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:

1. The 4WD system must be in 4WD LOW.
2. The ignition in the ON mode and the engine running.
3. Vehicle speed must be below 15 mph (24 km/h).
4. 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:

1. Rear Electronic Locker must be engaged, and the REAR LOCK indicator light on.
2. The ignition in the ON mode and the engine running.
3. 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