Jeep Cherokee Operating Information Manual page 173

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Set the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must leave 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 colli-
sion.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL can cause severe transmission dam-
age. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in "Start-
ing and Operating" and "Towing a Disabled
Vehicle" in "What To Do In Emergencies" for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest up-
shifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through underdrive first, second and third
gears, direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all normal operat-
ing conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) feature (described below) to select a
lower gear range. Under these conditions, us-
ing a lower gear range will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position. For example, you shift the transmis-
sion into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down
into second gear and first gear, when needed.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in
the DRIVE position, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically, shifting between all available
gears. Tapping the shift lever to the left (-) will
downshift the transmission, activate ERS mode,
display the current gear in the instrument clus-
ter, and maintain that gear as the top available
gear. Once in ERS mode, tapping the shift lever
to the left (-) or right (+) will change the top
available gear.
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