Jeep Cherokee
Owners Manual
Starting and operating
Automatic transmission

WARNING!

It is dangerous to shift 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 your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the Key Fob. When the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF (key removal) position/mode, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the ignition is in the OFF position/mode, remove the Key Fob from the vehicle, and lock the 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 transmission gear selector.
Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do not leave the ignition (in a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go) in the ACC or ON/RUN position/mode. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed:

Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
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.

NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/ OFF (key removal) position. The Key Fob can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and the transmission is locked in PARK whenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK/OFF position.

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