Jeep 2015 Cherokee Operating Information Manual

Cherokee

OPERATING INFORMATION

2015

15KL-126-ARA-AA

Table of Contents

1

INTRODUCTION

.....................................................................3

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

.............................................9

3

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

.............................................67

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

.................................................171

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

............................................................251

6

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

..........................................................335

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

...........................................................359

8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

............................................................399

9

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

.....................................................401

10

INDEX

.........................................................................405

1

2

1

INTRODUCTION

• INTRODUCTION ...............................4

• ROLLOVER WARNING ...........................4

• IMPORTANT NOTICE ............................5

• HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL .......................6

• WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS .......................8

• VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ..................8

• VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS ...............8

3

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler

Group LLC vehicle. Be assured that it repre-

sents precision workmanship, distinctive styl-

ing, 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 con-

ditions suited for a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the

Owner’s Manual and all the Supplements. Be

sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,

particularly those used for braking, steering,

and transmission and power transfer unit shift-

ing. Learn how your vehicle handles on different

road surfaces. Your driving skills will improve

with experience, but as in driving any vehicle,

take it easy as you begin. When driving off-road

or working the vehicle, don’t overload it or

expect it to overcome the forces of nature.

Always observe 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. Be sure to read the

“On-Road/ Off-Road Driving Tips” in “Starting

And Operating” for further information.

NOTE:

After reviewing the owner information, it

should be stored in the vehicle for conve-

nient referencing and remain with the ve-

hicle when sold.

Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may

result in loss of control or a collision.

Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds or

while intoxicated may result in loss of control,

collision with other vehicles or objects, going off

the road, or overturning; any of which may lead

to serious injury or death. Also, failure to use

seat belts subjects the driver and passengers to

a greater risk of injury or death.

To keep your vehicle running at its best, have

your vehicle serviced at recommended intervals

by an authorized dealer or distributor who has

the qualified personnel, special tools and equip-

ment to perform all service.

The manufacturer and its distributors are vitally

interested in your complete satisfaction with this

vehicle. If you encounter a service or warranty

problem which is not resolved to your satisfac-

tion, discuss the matter with your authorized

dealer or distributor’s management.

Your authorized dealer or distributor will be

happy to assist you with any questions about

your vehicle.

ROLLOVER WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll-

over 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 con-

trol. Because of the higher center of gravity, if

this vehicle is out of control it may roll over when

some other vehicles may not.

4

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.

Failure to use the driver and passenger seat

belts provided is a major cause of severe or

fatal injury. In a rollover crash, an unbelted

person is significantly more likely to die than a

person wearing a seat belt. Always buckle up.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

ALL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLI-

CATION IS BASED ON THE LATEST INFOR-

MATION AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PUBLICA-

TION APPROVAL. THE RIGHT IS RESERVED

TO PUBLISH REVISIONS AT ANY TIME.

This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with

the assistance of service and engineering spe-

cialists to acquaint you with the operation and

maintenance of your new vehicle. It is supple-

mented by a Warranty Information Booklet and

various customer-oriented documents. You are

urged to read these publications carefully. Fol-

lowing the instructions and recommendations in

this Owner’s Manual will help assure safe and

enjoyable operation of your vehicle.

After you have read the Owner’s Manual, it should

be stored in the vehicle for convenient reference

and remain with the vehicle when sold.

The manufacturer reserves the right to make

changes in design and specifications, and/or to

make additions to or improvements in its prod-

ucts without imposing any obligations upon

itself to install them on products previously

manufactured.

The Owner’s Manual illustrates and describes

the features that are standard or available as

extra cost options. Therefore, some of the

equipment and accessories in this publication

may not appear on your vehicle.

NOTE:

Be sure to read the Owner’s Manual first

before driving your vehicle and before at-

taching or installing parts/accessories or

making other modifications to the vehicle.

In view of the many replacement parts and

accessories from various manufacturers avail-

able on the market, the manufacturer cannot be

certain that the driving safety of your vehicle will

not be impaired by the attachment or installation

of such parts. Even if such parts are officially-

approved (for example, by a general operating

permit for the part or by constructing the part in

an officially approved design), or if an individual

operating permit was issued for the vehicle after

the attachment or installation of such parts, it

cannot be implicitly assumed that the driving

safety of your vehicle is unimpaired. Therefore,

neither experts nor official agencies are liable.

The manufacturer only assumes responsibility

Rollover Warning Label

5

when parts, which are expressly authorized or

recommended by the manufacturer, are at-

tached or installed at an authorized dealer. The

same applies when modifications to the original

condition are subsequently made on the manu-

facturer’s vehicles.

