Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020 Owner's Manual page 195

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 (P), and is not blinking.
With brake pedal released, verify that the

gear selector will not move out of PARK.
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK position (when pushed forward), it is prob-
ably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the
DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the trans-
mission 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.
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.
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.
Refer to "Recreational Towing" in "Starting
And Operating" and "Towing A Disabled
Vehicle" in "In Case Of Emergency" for further
information.
STARTING AND OPERATING
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. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating
conditions.
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 chapter 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.
During extremely cold temperatures
(-22°F [-30°C] or below), transmission
operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume
once the transmission temperature has risen to
a suitable level.
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