2021 Jeep Cherokee All Wheel Drive (AWD)
At the point where capability and trust meet, the all-wheel drive (AWD) system in the 2021 Jeep Cherokee rises as a powerful partner, blending power distribution with road dynamics in a seamless way. This system gives the Cherokee the power to handle a wide range of terrains and conditions, from city streets to rough roads less traveled. It is a perfect example of how adaptable the Cherokee is. The AWD system works as a guardian of stability, giving traction where it’s needed most. It does this by being able to detect and react to wheel slip. Beyond the way it works, the AWD system captures the spirit of the Cherokee. It gives drivers the freedom to explore, the confidence to overcome, and the ability to travel without giving up anything. It shows how hard the company worked to make a car that isn’t just a way to get around, but also a way to go on unforgettable trips.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
1-SPEED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs or additional driving skills required. Under normal driving conditions, the front wheels provide most of the traction. If the front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the front wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the rear wheels. Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be sent to the rear in a preemptive effort to improve vehicle launch and performance characteristics.
CAUTION
- All wheels must have the same size and type tires. Unequal tire sizes must not be used.
- Unequal tire size may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
2-SPEED FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) — IF EQUIPPED
The Four-Wheel Drive is fully automatic in the normal driving mode. The Selec-Terrain buttons provide three selectable mode positions:
- 4WD LOW
- REAR LOCK (If Equipped)
- N (NEUTRAL)
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW range position can be used to provide an additional gear reduction, which allows for increased torque to be delivered to both the front and rear wheels. 4WD LOW is intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in 4WD LOW 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 normal driving mode 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 driveline components. 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.
SHIFT POSITIONS
For additional information on the appropriate use of each 4WD system mode position, see the information below:
N (NEUTRAL)
- This range disengages the driveline from the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing behind another vehicle.
WARNING: You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the power transfer unit in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The N (NEUTRAL) position disengages 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, unless the vehicle is otherwise secured (for example, when attached to the tow vehicle).
4WD LOW
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: For further information on the various positions and their intended usages.
SHIFTING PROCEDURES
Shifting Into 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition in the ON mode 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.
NOTE: If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a message will flash from the instrument cluster display with instructions on how to complete the requested shift.
Shifting Out Of 4X4 LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition in the ON mode 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 flash and go out when the shift is complete.
NOTE
- If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a message will flash from the instrument cluster display with instructions on how to complete the requested shift.
- 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.
REAR ELECTRONIC LOCKER SYSTEM
REAR ELECTRONIC LOCKER SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Rear Electronic Locker System features a mechanical locking rear differential to provide better traction in the 4WD LOW position. The REAR LOCK button is on the Selec-Terrain Knob.
Activating The Rear Electronic Locker
To activate the Rear Electronic Locker System, the following conditions must be met:
- The 4WD system must be in 4WD LOW.
- The ignition in the ON mode and the engine running.
- Vehicle speed must be below 15 mph (24 km/h).
- To engage the Rear Electronic Locker, push the REAR LOCK button once.
Deactivating The Rear Electronic Locker System
To deactivate the Rear Electronic Locker System, the following conditions must be met:
- Rear Electronic Locker must be engaged, and the REAR LOCK indicator light on.
- The ignition in the ON mode and the engine running.
- To disengage Rear Electronic Locker, push the REAR LOCK button once.
NOTE
- It may also be necessary to drive slowly steering back and forth to complete engagement and disengagement of the Electronic Locker.
- When engaging Rear Electronic Locker, the indicator lights in the instrument cluster and on the REAR LOCK button will begin to flash. When the shift is complete the REAR LOCK indicator lights will remain on.
- When disengaging Rear Electronic Locker, the indicator lights in the instrument cluster and on the REAR LOCK button will begin to flash. When the shift is complete the REAR LOCK indicator lights will remain off.
- Shifting into or out of Rear Electronic Locker 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 for the vehicle to be rolling, below 15 mph (24 km/h), while including right and left steering maneuvers to allow for the clutch teeth to align.
- The Rear Electronic Locker System must be disengaged prior to taking the vehicle out of 4WD LOW range. If 4WD LOW shift conditions/ interlocks are not met, a message will flash from the instrument cluster display with instructions on how to complete the requested shift.
FAQ
A1: The AWD system in the 2021 Cherokee is designed to enhance traction and stability by distributing power to all four wheels, improving performance on various road conditions.
A2: The AWD system is often available as an option on most models of the 2021 Cherokee, while some base models might come with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard.
A3: The AWD system typically detects wheel slip and automatically sends power to the wheels with the most traction, ensuring optimal grip and control.
A4: In many models, the AWD system in the 2021 Cherokee operates automatically, but some might offer a selectable mode to switch between AWD and FWD.
A5: Yes, certain models of the 2021 Cherokee might offer selectable AWD modes such as Auto, Snow, Sport, or Sand/Mud, adjusting power distribution for different conditions.
A6: Yes, some models of the 2021 Cherokee offer a lockable AWD mode, which evenly distributes power between the front and rear wheels for added traction.
A7: The AWD system in the 2021 Cherokee often features a default front-wheel bias, but it can send power to the rear wheels when needed for traction.
A8: Yes, the AWD system enhances off-road capability by providing better traction on challenging terrain, contributing to the Cherokee’s versatility.
A9: Yes, many models of the 2021 Cherokee include an AWD indicator that shows when the AWD system is engaged.
A10: The AWD system might have a slight impact on fuel efficiency compared to FWD, as it requires more power to operate all four wheels.
A11: Yes, the AWD-equipped 2021 Cherokee often offers towing capabilities, but the maximum towing capacity can vary based on the engine and configuration.
A12: Yes, the AWD system enhances traction on slippery surfaces, making it suitable for winter driving conditions.
A13: The AWD option is usually available for most trim levels of the 2021 Cherokee, but availability might vary based on the specific model.
A14: Yes, the AWD system typically uses sensors to detect wheel slippage and adjusts power distribution to maintain traction.
A15: The AWD system might require slightly more maintenance, such as checking and changing fluids, to ensure its optimal performance.
2023 JEEP CHEROKEE Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2021 Jeep Cherokee |Auto User Guide
2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission User Manual