trailer JEEP COMMANDER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
166 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, Lubri-
cants, 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,
additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa-
tion 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 toshift into NEUTRAL and press the accelerator slightly for
fast idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
Your air conditioning system is also equipped with an
automatic recirculation system. When the system senses
a heavy load or high heat conditions, it may use partial
Recirculation A/C mode to provide additional comfort.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
obstructions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning 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 com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped ............. 256
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 257
▫ Shifting Procedures ................... 258
▫ Quadra-Drive II System — If Equipped .... 260
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 261
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 261
▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range
— If Equipped ...................... 261
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 261
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 263
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 263
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 264
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 264 
Power Steering ....................... 265
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 266
 Parking Brake ........................ 267
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 269
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ............. 271
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 272
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 272
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 273
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 273
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 274
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 275
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 280
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫3.7 Engine ......................... 314
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 314
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 315
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 315
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 315
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 316
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 316
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 317
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 317
 Adding Fuel ......................... 318
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 318
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 320
▫ Certification Label ................... 320 
Trailer Towing ........................ 323
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 323
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 327
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 328
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 329
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 330
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 335
 Snow Plow .......................... 336
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 336
▫ Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models ....... 336
▫ Towing — Quadra-Trac I (Single-Speed
Transfer Case) Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . 337
▫ Towing — Quadra–Trac II /Quadra–Drive
II Four-Wheel Drive Models ............. 337
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shift lever left (-) or right (+) when the
shift lever is in the DRIVE position, allowing you to limit
the highest available gear. For example, if the driver
shifts the transmission into ERS 3 (third gear), the trans-
mission will never shift above third gear, but can shift
down to 2 (second) or 1 (first), when needed.
NOTE:
•If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever to the left
(-), the transmission will downshift to the lowest gear
that can be attained without overrevving the engine.
The display will show the gear the vehicle is in and
will limit the top gear to the one displayed.
•If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever to the right
(+), the transmission will exit the gear limiting mode
and shift to the appropriate gear. The display will read
D.3.7L Engine
When in the DRIVE position, the first tap to the left (-),
will shift down one gear and will display that gear. For
example, if you are in DRIVE and are in 5th gear, when
you tap the shift lever one time to the left (-), the
transmission will downshift to 4th gear and the display
will show 4. Another tap to the left (-) will shift the
transmission into 3rd gear.
5.7L Engine
On vehicles equipped with 5.7L engines, use of ERS (or
TOW/HAUL mode) also enables an additional underdrive
gear which is not normally used during through-gear
accelerations. This additional gear improves vehicle perfor-
mance and cooling capability when towing a trailer on
certain grades. ERS 1,2, and 3 are underdrive gears; ERS 4
is direct drive. ERS 5 (Overdrive) is the same as the normal
4th gear. When in the DRIVE position in 1st through 4th
gear, the first tap to the left (-), will display the ERS
designation for the current gear (the transmission will not
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” later in this section.
During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts, depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warmup time of
the engine and transmission.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP” message may display, and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift, followed shortly thereafter by
a downshift, may occur. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator
Light” will turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat
protection strategy when operating in the “TOW/
HAUL” mode.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive, to the
most desirable gear, if the accelerator pedal is fully
pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode — If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” switch. This will improve
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM),
and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) and, if it has four-wheel drive with the NV245
two-speed transfer case, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill
Descent Control (HDC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up andhelp avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. 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.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP and ERM are unavailable. In
an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESP and ERM
systems will not engage to assist in maintaining
stability. The “Full Off” mode is intended for off-
road use only.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer and will take the appropriate
actions to attempt to stop the sway. The system may
reduce engine power and apply the brake of the appro-
priate wheel(s) to counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC
will become active automatically once an excessively
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. Note that TSC cannot stop all trailers from
swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer andfollow the trailer tongue weight recommendations. Refer
to “Trailer Towing” in Section 5 of this manual. When
TSC is functioning, the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will
flash, the engine power may be reduced and you may
feel the brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is disabled
when the ESP system is in the “Partial Off” or “Full Off”
modes.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Four-Wheel Drive Models
With NV245 Two–Speed Transfer Case Only
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain
the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

period of time after the driver takes their foot off of the
brake pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle
during this short period of time, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The
system will release brake pressure in proportion to the
amount of throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in
the intended direction of travel.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•Vehicle must be stopped.
•Vehicle must be on a 8% grade or greater hill.
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,
vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears when
the activation criteria have been met. The system will not
activate if the vehicle is placed in NEUTRAL or PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than
8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer,
when the system will not activate and slight rolling
may occur. This could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle.
Towing with HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 281

WARNING!
•If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, your trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, when the
brake pedal is released, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on a
hill and this could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object behind you. In order to avoid
rolling down the hill while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer brake prior to releas-
ing the brake pedal. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the vehicle
on a hill without putting the transmission in
PARK and using the parking brake, it will roll
down the hill and could cause a collision with
another vehicle or object. Always remember to use
the parking brake while parking on a hill, and that
the driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be done
using the Customer Programmable Features in the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of
this manual.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING