These instructions apply to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Mk5 (WL) 2022-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL, 2022–Present) uses an electric parking brake (EPB) that clamps the rear calipers with a motor-driven spindle on each side. To fit new rear pads you must first wind those motors fully open — on the WL this is the on-screen Brake Maintenance Mode. It is owner-accessible through Uconnect Settings, which walks you through the steps; a dealer wiTECH tester is only needed if the routine hangs or stores faults, and a generic OBD EPB tool will also drive the actuators.
Putting the Grand Cherokee WL into Brake Maintenance Mode
The mode retracts both rear EPB actuators so the pistons press straight back. Engage it before stripping the caliper. To start the routine the car must be at a standstill, the parking brake unapplied, and the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL.
- Park level, chock the front wheels, transmission in PARK, foot brake released, ignition in RUN (engine off).
- Confirm the EPB is released and the red brake light is out.
- In Uconnect → Settings open the brakes/service menu and select Brake Maintenance Mode. Follow the on-screen prompts; the rear motors retract the actuators with an audible whirr.
- No on-screen option on your build? Use a generic EPB scan tool’s “open/retract pistons” routine through the OBD port.
- Wait for the on-screen confirmation, then remove the rear wheels and calipers.
With the actuators open, press each rear piston straight back with a spreader — the WL piston presses in and does not need rotating.
Critical warning: never force the pistons by hand
Do not clamp, lever or hammer a rear piston back while the EPB is still clamped. The motor and gear spindle sit directly behind the piston; forcing it against a parked actuator strips the gear train or shears the spindle — a new caliper, not a repair. Always retract the EPB electronically first. And never press the EPB switch with a caliper unbolted but still plugged in — the motor will run to full extension and ruin the piston. Chrysler advises disconnecting the negative battery cable during the work so the switch cannot drive the actuator while the caliper is off.
Exiting maintenance mode and bedding in
With new pads in and wheels on, exit Brake Maintenance Mode through the Uconnect menu (or the tool’s exit routine). On the WL, depressing the brake pedal will, in some cases, also deactivate the mode. Then pull the EPB switch up to re-apply and let the motors auto-adjust. Cycle the EPB on and off twice 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
Where is Brake Maintenance Mode on the Grand Cherokee WL? Under Uconnect Settings, in the brakes/service section. It guides you through retracting the EPB actuators for rear brake service.
What conditions does the WL need before it will enter the mode? Vehicle stationary, parking brake released, transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, ignition in RUN. If any one is wrong the routine refuses to start.
Do I need wiTECH? No, not for a routine rear pad change — the on-screen mode handles it. wiTECH is only for clearing stored faults or recovering a hung system.
Do the rear pistons screw in? No. Once the actuator is retracted the piston presses straight in. Do not rotate it.
How do I exit the mode if the screen won’t? On many WL builds depressing the brake pedal deactivates it; otherwise use the Uconnect exit option or a scan tool, then re-apply the EPB.
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.