2008 Jeep Wrangler Owners Manual

is

mode. Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE: There is a difference in temperature between the upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but cool conditions. Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets and side window demist outlets with a small amount

through the defrost outlet. Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side window demist outlets. This setting works best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi- mum fan and temperature settings for best windshield and side window defrosting. Blower Control Use this control (center rotary knob) to regulate the amount of air forced through the system in any mode you select. The fan speed increases as you move the control to the right from the OFF position. Temperature Control Use this control (right rotary knob) to regulate the temperature of the air inside the passenger compartment. The blue area of the scale indicates cooler temperatures while the red area indicates warmer temperatures.

Manual Air Conditioning and Heating System — If Equipped The controls for the heating/air conditioning and venti- lation system in this vehicle consist of a series of rotary knobs. These comfort controls can be set to obtain desired interior conditions.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261

The instrument panel features four airflow registers. Two registers are located on the outer ends of the instrument panel and two are located in the center of the instrument panel. These registers can be closed to partially block airflow, and they can be adjusted to direct airflow where the occupant desires. Mode Control

The mode control allows you to choose from several pat- terns of air distribution. You can select either a primary mode, as identified by the symbols, or a blend of two of these modes. The closer the control to a particular mode, the more air distribu- tion you receive from that

is

mode.

262 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE: There is a difference in temperature between the upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but cool conditions. Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets and side window demist outlets with a small amount

through the defrost outlet. Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side window demist outlets. This setting works best in

cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield. Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi- mum fan and temperature settings for best windshield and side window defrosting. NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if the fan switch is not in the A/C position. This dehumidi- fies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.

Blower Control

Temperature Control

Use this control to regulate the amount of air forced through the system in any mode you select. The fan speed increases as you move the control to the right from the OFF position.

Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air inside the passenger compartment. The blue area of the scale indicates cooler temperatures while the red area indicates warmer temperatures.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 263

If your air conditioning performance seems NOTE: lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con- denser: located in front of the radiator, for an accumula- tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing air conditioning performance. Recirculation Control

Press this button to choose be- tween outside air intake or recir- culation of the air inside the ve- hicle. A lamp will illuminate when you are in “Recirculate” mode. Only use the “Recirculate” mode to temporarily block out any out- side odors, smoke, or dust and to cool the interior rapidly upon ini-

tial start up in very hot or humid weather.

264 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE: Continuous use of the “Recirculate” mode may make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended. In cold or damp weather, the use of the “Recirculate” mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. For maximum de- fogging, select the Outside Air position. NOTE: The “Recirculate” mode will not operate in floor, mix or defrost modes.

Air Conditioning

Normal Operation

Press this button to engage the air conditioning. A lamp will illumi- nate when the air conditioning system is engaged. Once the air conditioning is engaged, use a combination of the mode control, fan speed control, and tempera- ture control to achieve your de- sired interior temperature.

NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.

MAX A/C

For maximum cooling, select ei- ther the Panel or Bi-Level position using the mode control. Then, press the “A/C” and the “Recir- culate” buttons so that both lamps are illuminated, and set the tem- perature control to its coolest set- ting.

NOTE: • Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or • Refer to “Recirculation Control” in this section, for

defrost modes.

proper or extended use of this position.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 265

Operating Tips

Window Fogging Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases turning on the air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control, air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort. As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the defrost mode.

266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows. Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging. Summer Operation Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 % concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type. When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi- tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into

NEUTRAL (N) and depress the accelerator slightly for fast idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed. Winter Operation When operating the system during the winter months, make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc- tions. Vacation Storage Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor damage when the system is started again.

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
▫ Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F

Or –29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 275

䡵 Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
▫ Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
▫ Reverse Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
▫ Shift Lock Manual Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System . . . . . . . 281
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive . . . . . 281

268 STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac™

Or Rock-Trac™) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions . . . . . . . . . 285
▫ Shift Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
▫ Shifting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
䡵 Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 289
䡵 Axle Lock (Tru–Lok™) — Rubicon Models . . . . . 290
䡵 Rear Axle Lock — 4WD Non-Rubicon Models

(If Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
䡵 Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If Equipped . . 292
䡵 On-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
䡵 Off-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
▫ Side Step Removal — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 294
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 296

▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
▫ Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation . . 297
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand . . . . . . . . . . 297
▫ Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High

Points) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
▫ Hill Climbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
䡵 Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 316
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 317
䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . . 324
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
▫ Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

STARTING AND OPERATING 269

䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations 䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

. . . . . . . . . . . . 329
. . . . . . . . 330
▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

䡵 Adding Fuel

270 STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . 352
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
䡵 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 359
▫ Towing – 2WD Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
▫ Towing – 4WD Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360

STARTING PROCEDURES Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause serious injury or death.

