Jeep Cherokee (KL): Shifting Procedures

Shifting Into 4X4 LOW

With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position and the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL, and push the "4WD LOW" button once. The "4WD LOW" indicator light in the instrument cluster will begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is complete.

Selec-Terrain Switch
Selec-Terrain Switch

NOTE: If shift conditions/interlocks are not met a message will flash from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) with instructions on how to complete the requested shift.

Refer to "Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/ Driver Information Display (DID) in "Understanding Your Instrument Panel" for further information.

Shifting Out Of 4X4 LOW

With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position and the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL, and press the "4WD LOW" button once. 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, a message will flash from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) with instructions on how to complete the requested shift. Refer to "Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/Driver Information Display (DID) in "Understanding 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 alignment 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 4WD system will not allow the shift.

NEUTRAL Shift Procedure

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 disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission is in gear). The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.

2. Turn the engine OFF.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, 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, press and hold the recessed power transfer unit NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete.

Neutral Switch
Neutral Switch

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

8. Start the engine.

9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

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

11. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

12. Apply the parking brake.

13. Shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the Key Fob.

Repeat steps 1-7 to shift out of NEUTRAL.

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