Jeep Cherokee (2019 year). Manual

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the power transfer unit in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The NEUTRAL (N) position disen-
gages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if
the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.

Use the following procedure to shift the 4WD system into
NEUTRAL (N).

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the power transfer unit is fully in NEUTRAL (N)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to inter-
nal parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground,

and shift the transmission to PARK.

2. Turn the engine OFF.

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

the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the
selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind the N
symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light
will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to
NEUTRAL (N) is complete.

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7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light

stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. Start the engine.

9. Release the parking brake.

10. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

11. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure

that there is no vehicle movement.

12. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

13. Apply the parking brake.

14. Shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,

and remove the key fob.

15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable

tow bar.

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

start the engine.

17. Press and hold the brake pedal.

18. Release the parking brake.

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

the brake pedal.

NOTE:
• When towing this vehicle behind another vehicle, the

Mopar flat tow wiring kit must be used, and the parking
brake must be released.

• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met

before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met before pushing
the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during
the shift, then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will
flash continuously until all requirements are met or until
the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

Neutral Button

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389

• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)

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

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con-

nected to the tow vehicle.

2. Apply the parking brake.

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

the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold

the recessed power transfer unit NEUTRAL (N) button
(located by the selector switch) for one second.

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

release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the

power transfer unit will shift to the position indicated
by the selector switch.

NOTE:

When shifting the power transfer unit out of

NEUTRAL (N), the engine should remain OFF to avoid
gear clash.

9. Shift the transmission into PARK.

10. Release the brake pedal.

Neutral Button

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STARTING AND OPERATING

11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.

12. Start the engine.

13. Press and hold the brake pedal.

14. Release the parking brake.

15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake

pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.

16. Re-enable the Auto Park Brake feature, if desired.

NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met

before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If
any of these requirements are not met before pushing
the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during
the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode for a shift to

take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition is not in the ON/RUN mode, the
shift will not take place and no position indicator lights
will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indi-

cates that shift requirements have not been met.

DRIVING TIPS

On-Road Driving Tips

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design character-
istics give them a higher center of gravity than conven-
tional passenger cars.

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-
road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.

STARTING AND OPERATING

391

Off-Road Driving Tips

When To Use 4WD LOW Range

When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascend-
ing or descending steep hills, and to increase low-speed
pulling power (refer to “All Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel
Drive Operation” in this section for further details). This
range should be limited to extreme situations such as deep
snow, mud, or sand where additional low speed pulling
power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 50 mph
(80 km/h) should be avoided when in 4WD LOW range.

Driving Through Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water,
there are a number of precautions that must be considered
before entering the water:

CAUTION!

When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle. If you must drive through
water, try to determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed
with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less
than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave
effects.

Flowing Water

If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm run-off)
avoid crossing until the water level recedes and/or the
flow rate is reduced. If you must cross flowing-water,
avoid depths in excess of 9 inches (22 cm). The flowing
water can erode the streambed causing your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are down-
stream of your entry point to allow for drifting.

Standing Water

Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 16 inches
(40.5 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 16 inches (40.5 cm) of
water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

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(Trailhawk only): Avoid driving in standing water deeper
than 19 inches (48 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to
minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in 19 inches (48
cm) of water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Maintenance

After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, Power Transfer
Unit, and Rear Drive Module) to assure they have not been
contaminated. Contaminated fluids and lubricants (milky,
foamy in appearance) should be flushed/changed as soon
as possible to prevent component damage.

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand

In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the 4WD system to the appropriate terrain
mode, using 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to
maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.

Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.

Hill Climbing

NOTE:

Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the

conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.

Before climbing a steep hill,

shift the transmission to a

lower gear and shift the 4WD System to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.

NOTE:

Brakes should be applied at increased slippage, but

before coming to a stop to avoid digging into the loose
surface and rendering the operator of the vehicle stuck/
immobile.

If you stall or begin to lose headway

while climbing a

steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Once stopped, shift to
REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing the com-
pression braking of the engine to help regulate your speed.
If the brakes are required to control vehicle speed, apply
them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.

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393

WARNING!

If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt
to turn around. To do so may result in tipping and
rolling the vehicle. Always back straight down a hill in
REVERSE gear carefully. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the brake.

NOTE:

Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill -

drive straight up or down.

If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a hill,
ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by turning
the front wheels slowly left and right. This may provide a
fresh “bite” into the surface and may provide traction to
complete the climb.

Traction Downhill

Shift the transmission into a low gear and the 4WD System
to 4WD LOW range or Select Hill Descent Control if
equipped (refer to

⬙Safety Features⬙ in the “Safety” section

for further information). Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine com-
pression drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction.

When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.

Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.

• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as

required.

• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on

the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.

• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things

could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.

• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar

dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,
wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the braking system
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking
performance. Full braking power may not be available
to prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, inspect and clean the
braking components as soon as possible.

• Impacted material can cause wheel imbalance. Freeing

the wheels of impacted material will likely rectify im-
balance condition.

STARTING AND OPERATING

395

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the lower
center area of the instrument panel.

Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the

switch a second time to turn off the Hazard Warning
flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and it should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.

NOTE:

With extended use, the Hazard Warning flashers

may wear down your battery.

ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED

If equipped, the rearview mirror contains an ASSIST and a
SOS button.

Assist And SOS Mirror

1 — SOS Button
2 — ASSIST Button

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

399

WARNING!

ALWAYS obey traffic laws and pay attention to the
road. ALWAYS drive safely with your hands on the
steering wheel. You have full responsibility and as-
sume all risks related to the use of the features and
applications in this vehicle. Only use the features and
applications when it is safe to do so. Failure to do so
may result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.