Your warranties do not cover any part that the

manufacturer did not supply. Nor do they cover

the cost of any repairs or adjustments that might

be caused or needed because of the installation

or use of non-manufacturer parts, components,

equipment, materials, or additives. Nor do your

warranties cover the costs of repairing damage

or conditions caused by any changes to your

vehicle that do not comply with the manufactur-

ers specifications.

Original MOPAR® parts and accessories and

other products approved by the manufacturer,

including qualified advice, are available at your

authorized dealer.

When it comes to service, remember that your

authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has

the factory-trained technicians and genuine

MOPAR® parts, and is interested in your satis-

faction.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the Table of Contents to determine

which section contains the information you de-

sire.

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 sub-

jects.

Consult the following table for a description of

the symbols that may be used on your vehicle or

throughout this Owner’s Manual:

6

7

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This Owners Manual contains WARNINGS

against operating procedures that could result

in a collision or bodily injury. It also contains

CAUTIONS against procedures that could re-

sult in damage to your vehicle. If you do not

read this entire Owners Manual, you may miss

important information. Observe all Warnings

and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is

found on the left front corner of the instrument

panel. The VIN is visible from outside of the

vehicle through the windshield. The VIN number

also is stamped into the right front body, on the

right front seat cross member. With the seat in

the rear most position a flap in the carpet can be

cut open and lifted to reveal the VIN. It also

appears on the Automobile Information Disclo-

sure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle,

the vehicle registration, and the title.

The VIN is also stamped on either right or left

hand side of the engine block.

NOTE:

It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/

ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this ve-

hicle could seriously affect its roadworthi-

ness and safety and may lead to a collision

resulting in serious injury or death.

Vehicle Identification Number

Right Front Body VIN Location

8

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING

YOUR VEHICLE

• A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS ......................11

• Ignition Node Module (IGNM) — If Equipped.............11

• Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) ......................11

• Key Fob — If Equipped .........................12

• Ignition Or Accessory On Message ..................12

• STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED ..............13

• To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ................13

• To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .................14

• SENTRY KEY®................................14

• Replacement Keys ...........................14

• Customer Key Programming ......................15

• General Information ...........................15

• VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED ............15

• To Arm The System ...........................15

• To Disarm The System .........................16

• Security System Manual Override ...................16

• ILLUMINATED ENTRY ...........................16

• REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) ...................17

9

• To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate .....................17

• To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ......................18

• Programming Additional Transmitters ..................18

• Transmitter Battery Replacement .....................18

• General Information .............................20

• DOOR LOCKS ..................................20

• Manual Door Locks..............................20

• Power Door Locks ..............................21

• Child-Protection Door Lock System — Rear Doors ..........22

• KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO™ ..........................22

• WINDOWS ....................................25

• Power Windows ...............................25

• Wind Buffeting ................................27

• LIFTGATE ....................................27

• Power Liftgate — If Equipped .......................28

• OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ....................30

• Important Safety Precautions .......................30

• Seat Belt Systems ..............................31

• Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ..................37

• Child Restraints ...............................50

• Transporting Pets ..............................63

• ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ................64

• SAFETY TIPS ..................................64

• Transporting Passengers ..........................64

• Exhaust Gas .................................64

• Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle ..........65

•

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The Vehicle .....66

10

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

Your vehicle uses either a key start ignition

system or keyless ignition system. The key start

ignition system consists of a either a Key Fob

with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter

and an Ignition Node Module (IGNM). The key-

less ignition system consists of a Key Fob with

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and a

Keyless Ignition Node (KIN).

Ignition Node Module (IGNM) — If

Equipped

The Ignition Node Module (IGNM) operates

similar to an ignition switch. It has four operating

positions, three with detents and one that is

spring-loaded. The detent 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 ON/RUN

position.

Keyless Ignition Node (KIN)

This feature allows the driver to operate the

ignition switch with the push of a button, as long

as the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter

is in the passenger compartment.

The Keyless Ignition Node (KIN System) has

four operating positions, three of which are

labeled and will illuminate when in position. The

three positions are: OFF, ACC, and ON/RUN.

The fourth position is START. During start, RUN

will illuminate.

NOTE:

In case the ignition switch does not change

with the push of a button, the RKE transmit-

ter (Key Fob) may have a low or dead bat-

tery. In this situation a back up method can

be used to operate the ignition switch. Put

the nose side (side opposite of the emer-

gency key) of the Key Fob against the EN-

GINE START/STOP button and push to oper-

ate the ignition switch.

