Like many adventure seekers, I spent years living for the weekends, taking full advantage of my Jeep Grand Cherokee’s capability to explore the backroads and trails near my home.
However, one small but irritating thing about the driving experience always bugged me – the paddle shifters. While the ability to manually shift gears for more control sounds appealing, I found the paddles to be overly sensitive and distracting. No matter how light my touch was, they would trigger with the slightest flick of my fingers, disrupting song changes and phone calls.
After a recent update caused the problem to worsen, I was determined to find a solution. What started as a minor annoyance had escalated to the point where I needed to finally silence those paddles for good.
After some research, here is what I discovered about how to turn off paddle shifters jeep grand Cherokee.
What Will You Need?
Before you get started, make sure you have the following:
- Your Jeep Grand Cherokee
- The owner’s manual (for reference)
- A comfortable place to sit and focus
Once you have these items ready, let’s dive into the process.
10 Easy Steps on How to Turn Off Paddle Shifters Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step 1. Locate the Paddle Shifter Buttons:
The paddle shifters in your Jeep Grand Cherokee are behind the steering wheel, mounted onto the back of each spoke. Small plastic levers can be pulled towards or away from you. Familiarize yourself with their location and feel before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2. Start Your Jeep Grand Cherokee:
Turn on your Jeep Grand Cherokee, but don’t move it. It’s essential to perform the following steps while the vehicle is stationary, preferably in a quiet location where you can focus. The ignition should be switched to the ‘ON’ position, but ensure the engine is not running. Once your Jeep Grand Cherokee is on, the dashboard lights will illuminate.
Step 3. Activate the Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode:
You will find a “+/-” button on your vehicle’s gear shift lever. Press this to engage the Electronic Range Select mode. You will know it’s activated when you see ‘Manual Mode,’ ‘Shift,’ or a similar message on your instrument cluster. The ERS mode allows more control over the automatic transmission, enabling you to shift gears manually using the paddle shifters. However, our goal is to turn off the paddles so we can proceed to the next step.
Step 4. Deactivate the Paddle Shifters:
While in ERS mode, press and hold both the “+” and “-” paddle shifters simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds. This action should deactivate the paddle shifters, preventing them from changing gears when unintentionally touched or bumped. Please note that the exact time may vary depending on your Jeep Grand Cherokee model.
Step 5. Check for Deactivation Confirmation:
Once you’ve held down both paddle shifters for the required amount of time, look at the instrument cluster on your dashboard. If the deactivation process has been successful, a message such as ‘Paddle Shifters Disabled’ or similar should appear. This is your confirmation that the paddle shifters have been turned off. If no such message appears, repeat Steps 3 and 4.
Step 6. Confirm Deactivation with a Test Drive:
After successfully following the above steps, it’s time to confirm that the paddle shifters are turned off. Start your Jeep Grand Cherokee and take it for a short drive in an area where you feel comfortable and safe. During your campaign, attempt to change gears using the paddle shifters. If the shifters are adequately deactivated, there should be no response or gear shift when the paddles are touched or bumped. This confirms that you’ve successfully turned off your paddle shifters.
Step 7. Resetting the System (Optional):
In some instances, you might want to re-enable your paddle shifters. To do this, simply repeat Steps 1 to 4, but instead of waiting for the ‘Paddle Shifters Disabled’ message, you should see a ‘Paddle Shifters Enabled’ message or something similar. This indicates that the paddle shifters are now active again.
Remember to confirm this with a short drive, just like in Step 6. Re-enabling your paddle shifters does not require any additional tools or steps and can be done anytime.
Step 8. Return to Normal Driving Mode:
Now that you’ve successfully turned off your paddle shifters, it’s time to return your Jeep Grand Cherokee to its normal driving mode. To do this, again, press the “+/-” button on your gear shift lever to disengage the Electronic Range Select mode.
