These instructions apply to the Jeep Cherokee Mk5 (KL) 2014-2023.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Jeep Cherokee (KL, 2014–2023) uses an electric parking brake (EPB) with a motor and planetary gear set built into each rear caliper to drive the piston in and out. To fit new rear pads you must first wind those motors fully open — FCA calls it Brake Service Mode. On the KL this is genuinely owner-accessible: the mode lives on the Uconnect touchscreen, so a dealer wiTECH tester is only needed if the system hangs or stores faults. A generic OBD EPB tool will also drive the actuators.
Putting the Cherokee KL into Brake Service Mode
Service mode retracts both rear EPB actuators so the pistons press straight back — no rotation needed. Set the mode before you remove the caliper. Park level, chock the front wheels, and keep a charger on the 12V battery.
- Transmission in PARK, foot brake released. Switch the ignition to RUN without starting the engine.
- Confirm the EPB is released and the red brake light is out.
- On Uconnect, open the vehicle settings / brakes menu and select Brake Service Mode; confirm the prompt. The rear motors wind the spindles back with an audible whirr.
- No on-screen option on your trim? Use a generic EPB scan tool’s “open/retract pistons” routine through the OBD port.
- Wait for the service-mode confirmation, then remove the rear wheels and the calipers.
With the EPB retracted, the piston is free to be pushed straight back with a C-clamp or spreader — the KL piston does not screw in, so do not twist it.
Critical warning: never force the pistons by hand
Do not lever, clamp or hammer a rear piston back while the EPB is still clamped. The screw-drive spindle sits behind the piston; forcing it against a parked motor strips the planetary gears or shears the spindle — a new caliper, not a repair. Always retract the EPB electronically first. Just as important: if the EPB switch is pressed while a caliper is unbolted but still plugged in, the motor runs to full extension and destroys the piston. Chrysler advises disconnecting the negative battery cable (or unplugging the caliper) while the caliper is off.
Exiting service mode and bedding in
With new pads in and wheels on, exit service mode on the Uconnect screen, then pull the EPB switch up to re-apply the brake — on the KL it is the upward pull, not pushing down, that ends the mode and re-clamps. The motors run their auto-adjust. Cycle the EPB on and off twice while stationary, then drive at low speed and brake gently 10–15 times to seat the pads, avoiding hard stops for the first 150–200 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need wiTECH to change Cherokee KL rear pads? No. The KL exposes Brake Service Mode on Uconnect, so a routine pad change needs no dealer tool. wiTECH is only for clearing faults or recovering a stuck system.
I’m stuck in brake service mode and the parking brake won’t work — help? Exit the mode on the screen, then pull the EPB switch up (not down) to re-apply. If it still won’t clear, a flat battery during the job is the usual cause; charge it and retry, or scan for a stored fault.
Do the rear pistons screw in on the KL? No. Once the EPB is retracted the piston presses straight in. Trying to rotate it can damage the seal.
Can I skip service mode and just push the piston back? No. The motor is clamped behind the piston; forcing it strips the gear train. You must retract it electronically first.
Why is the parking brake light still on after the job? Usually the switch was operated at the wrong moment or the battery dipped. Read the stored EPB code before replacing parts.
If a brake or EPB warning lamp stays on after the job, read the stored fault first — you can look up Jeep EPB and ABS codes on autodtcs.com before assuming the caliper is at fault.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Jeep. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.