2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission

The transmission is at the center of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee’s mechanical symphony. It acts as a dynamic director, making sure that power and motion work together smoothly. With its advanced technology and fine engineering, the transmission is a great example of how efficiency and speed can go hand in hand. Usually equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it strikes a good mix between gear ratios to improve both speed and gas mileage. Whether you’re driving in a city or off-road, the transmission’s adaptability shines through its different driving modes and manual shifting options, which meet the different needs of the trip. As an important part of what it’s like to drive a Cherokee, the transmission shows how much the company cares about engineering precision. It turns gears into the threads that make up every journey.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.

WARNING

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal) position, (or, with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™, when the ignition is in the OFF mode) the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal, or transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™) in the ACC or ON/ RUN mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION: Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the ignition can be turned to the LOCK/OFF (key removal) position. The key fob can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and the transmission is locked in PARK whenever the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position.

BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM

This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds.

NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds). Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.

NOTE

• The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilometers).
• In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector position and the actual transmission gear (for example, driver selects REVERSE while driving forward), the position indicator will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the proper position, or the requested shift can be completed.

The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental and road conditions. The nine-speed transmission has been developed to meet the needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles. Software and calibration is refined to optimize the customer’s driving experience and fuel economy. By design, some vehicle and driveline combinations utilize NINTH gear only in very specific driving situations and conditions.

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting between these gears. The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions. Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift control. Moving the gear selector into the MANUAL (-/+)  position (beside the DRIVE position) activates AutoStick mode, providing manual shift control and displaying the current gear in the instrument cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.). Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL position will manually select the transmission gear.

NOTE: If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward), it is probably in the MANUAL (AutoStick, [+/-]) position (beside the DRIVE position). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.

GEAR RANGES

Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting out of PARK or NEUTRAL.

NOTE

• After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
• This is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake bylocking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this range. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

When exiting the vehicle, always:

• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine off.
• Remove the key fob.

WARNING

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal) position (or, with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™, when the ignition is in the OFF mode), the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or transmission gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™) in the ACC or ON/ RUN mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the gear selector and firmly move the selector all the way forward until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify that it indicates the PARK position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

• This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
• Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK, if you must exit the vehicle.

WARNING: Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that limit your response to changing traffic or road conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION

• Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage.
• If Recreational Towing.
• If Towing A Disabled Vehicle.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically upshifts through all forward gears.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control (refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further information) to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating limits, the transmission controller may modify the transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand the range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to prevent transmission damage due to overheating.If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the Transmission Temperature Warning Light may illuminate and the transmission may operate differently until the transmission cools down.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be modified depending on engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm-up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch, and shifts into EIGHTH or NINTH gear, are inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm. Normal operation will resume once the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.

SPORT — If Equipped

This mode alters the transmission’s automatic shift schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are increased to make full use of available engine power. SPORT mode is activated using the rotary switch on the center console.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL. The MalfunctionIndicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service without damaging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will return to normal operation.

NOTE

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the condition of your transmission. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is required.

AutoStick

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature providing manual shift control, giving you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more control during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing and many other situations.

Operation

When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside the DRIVE position), it can be moved forward and rearward. This allows the driver to manually select the transmission gear being used. Moving the gear selector forward (-) triggers a downshift, and rearward (+) an upshift. The current gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.

NOTE

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift up or down when the driver moves the gear selector rearward (+) or forward (-), except as described below.

• The transmission will automatically upshift when necessary to prevent engine overspeed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to FIRST or SECOND gear (depending on the model)when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out (from a stop) in FIRST or SECOND gear. Starting out in SECOND gear can be helpful in snow or icy conditions. Tap the gear selector forward or rearward to select the desired gear after the vehicle is brought to a stop.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to overspeed, that shift will not occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Avoid using Cruise Control when AutoStick is engaged because the transmission will not shift automatically.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault or overheat condition is detected.

To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick position at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.

WARNING: Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or personal injury.

Torque Converter Clutch

A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter engages automatically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different feeling or response during normal operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE

The torque converter clutch will not engage until the transmission fluid is warm (usually after 1 to 3 miles [2 to 5 km] of driving). Because the engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is normal. The torque converter clutch will function normally once the transmission is sufficiently warm.

FAQ