Manual Transmission Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU- TRAL and depress the clutch pedal before starting ve- hicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.

STARTING AND OPERATING 271

4WD Models Only In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch pedal. The 4WD Indicator Light will illuminate when the transfer case has been shifted into this mode. Automatic Transmission Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any driving range. Normal Starting

NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.

272 STARTING AND OPERATING

Turn the ignition switch to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure. Tip Start Feature — Automatic Transmission Only Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.

Ignition Key Positions

Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C) To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an externally-powered electric engine block heater (avail- able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails to Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing serious personal injury. • Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis- charged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan- gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of this manual for proper jump starting procedures and follow them carefully.

STARTING AND OPERATING 273

Without Tip Start (Manual Transmission Only) If the engine fails to start after you have followed the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce- dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not have enough power to continue running when the key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel- erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running smoothly.

274 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Ex- treme Cold Weather” procedures. With Tip Start (Automatic Transmission Only) If the engine fails to start after you have followed the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce- dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.

After Starting The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine warms up.

WARNING!

Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause serious injury or death.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED The engine block heater warms engine coolant and permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block heater cord is found under the hood bundled in front of the battery tray.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC electrical cord could cause electrocution.

Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are expected to last for several days.

STARTING AND OPERATING 275

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended without having the parking brake fully applied. The parking brake should al- ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an incline.

CAUTION!

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on the clutch.

276 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE: During cold weather, you may experience in- creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms up. This is normal.

Shift Pattern

Shifting Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera- tor pedal. You should always use 1st gear when starting from a standing position if under heavy load or when pulling a trailer. Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift speeds may not apply.

Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H) En- gine 3.8L

2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6

Speeds

15 (24)

Accel.

1 to 2

24
(39) 19
(31)

34
(55) 27
(43)

47
(76) 37
(60)

56
(90) 41
(66)

Cruise

10 (16)

Downshifting

Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is recommended to preserve brakes when driving down steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better acceleration when you desire to resume speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.

STARTING AND OPERATING 277

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid.

CAUTION!

When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine which can cause valve damage, and/or clutch disc damage even if the clutch pedal is depressed.

278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds

CAUTION!

Failure to follow the maximum recommended down- shifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed and/or damage the clutch disc even if the clutch pedal is depressed.

Manual Transmission Downshift Speeds in MPH

(KM/H)

Gear Selec- tion Maxi- mum Speed

6 to 5

5 to 4

4 to 3

3 to 2

2 to 1

80 (129) 70 (113)

50 (81)

30 (48)

15 (24)

Reverse Shifting To shift into REVERSE, bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Depress the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to stop rotating. Beginning from the NEUTRAL position, move the shift lever in one quick smooth motion straight across and into the REVERSE area (the driver will feel a firm “click” as the shifter passes the “knock-over”). Complete the shift by pulling the shift lever into REVERSE. The “knock-over” prevents the driver from accidentally entering the REVERSE shift area and warns the driver that they are about to shift the transmission into RE- VERSE. Due to this feature, a slow shift to REVERSE can be perceived as a high shift effort.

STARTING AND OPERATING 279

WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on 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 when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

a complete stop.

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow- ing precautions are not observed: • Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to • Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed. • Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed. • Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

280 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shift Lock Manual Override Your vehicle may be equipped with a shift lock manual override. The manual override may be used in the event that the shift lever should fail to move from PARK with the key in the ON position and the brake pedal de- pressed. To operate the shift lock manual override, per- form the following steps: 1. Firmly set the parking brake. 2. Using a flat blade screwdriver, carefully remove the shift lock manual override cover which is located on the PRNDL bezel, above the PARK position. 3. Depress and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal. 4. Using the screwdriver, reach into the manual override opening. Press and hold the shift lock lever down.

5. Depress the shifter release button and shift into NEU- TRAL. 6. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL. Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized dealer, if the shift lock manual override has been used.

Brake/Transmission Interlock System This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only while the ignition switch is in the ON position. Always depress the brake pedal first, before moving the shift lever out of PARK. Automatic Transmission with Overdrive Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE (or from P or R to D) should be done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake when moving the shift lever between these gears.

