Jeep CHEROKEE 2020 Owner's Manual page 288

286 STARTING AND OPERATING
Hill Climbing
NOTE:
Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the
transmission to a lower gear and shift the 4WD
System to 4WD LOW. Use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
NOTE:
Brakes should be applied at increased slippage,
but before coming to a stop to avoid digging into
the loose surface and rendering the operator of
the vehicle stuck/immobile.
If you stall or begin to lose headway while
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come
to a stop and immediately apply the brakes.
Once stopped, shift to REVERSE. Back slowly
down the hill allowing the compression braking
of the engine to help regulate your speed. If the
brakes are required to control vehicle speed,
apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding
the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle.
Always back straight down a hill in REVERSE
gear carefully. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the brake.
NOTE:
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill
- drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the
crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and
maintain headway by turning the front wheels
slowly left and right. This may provide a fresh
"bite" into the surface and may provide traction
to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the
4WD System to 4WD LOW range or Select Hill
Descent Control if equipped (refer to "Safety
Features" in "Safety" for further information).
Let the vehicle go slowly down the hill with all
four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control
the vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of
braking control. Avoid repeated heavy braking
by downshifting the transmission whenever
possible.