Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2018 year). Manual

Transmission, Steering, Suspension, all-wheel drive set up,
and Paddle shifter settings may be configured through the
custom mode set-up.

NOTE:

Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multimedia”

section for further information.

Active Damping System

This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
damping system. This system reduces body roll and pitch
in many driving situations including cornering, accelera-
tion and braking. There are 3 modes:
• Street Mode (Available in terrain positions AUTO,

SNOW and CUSTOM.) — Used during highway speeds
where a touring suspension feel is desired.

• Sport Mode (Available in terrain positions AUTO,

SPORT, CUSTOM and TOW.) — Provides a firm suspen-
sion for better handling.

• Track Mode (Available in terrain positions AUTO,

TRACK and CUSTOM.) — Provides a full firm suspen-
sion for an aggressive track experience.

Refer to “SRT Drive Modes” in the “Multimedia” section
for further information.

Launch Control — If Equipped

This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Control system that
is designed to allow the driver to achieve maximum
vehicle acceleration in a straight line. Launch Control is a
form of traction control that manages tire slip while
launching the vehicle. This feature is intended for use
during race events on a closed course where consistent
quarter mile and zero to sixty times are desired. The system
is not intended to compensate for lack of driver experience
or familiarity with the race track. Use of this feature in low
traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc.) conditions may results in
excess wheel slip outside this systems control resulting in
an aborted launch.

Preconditions:
• Launch Control should not be used on public roads.

Always check track conditions and the surrounding
area.

• Launch Control is not available within the first 500 miles

(805 km) of engine break-in.

• Launch Control should only be used when the engine

and transmission are at operating temperature.

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• Launch Control is intended to be used on dry, paved

road surfaces only.

CAUTION!

Use on slippery or loose surfaces may cause damage to
vehicle components and is not recommended.

Launch Control is only available when the following
procedure is followed:

NOTE:

Pushing the SRT button on the Select-Track switch

or pressing the “Apps” button on the touchscreen are the
two options to access launch control features. Please refer
to “SRT Drive Modes” in “Multimedia” for further infor-
mation.

1. Press the “Race Options” button on the touchscreen or

push the LAUNCH button on the Select-Track switch.

2. Press the “Launch RPM Set-Up” button on the touch-

screen. This screen will allow you to adjust your launch
RPM’s for optimum launch/traction.

3. Press the “Activate Launch Control” button on the

touchscreen, follow instructions in the instrument clus-
ter display.

• Make sure the vehicle is not moving.
• Put vehicle in first gear.
• Steering wheel must be pointing straight.
• Vehicle must be on level ground.
• Apply Brake Pressure.
• While holding the brake, rapidly apply the accelerator

pedal to wide open throttle. The engine speed will
hold at the RPM that was set in the “Launch RPM
Set-up” screen.

NOTE:

Messages will appear in the instrument cluster

display to inform the driver if one or more of the above
conditions have not been met.

4. When the above conditions have been met, the instru-

ment cluster display will read “Release Brake”.

5. Keep the vehicle pointed straight.

Launch control will be active until the vehicle reaches
62 mph (100 km/h), at which point the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system will return to its current ESC mode.

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257

Launch control will abort before launch completion, dis-
play “Launch Aborted” in the cluster under any the
following conditions:
• The accelerator pedal is released during launch.
• The ESC system detects that the vehicle is no longer

moving in a straight line.

• The “ESC OFF” button is pressed to change the system

to another mode.

NOTE:

After launch control has been aborted, ESC will

return to its current ESC mode.

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have traction. Damage to the
transmission may occur.

Guidelines For Track Use

NOTE:

Because of the extreme conditions encountered

during track use, any damage or wear associated with
track use may not be covered by warranty.
• If your SRT vehicle is equipped with Drive Modes they

will alter the vehicle’s performance in various driving

situations. It is recommended that your vehicle operates
in SPORT or TRACK modes during the track event.

• Prior to each track event/day, verify all fluids are at the

correct levels. Refer to “Fluid Capacities” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.