STARTING AND OPERATING 281

Automatic Shift Controls

Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL position into another gear range.

282 STARTING AND OPERATING

PARK This gear position supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the shift lever in the PARK position.

WARNING!

Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.

WARNING!

It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on 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 when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

REVERSE Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL Shift into NEUTRAL when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING 283

When frequent transmission shifting occurs while using Overdrive, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy load conditions (for example, in hilly terrain, strong head winds, or trailer towing), turning off over- drive will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

NOTE: Towing, coasting, or driving the vehicle for any other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in Section 6 of this manual. OVERDRIVE For most city and highway driving. The transmission contains an electronically-controlled 4th gear Overdrive, and will automatically shift from DRIVE to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present: • The shift lever is in DRIVE. • The O/D OFF switch has not been activated. • Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48

km/h).

Overdrive Off Switch

284 STARTING AND OPERATING

Overdrive can be locked out by pressing the O/D OFF switch located on the center console. The O/D OFF indicator light (on the switch) will illuminate to show that the switch has been activated. When the indicator light is on, Overdrive is locked out. Pressing the switch a second time restores the Overdrive function. The lockout feature is useful when towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. 2 (Second) For moderate grades and to assist braking on dry pave- ment or in mud and snow. Begins from a stop in low gear with automatic upshift to 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd. 1 (First) For hard pulling at low speeds in mud, sand, snow, or on steep grades. Begins and stays in low gear with no upshift. Provides engine compression braking at low speeds.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must turn the ignition from LOCK so the steering wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, damage to steering column or shift lever could result. • Never race the engine with the brakes on and the vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an incline without applying the brakes. These prac- tices can overheat and damage the transmission. • When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be- tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.

Torque Converter Clutch A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A clutch within the torque converter engages automatically at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ- ent feeling or response during normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera- tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.

FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (COMMAND-TRAC™ OR ROCK-TRAC™) — IF EQUIPPED

Operating Instructions/Precautions The transfer case provides four mode positions — 2H (Two-wheel drive high range), 4H (Four-wheel drive high range), N (Neutral), and 4L (Four-wheel drive low range).

STARTING AND OPERATING 285

4WD Shift Controls

The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H position for normal street and highway conditions such as hard-surfaced roads. In the event that additional traction is required, the transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and

286 STARTING AND OPERATING

rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accom- plished by simply moving the shift lever to one of these positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only, and not intended for normal driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on hard surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. The 4WD Indicator Light (located in the instrument cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. The light will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into the 4H position. NOTE: Do not attempt to shift when only the front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer, and the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for a shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.

When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed will be approximately three times (four times for Rubicon models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine. Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause damage to the transfer case. Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position disengages both the front and rear driveshaft from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

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Shift Positions

For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position, see the information below: 2H Position This range is used for normal street and highway driving. Hard surfaced roads. 4H Position This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range (4H) provides additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces and should not be used on wet or dry pavement. The 4WD Indicator Light (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into the 4H position.

288 STARTING AND OPERATING

N (Neutral) Position This range disengages the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Section 5 of this manual. 4L Position This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). The 4WD Indicator Light (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into the 4L position.

Shifting Procedure

2H to 4H or 4H to 2H Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion, shifts can be made up to 50 mph (80 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/ disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera- tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.

4H to 4L or 4L to 4H With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N), or de- press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause with the transfer case in N (Neutral). NOTE: Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however, difficulty may oc- cur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth align- ment and shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

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WARNING!

Failure to engage a position completely can cause transfer case damage or loss of power and vehicle control. You could have an injury accident. Do not drive the vehicle unless the transfer case is fully engaged.

TRAC-LOK™ REAR AXLE — IF EQUIPPED The Trac-Lok™ rear axle provides a constant driving force to both rear wheels and reduces wheel spin caused by the loss of traction at one driving wheel. If traction differs between the two rear wheels, the differential automatically proportions the usable torque by providing more torque to the wheel that has traction.

AXLE LOCK (TRU–LOK™) — RUBICON MODELS The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the lower switch bank (below the climate controls).

290 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trac-Lok™ is especially helpful during slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator will supply maxi- mum traction.

WARNING!

On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen- tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Axle Lock Switch

This feature will only activate when the following con- ditions are met: • Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.

• Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. To activate the system, press the bottom of the AXLE LOCK switch once to lock the rear axle only (the Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light will illuminate), press the bottom of the switch again to lock the front axle (the Front Axle Lock Indicator Light will illuminate). When the rear axle is locked, pressing the switch again will lock or unlock the front axle. NOTE: The indicator lights will flash until the axles are fully locked or unlocked. To unlock the axles, press the top of the AXLE LOCK switch. Axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L (Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.

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REAR AXLE LOCK — 4WD NON-RUBICON MODELS (IF EQUIPPED) The REAR AXLE LOCK switch is located on the lower switch bank (below the climate controls). This feature will only activate when the following con- ditions are met: • Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range. • Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. To activate the system, press the REAR AXLE LOCK switch down to lock the rear axle (the Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light will illuminate), press the switch up to unlock the rear axle. NOTE: The indicator lights will flash until the axle is fully locked or unlocked.

292 STARTING AND OPERATING

The rear axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L (Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.

ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT — IF EQUIPPED Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic discon- necting stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front suspension travel in off-road situations. This system is controlled by the electronic control SWAY BAR switch located on the lower switch bank (below the climate controls).

Sway Bar Switch

Press the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Press the switch again to deactivate the system. The Sway Bar Indicator Light (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the bar is disconnected. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will flash during activation transition, or

when activation conditions are not met. The stabilizer/ sway bar should remain in on-road mode during normal driving conditions.

WARNING!

Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on hard surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph (29
km/h), you may lose control of the vehicle, which could result in serious injury. The front stabilizer bar enhances vehicle stability and is necessary for main- taining control of the vehicle. The system monitors vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the stabilizer bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing or solid Sway Bar Indicator Light. Once vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the system will once again attempt to return to off-road mode.

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To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4H or 4L (refer to “Four Wheel Drive Operation” in this section) and press the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the off-road position. The Sway Bar Indicator Light will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully disconnected. NOTE: The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due to left and right suspension height differences. This condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle loading. to disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment may require that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side to side. To return to on-road mode, press the SWAY BAR switch again.

the stabilizer/sway bar

In order

for

294 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road mode, vehicle stability is greatly reduced. Do not attempt to drive vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss of control of the vehicle, which could result in serious injury. Contact your local authorized dealer for assistance.

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary cars.

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto- rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

Side Step Removal — If Equipped

NOTE: Prior to off-road usage, the side steps should be removed to prevent damage. 1. Remove two nuts from bodyside.

STARTING AND OPERATING 295

2. Remove one bolt from underside of vehicle.

3. Remove side step assembly.

296 STARTING AND OPERATING

The Basics of Off-Road Driving You will encounter many types of terrain driving off- road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area before proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control- ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore you will need to use your own good judgment on what is safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while remembering what you are currently driving over.

CAUTION!

Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle exhaust system could cause a fire.

WARNING!

Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road situation.

When To Use 4L (Low) Range When off-road driving, shift into 4L (Low) for additional traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascending or descending steep hills, and to increase low speed pulling power. This range should be limited to extreme situations such as deep snow, mud, steep in- clines, or sand where additional low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in 4L (Low) range. Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation Many off-road driving conditions require the simulta- neous use of the brake and throttle (two-footed driving). When climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects, using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline.

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Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand

Snow In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at slower speeds, shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer case into 4L (Low) if necessary. Don’t shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway. Over- revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh ⬙bite⬙ and help maintain your momen- tum.

CAUTION!

On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high engine RPM or vehicle speeds, because engine brak- ing may cause skidding and loss of control.

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Mud Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires and is very difficult to get through. You should use 2nd gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic trans- mission), with the transfer case in the 4L (Low) position to maintain your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4
turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before entering any mud hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck. Sand Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail maintain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire

pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneu- vers and maintaining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103
kPa) to allow for a greater tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure will drastically improve your traction and han- dling, while driving on the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal air pressure before driving on pave- ment or other hard surfaces. Be sure you have a way to reinflate the tires prior to reducing the pressure.

CAUTION!

Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.

Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points) While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different types of obstacles. Before proceeding, review the path ahead to determine the correct approach and your ability to safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong. Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the vehicle forward until it makes contact with the object. Apply the throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and ease the vehicle up and over the object.

WARNING!

Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system loading which could cause you to loose control of your vehicle.

