Jeep Grand Cherokee User manual

Grand Cherokee
Chrysler Group LLC
OWNER’S MANUAL
2012 Grand Cherokee
12WK741-126-AA First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
2 0 1 2
907713 Jeep Cherokee OM cover.indd 1 3/10/11 1:09 PM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler Group LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefore.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are drink-
ing, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking driver,
call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of fea-
tures and equipment that are either standard or optional on
this vehicle. This manual may also include a description of
features and equipment that are no longer available or were
not ordered on this vehicle. Please disregard any features
and equipment described in this manual that are not on this
vehicle.
Chrysler Group LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any obliga-
tion upon itself to install them on products previously manu-
factured.
Copyright © 2011 Chrysler Group LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE .............................11
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................ 101
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................283
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................415
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 557
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................581
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................637
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 653
10
INDEX ...................................................................663
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵Rollover Warning ....................... 5
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 6
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 8
䡵Vehicle Identification Number .............. 8
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 9
1

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go places and
perform tasks that conventional passenger cars are not
intended. It handles and maneuvers differently from
many passenger cars both on-road and off-road, so take
time to become familiar with your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was designed
for on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road
driving or use in other severe conditions suited for a
four-wheel drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s
Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, transmis-
sion, and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Your driving skills
will improve with experience. When driving off-road or
working the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of physics.
Always observe federal, state, provincial and local laws
wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or a
collision. Refer to “On-Road/Off-Road Driving Tips” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
4 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient referenc-
ing and remain with the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because
of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of
control it may roll over when some other vehicles may
not.
Do not attempt sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in a collision, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
Rollover Warning Label
1
INTRODUCTION 5

Failure to use the driver and passenger seat belts pro-
vided is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the
U.S. government notes that the universal use of existing
seat belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or
more each year and could reduce disabling injuries by
two million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more likely to die than a person
wearing a seat belt. Always buckle up.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
6 INTRODUCTION

1
INTRODUCTION 7

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in a collision or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on a
plate located on the left front corner of the instrument
panel pad, visible from outside of the vehicle through the
windshield. This number also is stamped into the right
front body, behind the right front seat. Move the right
front seat forward to allow better viewing of the stamped
VIN. This number also appears on the Automobile Infor-
mation Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your
vehicle. Save this label for a convenient record of your
vehicle identification number and optional equipment.
VIN Location
8 INTRODUCTION

NOTE: It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to a accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
Right Front Body VIN Location
1
INTRODUCTION 9

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 14
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) ............ 14
▫KeyFob............................ 15
▫Removing Key Fob From Ignition .......... 16
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 18
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 18
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 19
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 20
▫General Information ................... 20
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 20
▫Rearming The System .................. 21
▫To Arm The System ................... 21
▫To Disarm The System ................. 22
▫Tamper Alert ........................ 23
䡵Illuminated Entry ...................... 23
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 24
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 25
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 26
2

▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 26
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 26
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 26
▫General Information ................... 29
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 29
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 30
䡵Door Locks ........................... 34
▫Power Door Locks .................... 35
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System — Rear
Doors ............................. 36
䡵Keyless Enter-N-Go ..................... 38
䡵Windows ............................ 42
▫Power Windows ...................... 42
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 45
䡵Liftgate ............................. 45
▫Liftgate Flipper Glass .................. 46
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped ............ 47
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 50
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 53
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .... 54
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 58
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 59
▫Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions ..... 59
▫Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) —
If Equipped ......................... 60
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 61
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 62
▫Supplemental Active Head Restraints
(AHR) ............................. 62
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 66
▫Seat Belt Lock Out .................... 67
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 67
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 67
▫Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) — Air Bags ..................... 67
▫Advanced Front Air Bag Features .......... 70
▫Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 74
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 82
▫Child Restraints ...................... 83
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 95
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 96
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 96
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 97
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle .......................... 98
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................. 100
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Key Fob with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) with
integral ignition switch. You can insert the Key Fob into
the ignition switch with either side up.
Keyless Enter-N-Go Feature
This vehicle is equipped with the Keyless Enter-N-Go
feature, refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three of
which are detented and one spring-loaded. The detented
positions are OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN. The START
position is a spring-loaded momentary contact position.
When released from the START position, the switch
automatically returns to the detented ON/RUN position.
NOTE: With the Keyless Enter-N-Go feature, the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will display the
ignition switch position (OFF/ACC/RUN). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key Fob
The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert the
square end of the key fob into the ignition switch located
on the instrument panel and rotate to the desired posi-
tion. It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter and an emergency key, which stores in the
rear of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the vehicle on
the driver’s side should the battery in the vehicle or the
RKE transmitter go dead. The emergency key is also for
locking the glove box. You can keep the emergency key
with you when valet parking.
NOTE: Entering a vehicle using the emergency key with
the theft alarm armed, will result in the alarm sounding.
Insert the Key Fob (even if the Key Fob battery is dead)
into the ignition switch to disarm theft alarm.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
1 — OFF
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3 — ON/RUN
4 — START
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

To remove the emergency key, slide the mechanical latch
at the top of the Key Fob sideways with your thumb and
then pull the key out with your other hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided emergency key
into the lock cylinders with either side up.
Removing Key Fob From Ignition
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the Key Fob to the
OFF position and then remove the Key Fob.
With the Keyless Enter-N-Go feature, the EVIC will
display the ignition switch position “OFF/ACC/RUN”.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
• If you try to remove the Key Fob before you place the
shift lever in PARK, it may become trapped temporar-
ily in the ignition switch. If this occurs, place the shift
lever in PARK, rotate the key to the right slightly, then
remove the Key Fob as described. If a malfunction
occurs, the system will trap the key in the ignition
switch to warn you that this safety feature is inoper-
able. The engine can be started and stopped, but the
Key Fob cannot be removed until you obtain service.
Emergency Key Removal
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• The power window switches, radio, power sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets will remain active for up
to 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position. Opening either front door will cancel
this feature. The time for this feature is programmable.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
CAUTION!
• If your vehicle battery becomes low or dead, your
Key Fob will become locked in the ignition.
• Do not attempt to remove the Key Fob while in
this condition, damage could occur to the Key Fob
or ignition module. Only remove the emergency
key for locking and unlocking the doors.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
• Leave the Key Fob in the ignition and either:
• Jump Start the vehicle.
• Charge the battery.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

WARNING! (Continued)
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and
do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove Key Fob from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the Key Fob is in the
ignition and the ignition switch position is OFF or ACC,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the Key Fob.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the Key Fob is placed in the OFF or ACC ignition
position.
With the Keyless Enter-N-Go feature, opening the driv-
er’s door when the vehicle’s ignition switch is placed in
ACC or ON/RUN (engine stopped) will cause the re-
minder chime to sound. Refer to “Starting Procedures” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer system prevents unauthor-
ized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Key Fob with Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.
Therefore, only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE