tow JEEP COMMANDER 2009 1.G Workshop Manual

Towing — Quadra-Trac I(Single-Speed Transfer
Case) 4WD Models
Recreational towing is not allowed.This model does not
have a NEUTRAL position in the transfer case.
Towing — Quadra–Trac II/Quadra–Drive II4WD
Models
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
NOTE:The transfer case must be in the NEUTRAL
position, and the transmission must be in the PARK
position for recreational towing.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition key ON, engine off.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL.
STARTING AND OPERATING 393
5

7. Release the brake pedal and ensure that there is no
vehicle movement.
8. Shut the engine off.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
10. Place the ignition key in the OFF position, and
remove key.
11. Apply the parking brake.
12. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.
13. Release the parking brake.CAUTION!
Transmission damage may occur if the transmission
is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in NEU-
TRAL and the engine running. With the transfer case
in NEUTRAL ensure that the engine is OFF prior to
shifting the transmission into PARK (refer to steps 7
and 8 above).
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition key ON, engine off.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Shift the transfer case out of NEUTRAL.
STARTING AND OPERATING 395
5

NOTE:When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL,
turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid gear
clash.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts 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.
CAUTION!
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
STARTING AND OPERATING 397
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flashers................ 400
If Your Engine Overheats................ 400
Jacking And Tire Changing............... 401
▫Jack Location....................... 402
▫Spare Tire Stowage................... 402
▫Spare Tire Removal................... 403
▫Preparations For Jacking................ 404▫Jacking Instructions................... 404
Jump Starting........................ 409
Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped....... 411
Towing A Disabled Vehicle............... 412
▫2–Wheel Drive Models Only............. 412
▫4–Wheel Drive Models Only............. 412
6

Jack Location
The scissor-type jack and tire changing tools are located
in a compartment behind the third row seat. Refer to
“Cargo Area Features” in Section 3 of this manual.
Spare Tire Stowage
The spare tire is stowed under the rear of the vehicle by
means of a cable winch mechanism. To remove or stow
the spare, use the jack handle to rotate the “spare tire
drive” nut. The nut is located under a plastic cover at the
center-rear of the cargo floor area, just inside the liftgate
opening.
CAUTION!
Do not use power tools to winch the tire up or down.
Impact type tools can damage the winch mechanism.
Jack Storage Location
402 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly, and shift a automatic
transmission into PARK; or a manual transmission
into REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
•To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
•Turn on the Hazard warning flasher.
1. Remove the spare tire, jack, and tools from storage.
Jack Warning Label
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
6. Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
7. Position the spare wheel/tire on the vehicle and install
the lug nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel.
Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid the risk of forcing the
vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the nuts fully until the
vehicle has been lowered.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw counter-
clockwise, and remove the jack and wheel blocks.
9. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correctwheel nut tightness is 95 ft lbs (130 N·m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service
station.
10. Lower the jack to it’s fully closed position.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
11. Secure the tire, jack, and tools in their proper loca-
tions.
NOTE:Tire should be stowed with the “beauty” side
up. Storing the tire upside down may result in scratching
or damage to the wheel face. Continue winching up the
tire until you hear the winch “ratchet” three times.
408 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
•You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump start.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS — IF EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, there will be
one in the rear and two mounted on the front of the
vehicle. The rear hook will be located on the driver’s side
of the vehicle.
NOTE:For off-road recovery, it is recommended to use
both of the front tow hooks to minimize the risk of
damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Tow hooks are for emergency use only, to rescue a
vehicle stranded off road. Do not use tow hooks for
tow truck hookup or highway towing. You could
damage your vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 411
6

WARNING!
Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow hooks.
Tow straps and chains may break, causing serious
injury.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
2–Wheel Drive Models Only
Provided the transmission is operable, tow only in NEU-
TRAL at speeds not exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h), for
distances of not more than 15 miles (24 km). Towing at
more than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for more than 15 miles
(24 km), can cause severe transmission damage. If thetransmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km), remove the driveshaft or tow with all
four wheelsOFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to
tow the vehicle on a flatbed, or with one end of the
vehicle raised and the other end on a towing dolly.
4–Wheel Drive Models Only
The manufacturer recommends towing with all four
wheelsOFFthe ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle
raised and the other end on a towing dolly.
412 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and drivability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A “CHECK GASCAP” message
will be displayed in the EVIC (Refer to Section 4 of this
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE