Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2018 year). Instruction — part 22

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.

CAUTION!

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts
on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with
your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.

To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.

Common Towing Definitions

The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight.
The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed
the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in its

⬙loaded and ready for

operation

⬙ condition.

The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of
the trailer must be supported by the scale.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or

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rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.

WARNING!

It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.

Tongue Weight (TW)

The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.

Trailer Frontal Area

The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control

The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable friction
associated with the telescoping motion to dampen any
unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.

If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.

Weight-Carrying Hitch

A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi-
tion of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and

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may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.

WARNING!

• An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch

system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in a collision.

• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible

with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.

Trailer Hitch Classification

The following chart provides the industry standard for the
maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow
and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct
trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.

Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions

Class

Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards

Class I - Light Duty

2,000 lbs (907 kg)

Class II - Medium Duty

3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)

Class III - Heavy Duty

5,000 lbs (2,267 kg)

Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty

10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)

Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) — SRT

Engine/Transmission

GCWR (Gross Com-

bined Wt. Rating)

Frontal Area

Max. GTW (Gross

Trailer Wt.)

Max. Trailer Tongue

Wt. (See Note)

6.2L Supercharged

Automatic

12,600 lbs (5,715 kg)

55 sq ft (5.11 sq m)

7,200 lbs (3,265 kg)

720 lbs (327 kg)

6.4L Automatic

12,600 lbs (5,715 kg)

55 sq ft (5.11 sq m)

7,200 lbs (3,265 kg)

720 lbs (327 kg)

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.

NOTE:
• The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of

the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for further information.

• The manufacturer does not recommend using the run

flat feature while driving a vehicle loaded at full capac-
ity or towing a trailer.

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Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover Removal

Your vehicle may be equipped with a trailer hitch receiver
cover, this must be removed to access the trailer hitch
receiver (if equipped). This hitch receiver cover is located
at the bottom center of the rear fascia.

1. Turn the two locking retainers located at the bottom of

the hitch receiver cover a 1/4 turn counterclockwise.

NOTE:

Use a suitable tool such as a coin in the slot of the

locking retainer if needed for added leverage.

Hitch Receiver Cover

1 — Hitch Receiver Cover
2 — Locking Retainer

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2. Pull the bottom of the cover outward (towards you).

3. Lower back down to disengage the tabs located at the

top of the hitch receiver cover and then pull outwards to
remove.

To reinstall the hitch receiver cover after towing repeat the
procedure in reverse order.

NOTE:

Be sure to engage all tabs of the hitch receiver cover

in the bumper fascia prior to installation.

Hitch Receiver Cover

Hitch Receiver Cover Removal

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Trailer And Tongue Weight

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the rear axle of the vehicle:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put

in or on your vehicle.

• The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.

CAUTION!

• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer

is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do
not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine
and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.

Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled Servic-
ing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And

Weight Distribution

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Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.

WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:

• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer

and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage
to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, chassis structure or tires.

• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a

grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or

ⴖchockⴖ the trailer wheels.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.

• Total weight must be distributed between the tow

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

3. GAWR

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.

Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and

satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire inflation
procedures.

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• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures

before trailer usage.

• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before

towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And

Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible per-
sonal injury.

• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over

1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).

WARNING!

• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-

draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have a collision.

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-

tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

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The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring

harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer
to the following illustrations.

NOTE:
• Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle

before launching a boat (or any other device plugged
into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.

• Be sure to reconnect after clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

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Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.

Automatic Transmission

Select the DRIVE range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur
while in DRIVE, select TOW mode, or use the AutoStick
shift control to manually select a lower gear.

TOW Mode

To reduce the potential for automatic transmission over-
heating, select TOW mode when driving in hilly areas, or
select a lower gear (using the AutoStick shift paddles) on
more severe grades.

NOTE:

Using TOW mode, or selecting a lower gear (using

the AutoStick shift control) while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking.

AutoStick
• When using the AutoStick shift control, select the high-

est gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “5” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “4” or “3”
if needed to maintain the desired speed.

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

6 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

4 — Electric Brakes

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• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous

driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary
to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.

Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:

City Driving

In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving

Reduce speed.

Air Conditioning

Turn off temporarily.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Recreational towing is not allowed.

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle with any of its wheels on the
ground can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

NOTE:

This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle

trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.

DRIVING TIPS

Driving On Slippery Surfaces

Information in this section will aid in safe controlled
launches in adverse conditions.

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery
surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a

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difference in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.

WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front
wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and
possibly have a collision. Accelerate slowly and care-
fully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

Traction

When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should be
observed:
• Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are

slushy.

• Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
• Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first be-

come visible.

• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and

the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.

Driving Through Water

Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle.

Flowing/Rising Water

WARNING!

Do not drive on or across a road or path where water is
flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing
water can wear away the road or path’s surface and
cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Further-
more, flowing and/or rising water can carry your ve-
hicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.

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Shallow Standing Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through shal-
low standing water, consider the following Cautions and
Warnings before doing so.

WARNING!

• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s

traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h)
when driving through standing water.

• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s

braking capabilities, which increases stopping dis-
tances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.

• Failure to follow these warnings may result in inju-

ries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.

CAUTION!

• Always check the depth of the standing water before

driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.

• Determine the condition of the road or the path that

is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.

• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through

standing water. This will minimize wave effects.

• Driving through standing water may cause damage

to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause

it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

CONTENTS

䡵 HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . .352
䡵 ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED . . . .352
䡵 BULB REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357

▫ Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357
▫ Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .358

䡵 FUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .362

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363
▫ Underhood Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .364

䡵 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING . . . . . . . . . . .370

▫ Run Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370
▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370
▫ Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371
▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371
▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372