NOTE:
• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized by

the subscriber.

• The SOS and ASSIST buttons will only function if you

are connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G
(data) network. Other Uconnect services will only be
operable if your SiriusXM Guardian service is active and
you are connected to an operable LTE (voice/data) or 4G
(data) network.

ASSIST Call

The ASSIST Button is used to automatically connect you to
any one of the following support centers:

• Roadside Assistance – If you get a flat tire, or need a tow,

just push the ASSIST button and you’ll be connected to
someone who can help. Roadside Assistance will know
what vehicle you’re driving and its location. Additional
fees may apply for roadside assistance.

• SiriusXM Guardian Customer Care – In-vehicle support

for SiriusXM Guardian.

• Vehicle Customer Care – Total support for all other

vehicle issues.

SOS Call

1. Push the SOS Call button on the Rearview Mirror.

NOTE:

In case the SOS Call button is pushed in error, there

will be a ten second delay before the SOS Call system
initiates a call to a SOS operator. To cancel the SOS Call
connection, push the SOS call button on the Rearview
Mirror or press the cancellation button on the Device
Screen. Termination of the SOS Call will turn off the green
LED light on the Rearview Mirror.

2. The LED light located between the ASSIST and SOS

buttons on the Rearview Mirror will turn green once a
connection to a SOS operator has been made.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

3. Once a connection between the vehicle and a SOS

operator is made, the SOS Call system may transmit the
following important vehicle information to a SOS op-
erator:

• Indication that the occupant placed a SOS Call.
• The vehicle brand.
• The last known GPS coordinates of the vehicle.

4. You should be able to speak with the SOS operator

through the vehicle audio system to determine if addi-
tional help is needed.

WARNING!

NOTE:

• Your vehicle may be transmitting data as authorized

by the subscriber.

• Once a connection is made between the vehicle’s SOS

Call system and the SOS operator, the SOS operator
may be able to open a voice connection with the
vehicle to determine if additional help is needed. Once
the SOS operator opens a voice connection with the
vehicle’s SOS Call system, the operator should be able
to speak with you or other vehicle occupants and hear
sounds occurring in the vehicle. The vehicle’s SOS Call
system will attempt to remain connected with the SOS
operator until the SOS operator terminates the connec-
tion.

5. The SOS operator may attempt to contact appropriate

emergency responders and provide them with impor-
tant vehicle information and GPS coordinates.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

401

WARNING!

• If anyone in the vehicle could be in danger (e.g., fire

or smoke is visible, dangerous road conditions or
location), do not wait for voice contact from an
Emergency Services Agent. All occupants should exit
the vehicle immediately and move to a safe location.

• Never place anything on or near the vehicle’s operable

network and GPS antennas. You could prevent oper-
able network and GPS signal reception, which can
prevent your vehicle from placing an emergency call.
An operable network and GPS signal reception is
required for the SOS Call system to function properly.

• The SOS Call system is embedded into the vehicle’s

electrical system. Do not add aftermarket electrical
equipment to the vehicle’s electrical system. This
may prevent your vehicle from sending a signal to
initiate an emergency call. To avoid interference that
can cause the SOS Call system to fail, never add
aftermarket equipment (e.g., two-way mobile radio,
CB radio, data recorder, etc.) to your vehicle’s electri-
cal system or modify the antennas on your vehicle. IF
YOUR VEHICLE LOSES BATTERY POWER FOR
ANY REASON (INCLUDING DURING OR AFTER

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

AN ACCIDENT), THE UCONNECT FEATURES,
APPS AND SERVICES, AMONG OTHERS, WILL
NOT OPERATE.

• Modifications to any part of the SOS Call system

could cause the air bag system to fail when you need
it. You could be injured if the air bag system is not
there to help protect you.

SOS Call System Limitations

Vehicles sold in Mexico DO NOT have SOS Call system
capabilities.

SOS or other emergency line operators in Mexico may not
answer or respond to SOS system calls.

If the SOS Call system detects a malfunction, any of the
following may occur at the time the malfunction is de-
tected, and at the beginning of each ignition cycle:
• The Rearview Mirror light located between the ASSIST

and SOS buttons will continuously be illuminated red.

• The Device Screen will display the following message

“Vehicle device requires service. Please contact your
dealer.”

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

• An In-Vehicle Audio message will state “Vehicle device

requires service. Please contact your dealer.”

WARNING!

• Ignoring the Rearview Mirror light could mean you

will not have SOS Call services. If the Rearview
Mirror light is illuminated, have your authorized
dealer service the SOS Call system immediately.

• The Occupant Restraint Control module turns on the

air bag Warning Light on the instrument panel if a
malfunction in any part of the system is detected. If
the Air Bag Warning Light is illuminated, have your
authorized dealer service the Occupant Restraint
Control system immediately.

Even if the SOS Call system is fully functional, factors
beyond FCA US LLC’s control may prevent or stop the SOS
Call system operation. These include, but are not limited
to, the following factors:
• Delayed accessories mode is active.
• The ignition is in the OFF position.
• The vehicle’s electrical systems are not intact.
• The SOS Call system software and/or hardware are

damaged during a crash.

• The vehicle battery loses power or becomes discon-

nected during a vehicle crash.

• LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network and/or Global

Positioning Satellite signals are unavailable or ob-
structed.

• Equipment malfunction at the SOS operator facility.
• Operator error by the SOS operator.
• LTE (voice/data) or 4G (data) network congestion.
• Weather.
• Buildings, structures, geographic terrain, or tunnels.

WARNING!

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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Jeep Cherokee (2019 year). Manual - part 25