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Using A Spotter There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle or determine the correct path. Determining the correct path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting many obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person stand a safe distance in front of you where they can see the obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and guide you through. Crossing Large Rocks When approaching large rocks, choose a path which ensures you drive over the largest of them with your tires. This will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. The tread of the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall and is designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and make every effort to cross the large rocks with your tires.

300 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough to strike your axles or undercarriage.

CAUTION!

Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large enough to contact the door sills.

Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut, the angled approach is the key to maintaining your vehicle’s mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45- degree angle and let each tire go through the obstacle independently. You need to use caution when crossing large obstacles with steep sides. Do not attempt to cross

any large obstacle with steep sides at an angle great enough to put the vehicle at risk of a rollover. If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the right or left at a 45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use the removed dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just created. You should now be able to drive out following the trench you just created at a 45-degree angle.

WARNING!

There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.

Crossing Logs To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approxi- mately 10 to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of the log while the other just starts to climb the log. While climbing the log, modulate your brake and

STARTING AND OPERATING 301

accelerator to avoid spinning the log out from under your tires. Then ease the vehicle off the log using your brakes.

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects increases the risk of underbody damage.

Do not attempted to cross a log with a greater diameter than the running ground clearance or the vehicle will become high centered.

Getting High-Centered If you get hung up or high-centered on an object, get out of the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung up on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is the best direction to recover the vehicle. Depend- ing on what you are in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place a few rocks under the tires so the weight is off of the high point when you let the vehicle down. You can also try rocking the vehicle or winching the vehicle off the object.

Hill Climbing Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under- standing of your abilities and your vehicle’s limitations. Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to climb and should not be attempted. You should always feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You should always climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to climb a hill on an angle. Before Climbing A Steep Hill As you approach a hill consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down? What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,

302 STARTING AND OPERATING

branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If every- thing looks good and you feel confident, shift the trans- mission into a lower gear with 4L (Low) engaged, and proceed with caution maintaining your momentum as you climb the hill. Driving Up Hill Once you have determined your ability to proceed and have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade, the abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you approach the crest of the hill, ease off the throttle and slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no

more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will provide a fresh ⬙bite⬙ into the surface and will usually provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and back straight down the grade using engine resistance along with the vehicle brakes.

WARNING!

Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in severe injury.

Driving Down Hill Before driving down a steep hill you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight

descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill to regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident in your ability to proceed then make sure you are in 4L (Low) and proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.

WARNING!

Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking. Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose control and be seriously injured.

Driving Across An Incline If at all possible avoid driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an incline places more weight on the downhill wheels, which increases the possibilities of a downhill slide or

STARTING AND OPERATING 303

rollover. Make sure the surface has good traction with firm and stable soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle heading slightly up or down.

WARNING!

Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in severe injury.

If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway 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 brake. Restart the engine and shift into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing engine braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.

304 STARTING AND OPERATING

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, which may result in severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive straight up or down.

Driving Through Water Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water. Water crossings should be avoided if possible, and only be attempted when necessary in a safe responsible man- ner. You should only drive through areas which are designated and approved. You should tread lightly and

avoid damage to the environment. You should know your vehicles abilities and be able to recover it if some- thing goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. Shift into 1st gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic transmission), with the transfer case in the 4L (Low) position and proceed very slowly with a constant slow speed {3 to 5 mph (5 to 8 km/h) maximum} and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle differentials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water inges- tion.

CAUTION!

Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause permanent damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle components and your brakes will be less effective once wet and/or muddy.

Before You Cross Any Type Of Water As you approach any type of water you need to deter- mine if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If neces- sary, get out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be intruding on any wildlife and you can recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing

STARTING AND OPERATING 305

is the water depth, current and bottom conditions. On soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in, effectively increas- ing the water level on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when determining the depth and the ability to safely cross Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other Standing Water Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water types normally contain hidden obstacles and make it difficult to determine an accurate water depth, approach angle, and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery. If you are able to determine you can safely cross, than proceed using the low and slow method.

306 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effec- tiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.

Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other Flowing Water Flowing water can be extremely dangerous. Never at- tempt to cross a fast running stream or river even in shallow water. Fast moving water can easily push your vehicle downstream sweeping it out of control. Even in very shallow water, a high current can still wash the dirt out from around your tires putting you and your vehicle in jeopardy. There is still a high risk of personal injury and vehicle damage with slower water currents in depths greater than the vehicle’s running ground clearance. You should never attempt to cross flowing water which is deeper than the vehicle’s running ground clearance. Even

the slowest current can push the heaviest vehicle down- stream out of control if the water is deep enough to push on the large surface area of the vehicle’s body. Before you proceed determine the speed of the current, the water’s depth, approach angle, bottom condition and if there are any obstacles, then cross at an angle heading slightly upstream using the low and slow technique.

WARNING!

Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can push your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of control. This could put you and your passengers at risk of injury or drowning.

After Driving Off-Road Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than does most on-road driving. After going off-road it is always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can get any problems taken care of right away and have your vehicle ready when you need it. • Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust system for damage. • Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus- pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the values specified in the Service Manual. • Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.

STARTING AND OPERATING 307

• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, brake ro- tors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might not have full braking power when you need it to prevent an accident. If you have been operating your vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked and cleaned as necessary.

• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the situation.

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PARKING BRAKE To set the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as possible. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition ON, the Brake Warning Light in the instrument cluster will light. To release the parking brake, pull up slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever completely. NOTE: The instrument cluster Brake Warning Light indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving the vehicle.

Parking Brake

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked, and the shift lever is in the PARK position (automatic trans- mission), or REVERSE, or 1st gear (manual transmission). When parking on a hill, you should apply the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise

the load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the shifter out of PARK.

WARNING!

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav- ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in REVERSE or 1st gear. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury. • Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could operate power win- dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

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When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking conditions. The system operates with a separate computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces. All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type and tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer.

310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Significant over or under-inflation of tires, or mixing sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss of braking effectiveness.

The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low speed self- test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If for any reason, your foot is on the brake when the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20
km/h), this check will be delayed until 25 mph (40
km/h). The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during the self-test, and during an ABS stop, to provide the regulated hydraulic pressure. The motor pump makes a low humming noise during operation, this is normal.

During off-road use, loss of traction can temporarily defeat the system and cause the warning light to illumi- nate. Turn the ignition OFF and ON again to restore Anti-Lock Brake System function.

WARNING!

Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or stop.

WARNING!

CAUTION!

STARTING AND OPERATING 311

• Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents,

including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. • The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible detrimental effects of electronic interference caused by improperly installed aftermarket radios or telephones.

NOTE: During severe braking conditions, a pulsing sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard. This is normal, the Anti-Lock Brake System is functioning.

indicating that

POWER STEERING The standard power steering system will give you good vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering capability if power assist is lost.

312 STARTING AND OPERATING

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi- tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during parking maneuvers. Increased noise levels at the end of the steering NOTE: wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate that there is a problem with the power steering system. Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any way damage the steering system.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided when possible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

NOTE: • P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex- ample: P215/65R15 95H.

STARTING AND OPERATING 313

• European Metric tire sizing is based on European design standards. Tires designed to this standard have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter ⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H • LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced- ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16. • Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only. Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T” molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa- tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M. • High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

314 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Sizing Chart

Size Designation:

EXAMPLE:

P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards LT = Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards T = Temporary Spare tire 31 = Overall Diameter in Inches (in) 215 = Section Width in Millimeters (mm) 65 = Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)

—Ratio of section height to section width of tire

10.5 = Section Width in Inches (in) R = Construction Code

—⬙R⬙ means Radial Construction —⬙D⬙ means Diagonal or Bias Construction

15 = Rim Diameter in Inches (in)

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Service Description:

95 = Load Index

EXAMPLE:

—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

H = Speed Symbol

—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions —The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un- der specified operating conditions (ie., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:

ⴖ....blank....ⴖ = Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire Extra Load (XL) = Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire Light Load = Light Load Tire C,D,E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load — Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry Maximum Pressure — Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.

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Tire Identification Number (TIN) The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire however the date code may only be on one side. Tires with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including date code

located on the white sidewall side of the tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT = Department of Transportation

—This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards, and is approved for highway use.

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (2 digits) L9 = Code representing the tire size (2 digits) ABCD = Code used by tire manufacturer (1 to 4 digits) 03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (2 digits)

—03 means the 3rd week

01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (2 digits)

—01 means the year 2001
—Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.

