2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe All Wheel Drive (AWD) Instructions
When it comes to toughness and environmental friendliness, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a world first. This next-generation SUV combines the legendary Jeep off-road skills with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in a way that looks great and is good for the environment. The 4xe model has a powerful mix of a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This gives drivers better gas mileage without sacrificing the famous Jeep 4×4 capability. The 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe AWD offers a versatile driving experience, whether you’re going through rough terrain or cruising through cities. With cutting-edge technology and a dedication to lowering its effect on the environment, this model not only pushes the limits of what is possible off-road but also takes a big step toward a more sustainable future for tough, high-performance vehicles.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
The driveline is equipped with a Front Axle Disconnect (FAD) for the one-speed and two-speed drivelines. The FAD operation is fully automated and controlled by the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM). It does not require any customer input to engage. The FAD is set to connect, disconnect, and provide 4WD function based on certain set conditions detected by the DTCM, including but not limited to the following:
- Ambient temperature
- Wipers
- Selec-Terrain mode selection
- Wheel-slip detection
The FAD is actuated only in the 4WD HI range and stays connected for 4WD LOW.
QUADRA-TRAC I OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS/PRECAUTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range only) transfer case, which enables on-demand four-wheel drive with active torque management. No driver interaction is required. The Brake Traction Control (BTC) system, which combines standard ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer to wheels with traction.
NOTE:
The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate for conditions where the 4WD LOW range is recommended off-roading, it is recommended that the lowest useable vehicle height that will clear the current obstacle or terrain be selected. The vehicle height should then be raised as required by the changes in terrain. The Selec-Terrain switch will automatically change the vehicle to the optimized height based on the Selec-Terrain switch position. The vehicle height can be changed from the default height for each Selec-Terrain mode by the normal use of the air suspension switches.
QUADRA-TRAC II OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS/PRECAUTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
The Quadra-Trac II system comes equipped with a customer-selectable electronically operated on-demand transfer case with active torque management in all driveable ranges. This transfer case provides the following operating range positions:
- 4WD HI
- N (NEUTRAL)
- 4WD LOW
When additional tractive effort and torque are required, the 4WD LOW position can be used. The 4WD LOW position is intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOW position 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 4WD HI position 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 the performance and function of the transfer case. 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.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case 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.
SHIFT POSITIONS
For additional information on the appropriate use of each four-wheel drive system mode position, see the following:
4WD HI
This is the default operating range for daily use.
N (NEUTRAL)
This range disengages the driveline from the powertrain. It is used for towing your vehicle behind another vehicle DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result. Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
- Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
- Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
- Apply the Electric Park Brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (NEUTRAL) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case 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.
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).
SHIFTING PROCEDURES 4WD HI To 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position and the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N), push and hold the 4WD LOW button until the 4WD LOW Indicator Light begins to flash in the instrument cluster. When the shift is complete, the 4WD LOW Indicator Light will remain on solid.
4WD LOW Button
NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a “To Complete 4WD Shift Put Transmission In Neutral” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Speed Must Be Below 3 MPH” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Allow Engine To Return To Idle” message will flash from the instrument cluster display
4WD LOW To 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or the engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N), push and hold the 4WD LOW button until the 4WD LOW Indicator Light begins to flash in the instrument cluster. When the shift is complete, the 4WD LOW Indicator Light will remain off.
NOTE:
- If shift conditions/interlocks are not met — “4WD Shift Canceled” or “4WD Shift Aborted/ Retry Shift” messages will be displayed on the instrument cluster. To reattempt shift, put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and push and hold the 4WD LOW button.
- If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a “To Complete 4WD Shift Put Transmission In Neutral” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Speed Must Be Below 3 MPH” or a “To Complete 4WD Shift Allow Engine To Return To Idle” message will flash from the instrument cluster display Ú page 88.
- 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 at 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h), the transfer case will not allow the shift.
QUADRA-TRAC II SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Quadra-Trac II System features two torque transfer couplings. The couplings include an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) rear axle and the Quadra-Trac II transfer case. The ELSD axle is fully automatic and requires no driver input to operate. Under normal driving conditions, the unit functions as a standard axle, balancing torque evenly between the left and right wheels. With a traction difference between the left and right wheels, the coupling will sense a speed difference. As one wheel begins to spin faster than the other, torque will automatically transfer from the wheel that has less traction to the wheel that has traction. While the transfer case and axle coupling differ in design, their operation is similar. Follow the Quadra-Trac II transfer case shifting information, preceding this section, for shifting this system.
ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT —IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front suspension travel in off-road situations. This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch located on the instrument panel (to the right of the gear selector).
SWAY BAR Switch
Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Push the switch again to deactivate the system. The Sway Bar Indicator Light (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the bar is disconnected. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will flash during activation transition, or when activation conditions are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar should remain in on-road mode during normal driving conditions.
NOTE:
If the electronic disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar is disconnected and then driven at speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h), the system will reconnect for driver safety. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will continue to flash as the system waits for the driver to slow the vehicle and will automatically disconnect again unless the driver cancels the request with the SWAY BAR switch. The system can cancel the pending disconnect request if drivetrain changes are made (e.g. 4WD HI to 4WD LOW) based on road conditions.
WARNING!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected before driving on hard-surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h); a disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury. Under certain circumstances, the front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle stability and assists with vehicle control. The system monitors vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the stabilizer/sway bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing or solid Sway Bar Indicator Light. Once vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the system will once again attempt to return to off-road mode. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to 4WD LOW and push the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the off-road position Ú page 119. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully disconnected.
NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque-locked due to left and right suspension height differences. This condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment may require that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side to side. To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR switch again.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road mode, the Sway Bar Indicator Light will flash in the instrument cluster, and vehicle stability may be reduced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over
18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) with a disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.
FAQs
To engage in the electric-only mode, press the dedicated EV button on the center console. This allows you to drive using only the electric motor for a certain range.
The all-electric range is around 25 miles, depending on driving conditions and battery charge level.
You can charge the battery using a standard household outlet or a Level 2 charger. The charging port is typically located on the driver’s side front fender.
Yes, the vehicle supports fast charging. You can use compatible DC fast-charging stations to significantly reduce charging time.
The vehicle typically offers multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save. Hybrid mode intelligently switches between the gas engine and electric power for optimal efficiency.
The regenerative braking system captures and stores energy during deceleration, converting it back into electricity to recharge the battery.
Some models may offer adjustable regenerative braking settings, allowing you to customize the strength of regenerative braking based on your preferences.
The towing capacity is generally comparable to non-hybrid models, typically around 6,000 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the specific trim and configuration.
The AWD system is designed to provide optimal traction by automatically distributing power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions.
Standard safety features often include advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Some models may come with a mobile app that allows you to remotely monitor and control certain vehicle functions, such as checking the battery status and pre-conditioning the interior.
Engage the off-road features by selecting the appropriate terrain mode through the vehicle’s infotainment system. This optimizes the vehicle’s performance for different off-road conditions.
The hybrid components often come with a separate warranty to cover repairs and replacements, typically spanning several years or a certain mileage limit.
Yes, the vehicle is suitable for long-distance driving, thanks to its hybrid powertrain that combines the efficiency of electric power with the extended range of the gas engine.
The 4xe system enhances both fuel efficiency and performance by seamlessly blending electric and gas power, providing a balance of power and efficiency in various driving conditions.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | Auto User Guide
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