Jeep Cherokee (2019 year). Manual

Emergency Gas Can Refueling

Most gas cans will not open the flapper door. A funnel is
provided to open the flapper door to allow emergency
refueling with a gas can.

1. Retrieve funnel from the rear cargo area.

2. Insert funnel into same filler pipe opening as the fuel

nozzle.

3. Ensure funnel is inserted fully to hold flapper door

open.

4. Pour fuel into funnel opening.

5. Remove funnel from filler pipe, clean off prior to putting

back in the spare tire storage area.

NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank

is full.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the

vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is
being filled.

• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is

in violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and may cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to
turn on.

• A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable

container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.

Fuel Funnel

372

STARTING AND OPERATING

VEHICLE LOADING

Certification Label

As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.

This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.

Payload

The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.

Tire Size

The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must
be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.

Rim Size

This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.

Inflation Pressure

This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.

STARTING AND OPERATING

373

Curb Weight

The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.

Loading

The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.

The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the
vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to
rear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified
weight limitations are met. Store the heavier items down
low and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow
all loose items securely before driving.

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.

CAUTION!

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts
on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with
your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.

To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.

374

STARTING AND OPERATING

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight.
The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed
the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in its

⬙loaded and ready for

operation

⬙ condition.

The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of
the trailer must be supported by the scale.

WARNING!

If the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing
hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle. If you
use a standard weight-carrying hitch, you could lose
control of your vehicle and cause a collision.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly.
Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.

WARNING!

It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.

STARTING AND OPERATING

375

Tongue Weight (TW)

The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.

Trailer Frontal Area

The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control

The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction
associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.

If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.

Weight-Carrying Hitch

A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi-
tion of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.

376

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

• An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch

system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in a collision.

• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible

with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.

Trailer Hitch Classification

The following chart provides the industry standard for the
maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow
and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct
trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions

Class

Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Class II - Medium Duty

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty

10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING

377

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

Engine/Transmission

Model

Frontal Area

Maximum GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Maximum Tongue

Wt. (See Note)

2.0L Automatic

FWD or 4WD

32 sq ft (2.97 sq m)

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

200 lbs (90 kg)

2.0L Automatic With

Trailer Tow Package

FWD or 4WD

32 sq ft (2.97 sq m)

4,000 lbs (1,814 kg)

400 lbs (181 kg)

2.4L Automatic With

Or Without Trailer

Tow Package

FWD or 4WD

32 sq ft (2.97 sq m)

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

200 lbs (90 kg)

3.2L Automatic

FWD or 4WD

32 sq ft (2.97 sq m)

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

200 lbs (90 kg)

3.2L Automatic With

Trailer Tow Package

FWD or 4WD

39.44 sq ft (3.66 sq m)

4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)

450 lbs (204 kg)

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

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.

378

STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer And Tongue Weight

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the rear axle of the vehicle:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put

in or on your vehicle.

• The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended:

WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer

and that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring 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.

(Continued)

Weight Distribution

STARTING AND OPERATING

379

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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, sus-
pension, chassis structure, or tires.

• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or 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. Always block or

ⴖchockⴖ 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:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

3. GAWR

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.

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.

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. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire
inflation procedures.

• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures

before trailer usage.

380

STARTING AND OPERATING

• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before

towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And

Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capac-
ity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible per-
sonal injury.

• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over

1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).

WARNING!

• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-

draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have a collision.

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-

tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.

STARTING AND OPERATING

381

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring

harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer
to the following illustrations.

NOTE:
• Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle

before launching a boat (or any other device plugged
into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.

• Be sure to reconnect after clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

382

STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.

Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent shift-
ing does occur while in DRIVE, use the AutoStick shift
control to 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 build up. This action will also provide better
engine braking.

AutoStick — If Equipped
• When using the AutoStick shift control, select the high-

est gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “5” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or “3”
if needed to maintain the desired speed.

• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous

driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary
to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

6 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

4 — Electric Brakes

STARTING AND OPERATING

383

Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:

City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

4X4 Models

Towing

Condi-

tion

Wheels

OFF

the

Ground

Front-

Wheel

Drive

(FWD)

Models

1-Speed

Power

Transfer

Unit

2-Speed Power Transfer Unit

Flat

Tow

NONE

NOT

ALLOWED

NOT

ALLOWED

See Instructions:

• Before towing, see your authorized dealer for the Mopar flat

tow wiring kit

• It is recommended to charge the battery of the towed vehicle

during recreational towing

384

STARTING AND OPERATING

4X4 Models

Towing

Condi-

tion

Wheels

OFF

the

Ground

Front-

Wheel

Drive

(FWD)

Models

1-Speed

Power

Transfer

Unit

2-Speed Power Transfer Unit

• Transmission in PARK

• Power transfer unit in NEUTRAL (N)

• Tow in forward direction

Dolly

Tow

Front

NOT

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

NOT

ALLOWED

NOT

ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Trailer

ALL

NOTE:

• You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadvertent Elec-

tric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake feature is enabled or disabled via the customer programmable
features in the Uconnect Settings.

• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial High-

way Safety offices for additional details.

STARTING AND OPERATING

385

Recreational Towing — Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Models

DO NOT

flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain

will result.

Recreational towing (for front-wheel drive models) is al-
lowed ONLY if the front 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 front wheels onto the tow dolly.

3. Apply the parking brake. Place transmission in PARK.

Turn the engine OFF.

4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, but do not start

the engine.

6. Press and hold the brake pedal.

7. Release the parking brake.

8. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the key fob, and release

the brake pedal.

CAUTION!

• Towing with the front wheels on the ground will

cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and

remains released, while being towed.

Recreational Towing — 4x4 Models With 1-Speed
Power Transfer Unit

Recreational towing is not allowed. These models do not
have a NEUTRAL (N) position in the power transfer unit.

NOTE:

This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle

trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the
ground can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing
is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

386

STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing — 4x4 Models With 2-Speed
Power Transfer Unit

The power transfer unit must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N) and the transmission must be in PARK for recreational
towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to
the 4WD selector switch. Shifts into and out of NEUTRAL
(N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode
position.

CAUTION!

• Failure to use the proper Mopar wiring kit to power

the steering system during recreational towing may
damage the vehicle’s steering system and/or other
vehicle components.

• DO NOT dolly tow any 4x4 vehicle. Towing with

only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear)
will cause severe transmission and/or power transfer
unit 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 power
transfer unit.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• The transmission must be in PARK for recreational

towing.

• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure

outlined under “Shifting into NEUTRAL (N)” to be
certain that the power transfer unit is fully in NEU-
TRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.

• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-

ments can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing
is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and

remains released, while being towed.

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on

your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

STARTING AND OPERATING

387

Jeep Cherokee (2019 year). Manual - part 24