Tire Loading and Tire Pressure

Tire Placard Location

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Tire Placard Location (Four-Door Models)

Tire Placard Location (Two-Door Models)

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Tire and Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the 1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle 2) total weight your vehicle can carry 3) tire size designed for your vehicle

4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear and spare tires. Loading The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of this manual. Refer to “Vehicle Loading” in this section. NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading and trailer towing. Refer to “Vehicle Loading” in this section. To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX

lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here. Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu- pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas- sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five 150 lbs (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295
kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs (295 kg).

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5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4. 6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle. NOTE: The following table shows examples on how to calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra- tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle. NOTE: For the following example the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392
kg).

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WARNING!

Safety

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Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.

TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION

Tire Pressure Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure:

WARNING!

Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. • Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire failure. • Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that results in tire failure. • Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your vehicle. • Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control. • Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left. Always drive with each tire properly inflated.

Tire Inflation Pressures

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Economy Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation also increases tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump- tion. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.

Tire Placard Location (Two-Door Models)

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CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent mois- ture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor.

Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1
mi (1 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres- sure molded into the tire side wall. Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.

Tire Placard Location (Four-Door Models)

Tire pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage, at least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are under inflated.

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Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in the winter. Example: If garage temperature = 68° F (20° C) and the outside temperature = 32° F (0° C) then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12° F (7° C) for this outside temperature condition. Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure buildup or your tire pressure will be too low. Tire Pressures for High-Speed Operation The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi- tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle

loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera- tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.

WARNING!

High speed driving with your vehicle under load is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).

Radial-Ply Tires

WARNING!

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al- ways use radial tires in sets of four. Never combine them with other types of tires.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your authorized dealer for radial tire repairs.

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Tire Spinning When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener- ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam- age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some- one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 35
mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel no matter what the speed.

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Tread Wear Indicators Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to help you in determining when your tires should be replaced.

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear in two or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced. Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this point. Life of Tire The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited to: • Driving style • Tire pressure • Distance driven

WARNING!

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease and gasoline.

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Replacement Tires The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu- facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva- lent to the originals in size, quality and performance when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The service description and load identification will be found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han- dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original equipment or an authorized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi- cations or capability.

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WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension dimensions and performance characteristics, result- ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering and suspension components. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle. • Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than what was originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose control and have an accident. • Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad- equate speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION!

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in false speedometer and odometer readings.

Alignment and Balance Poor suspension alignment may result in: • Fast tire wear. • Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided • Vehicle pull to right or left. Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull left or right. Alignment will not correct this problem. See your autho- rized dealer for proper diagnosis.

wear.

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration. Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of- balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.

TIRE CHAINS Install chains on rear tires only. Tire chains may be installed on all models except the Sahara and Rubicon. Follow these recommendations to guard against damage and excessive tire and chain wear: • Use chains on P225/75R16 tires only. P245/75R16, P255/75R17, P255/70R18, and LT255/75R17 tires do not provide adequate clearance. • Use SAE class “S” tire chains or traction devices only. • Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as • Follow tire chain manufacturer’s instructions for

recommended by the chain manufacturer.

mounting chains.

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driving.

• Install chains snugly and tighten after 0.6 mi (1 km) of • Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). • Drive cautiously, avoiding large bumps, potholes and

extreme driving maneuvers.

TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at different loads and perform different steering, handling, and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns. These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main- tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.

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Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your type of driving. Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual. More frequent rotation is permissible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should be corrected prior to rotation being performed. The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross” shown in the following diagram.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recommended cold placard pressure. The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1
psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure after a vehicle has not been driven for more than three hours, or driven less than 1 mi (1 km) after a three hour period. Refer to the “Tires — General Informa- tion” in this section for information on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is driven, this is normal and there should be no adjustment for this increased pressure.

The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if the tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning threshold for any reason, including low temperature effects, or natural pressure loss through the tire. The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or above recommended cold placard pressure. Once the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light has been illuminated, the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended cold placard pressure in order for the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light to be turned off. The system will automatically update and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will extin- guish once the updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this information.

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For example, your vehicle may have a recommended cold (parked for more than three hours) air pressure of 35
psi (241 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 30 psi (207 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to approximately 26 psi (179 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough to turn ON the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to approximately 30
psi (207 kPa), but the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will still be ON. In this situation, the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn OFF only after the tires have been inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value.

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CAUTION!

CAUTION!

The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equip- ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent mois- ture and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor.

NOTE: • The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a tire failure or condition. • The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge • Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

while adjusting your tire pressure.