Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (2009 year). Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

▫ Keyless Go (If Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
▫ Extremely Cold Weather

(Below

⫺20°F Or ⫺29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 281

▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual

Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282

▫ 5–Speed Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 283
▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
▫ Rocking The Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

䡵 AutoStick威 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

▫ AutoStick威 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
䡵 Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 294

▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) . . . . . . . . . . . 294
▫ TCS (Traction Control System) . . . . . . . . . . . 294
▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
▫ ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation) . . . . . . . . . 296
▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) . . . . . . . . 297
▫ TSC (Trailer Sway Control) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Lamp And ESP/TCS

Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 305
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 306

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310

▫ Run Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 313
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

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STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 317
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 317

▫ Premium System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321

▫ 6.1L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 322
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . 332
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

STARTING AND OPERATING

275

STARTING PROCEDURE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving

unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Do not leave animals or children inside parked

vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key

from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.

Keyless Go (If Equipped)

This function allows the driver to op-
erate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the ENGINE
START/STOP button is installed and
the Keyless Go ignition key (FOBIK)
can be detected inside of the vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Removing and Re-Installing the Engine Start/Stop
Button
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be removed
from the receptacle to allow the vehicle ignition to be
controlled conventionally by inserting the FOBIK. The
button may be removed using the valet key from the
FOBIK as a thin tool. Insert the metal part of the valet key
under the chrome bezel at the 6 o’clock position, and
gently pry the button loose.

To reinstall the button, position it with its lettering
oriented horizontal and readable. Gently insert the but-
ton into the receptacle by pressing on the center of the
button. If the button slips in easily, it has been installed
correctly. Press firmly on the center of the button to seat
the button into the receptacle.

The ENGINE START/STOP button should only be re-
moved or inserted with the ignition in the OFF position.

Keyless Go Functions — With Driver’s Foot Off
The Brake Pedal (In PARK Position)

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button once (ACC

position)

to activate the radio, wipers, and windows.

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (ON

position)

to start the engine.

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP button three times

(OFF position)

to turn off the ignition switch.

Normal Starting

Using The ENGINE START/STOP Button

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.

STARTING AND OPERATING

277

To start the engine, the transmission must be in PARK or
NEUTRAL. From any ignition state, press and hold the
brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP
button. The system takes over and attempts to start the
vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will
disengage automatically after 10 seconds. If you wish to
stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine
starting, press the button again.

Using Fob With Integrated Key (Tip Start)

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.

Do not

press the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated

Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running. If the engine
fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in

10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.

To Turn Off The Engine Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
Place the shift lever in PARK, then press and release the
ENGINE START/STOP button. If the shift lever is not in
PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held
for two seconds and the ignition state changes to ACCES-
SORY (ACC). Regardless if the ignition state changes to
ACCESSORY (ACC) or OFF, the engine is shut off.

Extremely Cold Weather (Below

⫺

20°F or

⫺

29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into

the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get

it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 for
proper jump-starting procedures and follow them
carefully.

STARTING AND OPERATING

279

Clearing A Flooded Engine - Using ENGINE
START/STOP Button
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather

⬙ proce-

dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
and hold the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
with your right foot, and then press and release the
ENGINE START/STOP button once. The starter motor
will engage automatically, run for 10 seconds, and then
disengage. Once this occurs, release the accelerator pedal
and the brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the normal starting procedure.

Clearing A Flooded Engine - Using Fob With Integrated
Key
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push

the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.

• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL

into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

WARNING!

It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress the brake
pedal first,

before moving the shift lever out of PARK.

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281

Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override

Your vehicle may be equipped with a shift lock manual
override. The manual override may be used in the event
that the shift lever should fail to move from PARK with
the key in the ON position and the brake pedal de-
pressed. To operate the shift lock manual override, per-
form the following steps:

1. Turn the key to the ON position but do not start the
engine.

2. Firmly set the parking brake.

3. Using a flat blade screwdriver, carefully remove the
shift lock manual override cover which is located on the
PRNDL bezel.

4. Depress and maintain firm pressure on the brake
pedal.

5. Using the screwdriver, reach into the manual override
opening. Press and hold the shift lock lever down.

6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.

7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized
dealer, if the shift lock manual override has been used.

