position
indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition
is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will
not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (NEUTRAL) position indicator
light indicates that shift requirements have
not been met.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case N
(NEUTRAL) button (located by the selector
switch) for five seconds.
N (NEUTRAL) Button

NOTE:If the engine is in high idle after a cold start, the
instrument cluster will display “To Complete 4WD
Shift Allow Engine To Return To Idle” and the
transfer case will not be able to shift out of N
(NEUTRAL).
7. When the N (NEUTRAL) indicator light turns off,
release the N (NEUTRAL) button. After the N
(NEUTRAL) button has been released, the
transfer case will always shift to 4WD HI.
8. Shift the transmission into PARK. Turn the engine off.
9. Release the brake pedal.
10. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
11. Start the engine. 12. Press and hold the brake pedal.
13. Release the Electric Park Brake.
14. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE,
release the brake pedal, and check that the
vehicle operates normally.
DRIVING TIPS
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteristics give
them a higher center of gravity than conventional
passenger cars.
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 passenger cars
any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.4

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STARTING AND OPERATING201
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
24 inches (61 cm) with air suspension or
21 inches (53 cm) without air suspension, and
reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave
effects. Maximum speed is 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 ensure the
fluids have not been contaminated. Contaminated
fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) should be
flushed/changed as soon as possible to prevent
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 Ú page 131. Only
shift into a lower gear 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.
If you stall or begin to lose forward motion while
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to
a stop and immediately apply the brakes. Restart
the engine, and shift into REVERSE (R). 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. 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
When descending mountains or hills, use Hill
Descent Control or Selec-Speed Control to avoid
repeated heavy braking.
If not equipped with Hill Descent Control or
Selec-Speed Control use the following procedure:
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 transmission whenever possible.
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 carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE
gear. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using
only the brake.
4

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MULTIMEDIA209
Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat & Heated Steering Wheel This setting will activate the vehicle’s comfort system and heated seats or
heated steering wheel when the vehicle is remote started or ignition is
started. The “Off” setting will not activate the comfort systems. The “Remote
Start” setting will only activate the comfort systems when using Remote Start.
The “All Start” setting will activate the comfort systems whenever the vehicle
is started.
Radio Off Delay This setting will keep certain electrical features running after the engine is
turned off. When any door is opened, the electronics will deactivate. The
available settings are “0 sec”, “45 sec”, “5 min”, and “10 min”.
Radio Off With Door This setting will allow you to determine if the radio shuts off when any of the
doors are opened.
Audio Settings This setting will open the submenu, containing the audio settings
Ú
page 223.
App Drawer Favoriting Pop-ups This setting will allow you to favorite app drawer pop-ups with “On” and “Off”
options.
App Drawer Unfavoritings Pop-ups This setting will allow you to unfavorite app drawer pop-ups with “On” and
“Off” options.
New Text Message Pop-ups This setting will allow you to have pop-up notifications for new text messages.
Setting options are “On” and “Off”.
Missed Calls Message This setting will allow you to have pop-up notifications for missed calls. Setting
options are “On” and “Off”.
Navigation Pop-ups This setting will allow you to have pop-up notifications for Navigation. Setting
options are “On” and “Off”.
Reset App Drawer to Default Order This setting will reset the app drawer to its factory default layout.
Setting NameDescription
5

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