• Prior to each track event, verify the front and rear brake

pads have more than ½ pad thickness remaining. If the
brake pads require changing, please burnish prior to
track outing at full pace.

NOTE:

Use of DOT 4 brake fluid is suggested for extended

track usage due to increased thermal capacity.
• At the conclusion of each track event, it is recommended

that a brake bleed procedure is performed to maintain
the pedal feel and stopping capability of your Brembo
High Performance brake system.

• It is recommended that each track outing should end

with a minimum of 1 cool down lap using minimal
braking.

• If equipped with a removable lower front fascia grille, it

is recommended to remove it for track use during
warm/hot weather to improve cooling airflow to critical
powertrain and cooling system components.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

• All SRT vehicles are track tested for 24 hours of endur-

ance, however, it is recommended that suspension sys-
tem, brake system, prop shaft, and ½ shaft boots should
be checked for wear or damage after every track event.

• Track usage results in increased operating temperatures

of the engine, transmission, driveline and brake system.
This may affect noise (NVH) countermeasures designed
into your vehicle. New components may need to be
installed to return the system to the original NVH
performance.

• Tire pressure:

• 40 psi (276 kpa) hot, recommend 32 psi (221 kpa) front,

30 psi (207 kpa) rear cold

NOTE:

It is recommended that you target 40 psi (276 kpa)

Hot Tire Pressure at the conclusion of each track session.
Starting at 32 psi (221 kpa) Front & 30 psi (207 kpa) Rear
Cold and adjusting based on ambient & track conditions is
recommended. Tire pressure can be monitored via the
instrument cluster display and can assist with adjustments.

Track burnishing your brakes:

To avoid “green lining fade” during track use, the brake
pads and rotors must have a thermal burnish for factory
installed components or when new brake friction compo-
nents are installed:

1. Use one track session to burnish brakes by driving at

75% speed. Brake at approximately 0.60-0.80g max with-
out ABS intervention.

2. Lap the track in this manner until you start smelling the

brakes. Continue for another ½ lap at speed, then do a
two lap cool down with minimal brake applies. Make
sure the brakes are not smoking. If they are, do another
cool down lap.

3. Do not continue for more than 1 full burnishing lap after

you start smelling the brakes. Do not get them smoking
heavily. This will get them too hot and affect their life
negatively in future track use.

4. Allow vehicle to sit and cool in the paddock for at least

30 min. If an infrared thermal gun is available, allow
rotors to cool to 200°F (93.3°C) before going back out.

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259

5. There should be a thin, ash layer when inspecting the

pads installed in the caliper. Having the ash layer go
more than half the thickness of the pad material indi-
cates too aggressive of a burnish.

6. Sometimes, a second burnish session is required. If the

pads start smelling in the next track session, reduce
speed and braking decel to burnish targets and follow
step 2-4.

7. New pads installed on old rotors still need to be

burnished. New rotors installed with old pads should be
burnished at the track or street driven for 300 city miles
to develop an adequate lining transfer layer on the rotor
surface prior to track use.

8. Rotors that pulsate during track use should be replaced.

Resurfacing of the rotors is not recommended, as it
removes mass from the rotor, reducing its thermal
capacity. Resurfacing also thins the rotor cheek, making
it less robust and increasing the likelihood of pulsation
in further track use.

FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY — IF EQUIPPED

This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting off
four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load and
cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no driver
inputs or additional driving skills required.

NOTE:

This system may take some time to return to full

functionality after a battery disconnect.

POWER STEERING

The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that prevents it
from providing assist, you will still have the ability to steer
the vehicle manually.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

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Alternate electric power steering efforts can be selected
through the Uconnect System. Refer to ”Customer Pro-
grammable Features” within “Uconnect Settings” in “Mul-
timedia” for further information.

If the Electric Power Steering warning icon is
displayed and the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING” or the “POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF –
SERVICE SYSTEM” message is displayed within

the instrument cluster display, this indicates the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. Refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE:
• Even if the power steering assistance is no longer

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.

• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for

service.

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).

The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel.

Speed Control Buttons

1 — On/Off

4 — SET-/Decel

2 — SET+/Accel

5 — CANC/Cancel

3 — RES/Resume

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261

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed

Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control on/off button and resetting the
desired vehicle set speed.

WARNING!

Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.

To Activate

Push the on/off button to activate the Speed Control.
“CRUISE CONTROL READY” will appear in the instru-
ment cluster display to indicate the Speed Control is on. To
turn the system off, push the on/off button a second time.
“CRUISE CONTROL OFF” will appear in the instrument
cluster display to indicate the Speed Control is off. The
system should be turned off when not in use.

WARNING!

Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use
is dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
OFF when you are not using it.

To Set A Desired Speed

Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has reached
the desired speed, push the SET (+) or SET (-) button and
release. Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate
at the selected speed. Once a speed has been set, a message
“CRUISE CONTROL SET TO MPH (km/h)” will appear
indicating what speed was set. A cruise indicator lamp,
along with set speed will also appear and stay on in the
instrument cluster when the speed is set.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Speed

When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the SET (+) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To

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Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed increment shown is dependant on the chosen speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (+) button once will result in a 1 mph

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

To Decrease Speed

When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed by
pushing the SET (-) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To

Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

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263

Using Speed Control On Hills

The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.

NOTE:

The Speed Control system maintains speed up and

down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is
normal.

On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it
may be preferable to drive without Speed Control.

WARNING!

To Resume Speed

To resume a previously set speed, push the RES button and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h).

To Deactivate

A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC button,
or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will
deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed
from memory.

Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition switch
OFF erases the set speed from memory.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) — IF
EQUIPPED

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving con-
venience provided by cruise control while traveling on
highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety
system and not designed to prevent collisions. Speed
Control function performs differently. Please refer to the
proper section within this chapter.

ACC will allow you to keep cruise control engaged in light
to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need to
reset your cruise control. ACC utilizes a radar sensor and a
forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle directly
ahead of you.

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NOTE:
• If the sensor does not detect a vehicle ahead of you, ACC

will maintain a fixed set speed.

• If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will

apply limited braking or accelerate (not to exceed the
original set speed) automatically to maintain a preset
following distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead.

The Cruise Control system has two control modes:
• Adaptive Cruise Control mode for maintaining an ap-

propriate distance between vehicles.

• Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control mode for cruising

at a constant preset speed. For additional information,
refer to “Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control Mode” in
this section.

NOTE:

Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control will not react

to preceding vehicles. Always be aware of the mode
selected.

You can change the mode by using the Cruise Control
buttons. The two control modes function differently. Al-
ways confirm which mode is selected.

WARNING!

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience

system. It is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It is always the driver’s responsibility
to be attentive of road, traffic, and weather condi-
tions, vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead;
and, most importantly, brake operation 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 warnings can result in a
collision and death or serious personal injury.

• The ACC system:

• Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehicles,

and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped vehicle in a
traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).

• Cannot take street, traffic, and weather conditions

into account, and may be limited upon adverse
sight distance conditions.

• Does not always fully recognize complex driving

conditions, which can result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.

(Continued)

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265

WARNING! (Continued)

• Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop while

following a target vehicle and hold the vehicle for
2 seconds in the stop position. If the target vehicle
does not start moving within 2 seconds, the ACC
system will display a message that the system will
release the brakes and that the brakes must be
applied manually. An audible chime will sound
when the brakes are released.

You should switch off the ACC system:
• When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,

heavy traffic, and complex driving situations (i.e., in
highway construction zones).

• When entering a turn lane or highway off ramp;

when driving on roads that are winding, 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.

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 or tire size modifications

to the vehicle will effect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning System.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

1 — Normal (Fixed Speed)
Cruise Control On/Off

5 — Distance Setting Increase

2 — SET+/Accel

6 — Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) On/Off

3 — RES/Resume

7 — Distance Setting Decrease

4 — SET-/Decel

8 — CANC/Cancel

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Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

You can only engage ACC if the vehicle speed is above
0 mph (0 km/h).