Interlock Manual Override

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STARTING AND OPERATING

With Keyless Go — If Equipped
To activate the override, with a valid keyfob (FOBIK)
inside of the vehicle, and without the brake pedal
pressed, press the START/STOP button once to go to the
ACC position, or twice to go to the ON position. Then,
press the pink-colored tab through the access port with a
small flat-bladed screwdriver or alike. While pressing the
override tab, move the shift lever out of the PARK
position. When complete, return the override cover to its
original position.

5–Speed Automatic Transmission

The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles.

WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.

Gear Ranges

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. If
there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the
engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first.

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283

PARK
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.

WARNING!

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should apply
the park brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the key from the ignition. Once the key
is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked
in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never
leave children unattended inside a vehicle.

REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

NEUTRAL
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can roll
freely. Do not shift into the NEUTRAL position while
driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g., on icy roads).

DRIVE
Shift into DRIVE only when the vehicle is at a complete
stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The transmission
automatically upshifts through fifth gear. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions. For additional shifting
information, refer to “Autostick” later in this section.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Rocking the Vehicle

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
between DRIVE and REVERSE, while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.

NOTE:

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and

Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF
before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in Section 3 of this manual.

The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five

rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating
and reduce the risk of transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

CAUTION!

When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.

AUTOSTICK

姞

Autostick

威 is a driver-interactive transmission that offers

manual gear shifting capability to provide the driver
with more control. Autostick

威 allows the driver to in-

crease engine braking ability, control upshift and down-
shift points, and enhance the driving experience. This
system can also provide the driver with more control
during passing, city driving, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.

STARTING AND OPERATING

285

Autostick

姞

Operation

By placing the shift lever in the DRIVE position, the lever
can be moved from side to side. This allows the driver to
engage the AutoStick

威 mode. Moving the shift lever to

the right (+) or the left (-) will engage the Autostick

威

mode. In normal driving mode (Boxed “D” displayed in
the PRNDL), moving the shift lever to the right (+) will
engage the Autostick

威 mode putting the transmission in

the currently engaged gear. Moving the shift lever to the
Left (-) will engage the Autostick

威 mode and downshift

the transmission 1 gear. For example, the transmission is
in Normal Mode and is currently operating in 3rd gear, a
boxed D is displayed in the PRNDL, a push to the right
will engage the Autostick

威 mode in 3rd and a Boxed 3

will be displayed in the PRNDL. A push to the left (-) will
engage Autostick

威 mode and downshift to 2nd gear and

a Boxed 2 will be displayed in the PRNDL. Once
Autostick

威 mode is engaged, a move to the right (+) or

left (-) will trigger a upshift (+) or trigger a downshift (-).

NOTE:

In the Autostick

威 mode, the transmission will

shift up and down when left or right (D-/D+) is manu-
ally selected by the driver.

The transmission will not allow a downshift if the down-
shift would result in a engine overspeed condition. The
transmission will always allow a upshift from 1st to 2nd
gear, however 2nd - 3rd, 3rd - 4th, and 4th – 5th upshifts
will not be allowed if the vehicle speed is to low to
maintain operation in the selected gear. The transmission
will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows to a stop
(to prevent engine lugging) and will display the current
gear. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift (D+)
the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated.

When in the Autostick

威 mode, as the engine RPM nears

the engine maximum speed, an “UPSHIFT” message will
appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) portion of your instrument cluster. This message
appears in order to alert the driver that the engine speed

286

STARTING AND OPERATING

is approaching it’s maximum value and a upshift to the
next gear is required. In the event that the driver does not
upshift, the engine control system will automatically do it
for the driver. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center” in Section 4 of this manual.

Shifting into or out of the Autostick

威 mode can be done

at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal. When the driver wishes to engage Autostick

威,

simply move the shift lever to the left or right (D-/D+)
position while in DRIVE.

Hold the shift lever to the right for at least one second to
disengage Autostick

威. The transmission will now operate

automatically; shifting between the five available gears.

General Information

• You can start out in first or second gear. The system

will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.

• The transmission will automatically downshift to first

gear when coming to a stop. Tapping the shift lever to
the D+ position (at a stop) will allow starting in 2nd
gear. After starting, the driver should continue to
manually upshift (D+) as the vehicle is accelerated.

• Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy

conditions.

• Avoid using speed control when Autostick威 is en-

gaged.

• The transmission will automatically shift up when

maximum engine speed is reached while Autostick

威 is

engaged.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

Autostick

威 is engaged.

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287

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (2009 year). Manual - part 18