The ‘Manual Mode,’ ‘Shift,’ or similar message on your instrument cluster should disappear, indicating that you’ve returned to normal driving mode. Now, you can drive your Jeep Grand Cherokee as usual without the distraction of unintentionally shifting gears via the paddle shifters.
Step 9. Check for Any Other Issues:
After successfully turning off the paddle shifters and returning to normal driving mode, checking for any other potential issues is crucial. Listen for any unusual noises, check whether all the other controls, like the radio and air conditioning, are working correctly, and ensure that your instrument panel doesn’t display any warning lights.
If everything appears normal, you’ve successfully turned off your paddle shifters. If you notice anything unusual, refer to your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s owner’s manual or consult with a professional.
Step 10. Regular Monitoring:
While you’ve now successfully turned off the paddle shifters in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, it’s important to regularly monitor your vehicle’s performance and behavior. If the paddle shifters reactivate or if you notice any changes in your vehicle’s shifting behavior, repeat the steps outlined above. Remember, your vehicle’s manual should be your primary reference for any questions or concerns.
Following these ten easy steps, you can confidently turn off the paddle shifters in your Jeep Grand Cherokee and enjoy a smoother, more relaxed driving experience.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Know Your Vehicle: Every Jeep Grand Cherokee model may have slightly different controls and features. Before you start the process, read your specific model’s user manual to fully understand your vehicle’s functionality.
- Safety First: Always ensure you are in a safe and controlled environment when attempting to disable the paddle shifters. Never attempt this while driving.
- Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition: Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected issues with your vehicle, including the paddle shifters. Keep your Jeep Grand Cherokee in top shape with regular checks and servicing.
- Seek Professional Help: If you still have trouble disabling the paddle shifters, or if you encounter any other issues with your vehicle, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional mechanic.
- Paddle Shifters Can Be Useful: While this guide aims to help you disable the paddle shifters, remember that they can be helpful for manual gear shifting, especially in certain driving conditions. You might want to try getting accustomed to them, as they can enhance your driving experience.
With these additional tips, we hope you can confidently and safely turn off the paddle shifters in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Rushing the Process: Always take your time when attempting to disable the paddle shifters. Rushing can lead to mistakes, which could affect your vehicle’s performance.
- Avoid Disabling Paddle Shifters While Driving: Never attempt to disable the paddle shifters. This is unsafe and could lead to accidents.
- Avoid Ignoring Unusual Noises or Signs: If you notice any unusual noises or signs after disabling the paddle shifters, do not ignore them. Consult with a professional immediately.
- Avoid Disabling Paddle Shifters Without Understanding Their Function: Before you disable the paddle shifters, ensure you understand their function and usefulness. They can be beneficial for specific driving conditions.
- Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help: Feel free to ask for assistance if you are unsure about any steps or procedures. It’s always better to be safe than sorry about your vehicle.
By avoiding these things, you can ensure a smooth and successful process of disabling the paddle shifters in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
How Do I Get My Paddle Shift Out of Mode?
If you accidentally activate the paddle shifters while driving and want to return to normal mode, simply press the “+” or “-” button on your gear shift lever. This will disengage the Electronic Range Select mode and return your vehicle to normal driving mode. Remember always to drive safely and avoid distractions while operating your vehicle.
With this knowledge, you can confidently use and switch between the paddle shifter and normal driving mode in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to turn off paddle shifters jeep grand Cherokee is a simple and valuable skill for any driver. Following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this post, you can easily disable the paddle shifters and enjoy a more comfortable driving experience. Now that you have this knowledge feel free to share it with your fellow Jeep owners or anyone who may benefit from it.
Remember, always focus on safety and comfort while driving, and if you ever find yourself wanting to turn the paddle shifters back on, simply refer back to this guide. Thank you for taking the time to read this post and expanding your automotive knowledge.
So, the next time you get behind your Jeep Grand Cherokee wheel, confidently conquer any road without being limited by pesky paddle shifters. So go ahead, take control of your drive – just not too much power! As always, safe travels and happy driving!