Ignition Node Module (IGNM)

1 — OFF

2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)

3 — ON/RUN

4—START

11

Key Fob — If Equipped

The Key Fob 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 should the battery in the vehicle or the

Key Fob go dead. You can keep the emergency

key with you when valet parking.

To remove the emergency key, slide the me-

chanical latch on the face 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.

Ignition Or Accessory On Message

Opening the driver’s door when the ignition is in

ACC or ON (engine not running), a chime will

sound to remind you to place the ignition in the

OFF position. In addition to the chime, the

ignition or accessory on message will display in

the cluster.

Keyless Ignition Node (KIN System)

1 — OFF

2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)

3 — ON/RUN

Emergency Key Removal (IGNM System)

Emergency Key Removal (KIN System)

12

NOTE:

The power window switches, radio, power

sunroof (if equipped), and power outlets will

remain active for up to 10 minutes after the

ignition is cycled to the OFF position. Open-

ing either front door will cancel this feature.

The time for this feature is programmable.

Refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in “Under-

standing Your Instrument Panel” for further

information.

WARNING!

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove

the Key Fob from the vehicle and lock your

vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING!

(Continued)

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-

tended is dangerous for a number of rea-

sons. A child or others could be seriously

or fatally injured. Children should be

warned not to touch the parking brake,

brake pedal or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the

vehicle, or in a location accessible to chil-

dren, and do not leave the ignition of a

vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-

Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child

could operate power windows, other con-

trols, 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 from the ignition and lock

all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-

tended.

STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF

EQUIPPED

Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive

electronic steering wheel lock. This lock pre-

vents steering the vehicle with the ignition OFF.

The steering wheel lock releases with the igni-

tion On. If the lock does not disengage and the

vehicle does not start, turn the wheel to the left

and right to disengage the lock.

To Manually Lock The Steering

Wheel

With the engine running, rotate the steering

wheel one-quarter revolution in either direction,

turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the

steering wheel slightly in either direction until

the lock engages.

13

To Release The Steering Wheel Lock

Cycle the ignition and start the engine.

NOTE:

If you turned the wheel to the right to engage

the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to

the right to disengage it. If you turned the

wheel to the left to engage the lock, turn the

wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.

SENTRY KEY®

The Sentry Key® Immobilizer system prevents

unauthorized 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 a Key Fob with a factory-

mated Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,

a Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) and a RF receiver

to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation.

Therefore, only Key Fobs that are programmed

to the vehicle can be used to start and operate

the vehicle. The system will not allow the engine

to crank if an invalid Key Fob.

After placing the ignition to the ON/RUN posi-

tion, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for

three seconds for a bulb check. If the light

remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that

there is a problem with the system. In addition,

if the light begins to flash after the bulb check, it

indicates that someone used an invalid Key Fob

to start the engine. Either of these conditions

will result in the engine being shut off after two

seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during

normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for

longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there

is a fault in the system. Should this occur, have

the vehicle serviced as soon as possible by an

authorized dealer.

CAUTION!

• Do not make modifications or alterations to

the immobilizer system. Modifications or

alterations to the immobilization system

may result in a loss of security protection.

(Continued)

CAUTION!

(Continued)

• The Sentry Key® Immobilizer system is

not compatible with some aftermarket re-

mote starting systems. Use of these sys-

tems may result in vehicle starting prob-

lems and loss of security protection.

All of the Key Fobs provided with your new

vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle

electronics.

Replacement Keys

NOTE:

Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the

vehicle electronics can be used to start and

operate the vehicle. Once a Key Fob is

programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be pro-

grammed to any other vehicle.

14

CAUTION!

• Always remove the Key Fobs from the

vehicle and lock all doors when leaving the

vehicle unattended.

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-

N-Go™, always remember to place the

ignition in the OFF position.

At the time of purchase, the original owner is

provided with a four-digit Personal Identification

Number (PIN). Keep the PIN in a secure loca-

tion. This number is required for authorized

dealer replacement of Key Fobs. Duplication of

Key Fobs may be performed at an authorized

dealer. This procedure consists of programming

a blank Key Fob to the vehicle electronics. A

blank Key Fob is one that has never been

programmed.

NOTE:

When having the Sentry Key® Immobilizer

System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with

you to an authorized dealer.

Customer Key Programming

Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters

may be performed at an authorized dealer.

General Information

The Sentry Key® operates on a carrier fre-

quency of 433.92 MHz. The Sentry Key® Im-

mobilizer system is subject to the following

conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interfer-

ence.

