2021 Jeep Cherokee Warning Lights

In the complicated world of car communication, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee’s warning lights stand guard like sentries, lighting up the dashboard with their purposeful glow. These visual cues, each of which shows a different part of the vehicle’s health and usefulness, tell a story that helps drivers figure out how to get where they’re going. From the check engine light, which always comes on when there might be a problem, to the tire pressure warning, which makes sure the car is as safe as possible, these lights serve as a language of messages, connecting the mechanical and the intuitive. As a group, the warning lights in the 2021 Cherokee uphold the manufacturer’s commitment to driver awareness and vehicle safety. The dashboard becomes a canvas of information that gives drivers the power to react quickly and wisely to the constantly changing needs of the road.

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive. Always refer to the information in this chapter in the event of a failure indication. All active telltales will display first if applicable. The system check menu may appear differently based upon equipment options and current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and may not appear.

RED WARNING LIGHTS

Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

This warning light indicates when the driver or passenger seat belt is unbuckled. When the ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously and a chime will sound.

Air Bag Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault with the air bag, and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the air bag has been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Brake Warning Light

This warning light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System reservoir.

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

NOTE

• The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions. The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
• If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer. The light will also turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.

NOTE: This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

Battery Charge Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system or a related component. This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Door Open Warning Light

• This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and not fully closed.

NOTE

• If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light

• This warning light will turn on when there’s a fault with the EPS system.

WARNING: Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with the ETC system. If a problem is detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK (P) position. The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.

NOTE: This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed at the same time.

If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound.

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service.

Hood Open Warning Light

• This warning light will illuminate when the hood is left open and not fully closed.

NOTE: If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.

Liftgate Open Warning Light

• This warning light will illuminate when the liftgate is open.

NOTE: If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate low engine oil pressure. A chime will sound when this light turns on and a message “Oil Pressure Low” will display in the message screen. If the light turns on while driving, pull the vehicle to the side of the road at a safe location, stop the vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as possible, check the oil level and correct the oil level if it is low. Contact an authorized dealer.

Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light may or may not indicate how much oil is in the engine. If the oil level is low and corrected, the engine can be restarted. Otherwise the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.

NOTE: The light may flash, a message in the center of the dash may display momentarily “low oil pressure” and a chime may occur during sharp cornering maneuvers. If this happen it may indicate a low oil level. The oil level should be checked and dealer service performed if this occurs.

CAUTION

• If the vehicle is driven with low oil levels severe engine damage can occur. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Oil Temperature Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to return to normal levels.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmission fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.

WARNING

If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.

CAUTION: Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped

• This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15 seconds when the Vehicle Security System is arming, and then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.

YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault Warning Light — If Equipped

• This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the ACC system.
• Contact a local authorized dealer for service.

Electronic Park Brake Warning Light

• This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Electronic Park Brake is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer.

Anti-lock brake System (ABS) Warning Light

• This warning light monitors the ABS. The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and service is required as soon as possible. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is also not on. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position,have the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will indicate when the Electronic Stability Control system is Active. The ESC Indicator Light in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

• The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/ RUN position.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
• This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light — If Equipped

• This warning light indicates the ESC is off.
• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/ RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off previously.

Low Fuel Warning Light

• When the fuel level reaches approximately 2 gal (7.5 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added. A single warning chime will sound with Low Fuel Warning.

Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If Equipped

• This warning light will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.

Service LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped

• This warning light will illuminate when the LaneSense system is not operating and requires service. Please see an authorized dealer.

LaneSense Warning Light — If Equipped

• The LaneSense Warning Light will be solid yellow when the vehicle is approaching a lane marker. The warning light will flash when the vehicle is crossing the lane marker.

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing. When the engine is running, the MIL may flash toalert serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this occurs.

WARNING: A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

CAUTION

Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Service 4WD Warning Light — If Equipped

This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.

Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped

• This telltale will turn on to indicate a fault in the Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an local authorized dealer for service.

Service Stop / Start System Warning Light

• This telltale will turn on to indicate the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

Cruise Control Fault Warning Light

• This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Cruise Control System is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light

• The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
• Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the indications corresponding to each tire.

CAUTION: Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tire repair kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire pressure warning light when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure warning light illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

CAUTION

The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.

YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Off Indicator Light — If Equipped

• This light indicates that Forward Collision Warning is off.

4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the 4WD Low mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the wheels.

Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light

• This light indicates when the rear axle lock has been activated.

GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With Target Vehicle Light — If Equipped

• This will display when the ACC is set and a vehicle in front is detected.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set Without Target Vehicle Light — If Equipped

• This will display the distance setting for the ACC system when the system is engaged.

Cruise Control Set Indicator Light — If Equipped

• This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is set to the desired speed.

Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped

• This indicator light will illuminate when the front fog lights.

LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped

The LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid green when both lane markings have been detected and the system is “armed” and ready to provide visual and torque warnings if an unintentional lane departure occurs.

Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the parking lights or headlights are turned.

Stop/Start Active Indicator Light

This telltale will illuminate when the Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn signal indicator will flash independently and the corresponding exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved down (left) or up (right).

NOTE

• A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
• Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.

WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready Light — If Equipped

• This light will turn on when ACC has been turned on, but is not set.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set Light — If Equipped

• This light will turn on when the vehicle equipped with ACC has reached the speed desired and the set button has been selected.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If Equipped

This indicator shows when the HDC feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in the 4WD Low position and the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.

LaneSense Indicator Light — If Equipped

When the LaneSense system is ON, but not armed, the LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid white. This occurs when only left, right, or neither lane line has been detected. If a single lane line is detected, the system is ready to provide only visual warnings ifan unintentional lane departure occurs on the detected lane line.

Selec-Speed Control Indicator Light — If Equipped

• This light will turn on when “Selec-Speed Control” is activated.
• To activate “Selec-Speed Control”, ensure the vehicle is in Four – Wheel Drive (4WD) Low and push the button on the Instrument Panel.

NOTE: If the vehicle is not in 4WD Low, “To Enter Selec-Speed Shift to 4WD Low” will appear in the instrument cluster display.

Cruise Control Ready Indicator Light

• This light will turn on when the Cruise Control has been turned on, but not set.

BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS

High Beam Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high-beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward you for a temporary high beam on, “flash to pass” scenario.

FAQ