The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).

When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”

When the system is off, the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

NOTE:

You cannot engage ACC under the following con-

ditions:
• When in Four-Wheel Drive Low.
• When you apply the brakes.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE

or NEUTRAL.

• When the vehicle speed is outside of the speed range.
• When the brakes are overheated.
• When the driver’s door is open at low speeds.
• When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds.

• ESC Full-Off Mode is active.

To Activate/Deactivate

Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
on/off button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster
displays “ACC Ready.”

To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the
system will turn off and the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready

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WARNING!

Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have a collision. Always
leave the system off when you are not using it.

To Set A Desired ACC Speed

When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the SET
(+)

button or the SET (-) button and release. The instrument

cluster display will display the set speed.

If the system is set when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h), the set speed shall be defaulted to 20 mph
(32 km/h). If the system is set when the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the current
speed of the vehicle.

NOTE:

ACC cannot be set if there is a stationary vehicle in

front of your vehicle in close proximity.

Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. If you do not,
the vehicle may continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed. If this occurs:
• The message “DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the

instrument cluster display.

• The system will not be controlling the distance between

your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed
will only be determined by the position of the accelera-
tor pedal.

To Cancel

The following conditions cancel the system:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANC button is pushed.
• An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) event occurs.

Adaptive Cruise Control Off

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• The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-

tem (ESC/TCS) activates.

• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• Driver seatbelt is unbuckled at low speeds.
• Driver door is opened at low speeds.
• The driver switches ESC to full-off mode.
• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over-

heated).

• A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.

To Turn Off

The system will turn off and clear the set speed in memory
if:
• The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is

pushed.

• The Normal (Fixed Speed) Cruise Control on/off button

is pushed.

• The ignition is turned OFF.
• You switch to Four-Wheel Drive Low.

To Resume

If there is a set speed in memory push the RES (resume)
button and then remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. The instrument cluster display will display the last
set speed.

NOTE:
• If your vehicle stays at standstill for longer than two

seconds, then the system will cancel and the brake force
will be ramped-out. The driver will have to apply the
brakes to keep the vehicle at a standstill.

• ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle

in-front of your vehicle in close proximity.

WARNING!

The Resume function should only be used if traffic
and road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that
is too high or too low for prevailing traffic and road
conditions could cause the vehicle to accelerate or
decelerate too sharply for safe operation. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision and
death or serious personal injury.

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To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Speed

While ACC is set, you can increase the set speed by
pushing the SET (+) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed increment shown is dependant on the chosen speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (+) button once will result in a 1 mph

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase in 5 mph increments until the
button is released. The increase in set speed is reflected
in the instrument cluster display.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase in 10 km/h increments until the
button is released. The increase in set speed is reflected
in the instrument cluster display.

To Decrease Speed

While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by
pushing the SET (-) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed decrement shown is dependant on the chosen speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease in 5 mph decrements until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the instrument cluster display.

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Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease in 10 km/h decrements until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the instrument cluster display.

NOTE:
• When you override and push the SET (+) button or SET

(-)

buttons, the new Set Speed will be the current speed

of the vehicle.

• When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if the

engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle suffi-
ciently to reach the set speed, the brake system will
automatically slow the vehicle.

• The ACC system applies the brake down to a full stop

when following a target vehicle. If an ACC host vehicle
follows a target vehicle to a standstill, the host vehicle
will release the vehicle brakes two seconds after coming
to a full stop.

• The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up

hill and down hill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may
occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill.
This is normal operation and necessary to maintain set
speed. When driving up hill and down hill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds
normal range (overheated).

Setting The Following Distance In ACC

The specified following distance for ACC can be set by
varying the distance setting between four bars (longest),
three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one bar (short).
Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed, ACC
calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead. This
distance setting displays in the instrument cluster display.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2018 year). Manual - part 17