• This device must accept any interference

that may be received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM —

IF EQUIPPED

This Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the ve-

hicle doors, hood, liftgate, and ignition for unau-

thorized operation. While the Vehicle Security

Alarm is armed, interior switches for door locks

and liftgate release are disabled. If something

triggers the Vehicle Security Alarm the horn will

sound for 29 seconds and turn off all of the

visual signals after an additional 31 seconds. If

the triggering device is not deactivated, the horn

will sound again after a five second delay for

another 29 seconds. If the trigger remains pres-

ent, this cycle will repeat for up to five minutes.

To Arm The System

Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security

Alarm:

1. Make sure the vehicles ignition is cycled to

the “OFF” position (refer to "Starting Proce-

dures" in "Starting And Operating" for further

information).

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-

Go™, make sure the vehicle ignition system

is OFF.

• For vehicles not equipped with Keyless

Enter-N-Go™, make sure the vehicle ignition

system is OFF and the key is physically

removed from the ignition.

2. Perform one of the following methods to lock

the vehicle:

• Push LOCK on the interior power door lock

switch with the driver and/or passenger door

open.

15

• Push the LOCK button on the exterior Pas-

sive Entry Door Handle with a valid Key Fob

available in the same exterior zone (refer to

"Keyless Enter-N-Go™" in "Things To Know

Before Starting Your Vehicle" for further

information).

• Push the LOCK button on the Remote Key-

less Entry (RKE) transmitter.

3. If any doors are open, close them.

To Disarm The System

The Vehicle Security Alarm can be disarmed

using any of the following methods:

• Press the UNLOCK button on the Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

• Grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle

with a valid Key Fob available in the same

exterior zone (if equipped), refer to "Keyless

Enter-N-Go™ " in "Things To Know Before

Starting Your Vehicle" for further information.

• Cycle the vehicle ignition system out of the

OFF position.

• For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-

N-Go™ , press the Keyless Enter-N-Go™

Start/Stop button (requires at least one

valid Key Fob in the vehicle).

• For vehicles not equipped with Keyless

Enter-N-Go™ , insert a valid key into the

ignition switch and turn the key to the ON

position.

NOTE:

• The driver’s door key cylinder and the

liftgate button on the RKE transmitter

cannot arm or disarm the Vehicle Security

Alarm.

• The Vehicle Security Alarm remains

armed during power liftgate entry. Press-

ing the liftgate button will not disarm the

Vehicle Security Alarm. If someone enters

the vehicle through the liftgate and opens

any door the alarm will sound.

• When the Vehicle Security Alarm is

armed, the interior power door lock

switches will not unlock the doors.

The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to pro-

tect your vehicle; however, you can create

conditions where the system will give you a

false alarm. If one of the previously described

arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle

Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether

you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the

vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If

this occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.

If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the

battery becomes disconnected, the Vehicle Se-

curity Alarm will remain armed when the battery

is reconnected; the exterior lights will flash, the

horn will sound. If this occurs, disarm the Ve-

hicle Security Alarm.

Security System Manual Override

The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you

lock the doors using the manual door lock

plunger.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY

The courtesy lights will turn on when you use

the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to

unlock the doors or open any door.

This feature also turns on the approach lighting

in the outside mirrors — if equipped. Refer to

“Mirrors” in “Understanding The Features Of

Your Vehicle” for further information.

16

The lights will fade to off after approximately 30

seconds or they will immediately fade to off

once the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN

from the OFF position.

NOTE:

• The front courtesy overhead console and

door courtesy lights do not turn on if the

dimmer control is in the “Dome defeat”

position (extreme bottom position).

• The Illuminated Entry system will not op-

erate if the dimmer control is in the

“Dome defeat” position (extreme bottom

position).

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

(RKE)

The RKE system allows you to lock or unlock

the doors and open the power liftgate from

distances up to approximately 66 ft (20 m) using

a hand-held Key Fob with RKE transmitter. The

RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed at

the vehicle to activate the system.

NOTE:

Driving at speeds 5 mph (8 km/h) and above

disables the system from responding to all

RKE transmitter buttons for all RKE trans-

mitters.

To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate

Push and release the UNLOCK button on the

RKE transmitter once to unlock the driver’s door

or twice within five seconds to unlock all doors

and liftgate. The turn signal lights will flash to

acknowledge the unlock signal. The illuminated

entry system will also turn on.

If the vehicle is equipped with Passive Entry,

refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go™” in “Things To

Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further

information.

Emergency Key Removal (KIN)

Emergency Key Removal (IGNM)

17

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Jeep 2015 Cherokee Operating Information Manual

Jeep 2015 Cherokee Operating Information Manual

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