Starting and operating

Automatic Transmission

~2min read

• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed.

• 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.

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever 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 when your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob from the ignition and lock your 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 the shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and do not leave Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

Test yourself

A quick Jeep Grand Cherokee quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.