2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owners Manual - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

Quadra-Trac I Operating Instructions/Precautions — If Equipped

The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range only) transfer case, which provides convenient full-time four-wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer to wheels with traction.

NOTE:

The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate for conditions where 4WD LOW range is recommended. Refer to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully automatic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode. The Quadra-Trac II transfer case provides three mode positions:

4WD HI

NEUTRAL

4WD LOW

This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD HI mode.

When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW position can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. The 4WD LOW position is intended for loose, slip- pery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOW position on dry, hard-surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to driveline components.

When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine

speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD HI posi- 5

tion at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the

engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause damage to the transfer case.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

This range disengages the driveline from the powertrain. It is to be used for towing your vehicle behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

For additional information on the appropriate use of each 4WD system mode position, see the information below:

This range is used on surfaces such as ice, snow, gravel, sand, and dry hard pavement.

NOTE:

Refer to “Selec-Terrain — If Equipped” in this chapter for further information on the various positions and their intended usages.

This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It provides an additional gear reduction which allows for increased torque to be delivered to both the front and rear wheels while providing maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

NOTE:

Refer to “Selec-Terrain — If Equipped” for further informa- tion on the various positions and their intended usages.

With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running,

NOTE:

5

Transfer Case Switch

shift the transmission into “N”, and push the “4WD LOW” button once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster will begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is complete.

If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a transfer case motor temperature protection condition exists, a “For 4x4 Low Slow Below 3 mph (5 km/h) Put Trans in “N” Press 4 Low” message will flash from the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N), and push the “4WD LOW” button once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash and go out when the shift is complete.

NOTE:

If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a transfer case motor temperature protection condition exists, a “For 4x4 High Slow Below 3 mph (5 km/h) Put Trans in Neutral push 4 Low” message will flash from the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth align- ment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h), the transfer case will not allow the shift.

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, with the engine running.

Press and hold the brake pedal.

Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.

Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol will blink, indicating shift in prog- ress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the

shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete. A “NEUTRAL” message will appear in the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NEUTRAL (N) Switch

After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.

Press and hold the brake pedal. Shift the transmission back into NEUTRAL.

Firmly apply the parking brake.

With the transmission and transfer case in NEUTRAL, push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP button until the engine turns off.

Place the transmission gear selector in PARK. Release the brake pedal.

Push the ENGINE STOP/START button twice (without 5

pressing the brake pedal), to turn the ignition to the OFF mode.

Release the parking brake only when the vehicle is securely attached to a tow vehicle.

NOTE:

If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a “To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift Procedure in Owner’s Manual” message will flash from the instrument cluster display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Firmly apply the parking brake.

Start the engine.

Press and hold the brake pedal.

Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the selector switch) for one second.

NEUTRAL (N) Switch

When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the transfer case will shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.

The optional Quadra-Drive II System features two torque transfer couplings. The couplings include an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) rear axle and the Quadra-Trac II transfer case. The optional ELSD axle is fully automatic and requires no driver input to operate. Under normal driving conditions, the unit functions as a standard axle, balancing torque evenly between left and right wheels. With a traction difference between left and right wheels, the coupling will sense a speed difference. As one wheel begins to spin faster than the other, torque will automatically transfer from the wheel that has less traction, to the wheel that has traction. While the transfer case and axle coupling differ in design, their operation is similar. Follow the Quadra-Trac II transfer case shifting information, preceding this section, for shifting this system.