towing JEEP COMMANDER 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Your phone must be turned on and paired to the UCon-
nect™ system to allow use of this vehicle feature in
emergency situations when the cell phone has network
coverage and stays paired to the UConnect™ system.
Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance,
•Press the ’Phone’ button to begin.
•After theReadyprompt and the following beep, say
Towing Assistance.
NOTE:The Towing Assistance number dialed is based
on the Country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-
528-2069 for USA, 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-3454
for Mexico city and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico
city in Mexico).
Please refer to the 24-Hour “Towing Assistance” cover-
age details in the Warranty information booklet and on
the 24–Hour Towing Assistance Card.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer toWorking with Automated
Systems.Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies which time-out a little too soon to
work properly with the UConnect™ system.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer toWorking
with Automated Systems.
Working with Automated Systems
This method is designed to be used in instances where
one generally has to press numbers on the cellular phone
keypad while navigating through an automated tele-
phone system.
You can use your UConnect™ system to access a voice-
mail system or an automated service, such as, paging
service or automated customer service. Some services
require immediate response selection, in some instances,
that may be too quick for use of UConnect™ system.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95
3

WARNING!
•Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Park Assist System. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind you, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other
vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots before back-
ing up. You are responsible for safety and must
continue to pay attention to your surroundings. Fail-
ure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
•Before using the Rear Park Assist System, it is
strongly recommended that the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly is disconnected from the vehicle when
the vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do so
can result in injury or damage to vehicles or ob-
stacles because the hitch ball will be much closer to
the obstacle than the rear fascia when the warning
display turns the red LEDs ON. Also, the sensors
could detect the ball mount and hitch ball assembly,
depending on its size and shape, giving a false
indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
NOTE:Clean all four Rear Park Assist Sensors regularly,
taking care not to scratch or damage them. The sensors
must not be covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or
debris. Failure to do so can result in the system not
working properly. The system might not detect an ob-
stacle behind the fascia or it could provide a false
indication that an obstacle is behind the fascia.
Assure objects are not within 11.8 inches (30 cm) from the
rear fascia while driving the vehicle. Failure to do so can
result in the system misinterpreting a close object as a
sensor problem, causing theSERVICE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEMmessage to be displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Ultrasonic noise from airbrakes of nearby trucks, air
powered jackhammers and air powered shop tools, to
name a few, will cause the Rear Park Assist System to be
disabled until the ultrasonic noise is no longer present.
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Vary the Speed Setting
When the Speed Control is ON, speed can be increased
by pressing and holding the RES·ACCEL button. When
the button is released, a new set speed will be estab-
lished.
Tapping the RES·ACCEL button once will result in a 2
mph (3 km/h) (3.7L/4.7L Models) or a 1 mph (2 km/h)
(5.7L Models) speed increase. Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases, so tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h) (3.7L/4.7L
Models) or 3 mph (5 km/h) (5.7L Models), etc.
To decrease speed while Speed Control is ON and SET,
press and hold the DECEL button. Release the button
when the desired speed is reached, and the new speed
will be set.
To Accelerate for Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40
km/h) for 5.7L models, or 30 mph (48 km/h) for 3.7L/
4.7L models, the Speed Control will automatically disen-
gage. If this happens, you can push down on the accel-
erator pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles may exhibit several 4-3 downshifts under the
above conditions. To reduce the frequency of the down-
shifts and to improve vehicle performance, it is advisable
to lock out overdrive. Press the TOW/HAUL switch on
the lower center switch bank (below the Heating/Air
Conditioning controls).
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

the rear wiper switch or the ignition switch needs to be
turned OFF and ON to restart the rear wiper.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity.
This vehicle is not equipped with roof rack cross rails as
built, unless ordered as optional equipment. Cross rails
must be installed prior to carrying loads on the roof rack.If not equipped, your authorized dealer can order and
install Moparcross rails built specifically for this roof
rack system or a number of after market rails that are
tailored to your life-style or activities.
The optional cross rails have five specific locations iden-
tified by a feature on both the side rail and the cross rail.
Cross rails must be secured in one of the five detent
locations on the side rail to prevent movement with a
sudden stop. The cross rails must also be installed using
the correct orientation (the longer rail toward the front)
with the wind trip formation toward the front of the
vehicle as shown below. For improved windnoise perfor-
mance when cross rails are not in use, place them in
detent positions #1 (first detent from the front of the
vehicle) and #4 (second detent from the rear of the
vehicle) as indicated with a unique feature on the side
rails.The grab handles (A) on the back of the vehicle (if
equipped) are not to be used as a towing feature.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
3

engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning
the key from OFF to ON, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 348 for more information.)6. Airbag Warning Light
This light turns on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
7. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
4

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 for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. If you decide to look under the hood your-
self, refer to Section 7 of this manual. Follow the
warnings under “Cooling System Pressure Cap.”
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

when the engine is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing. The light will come on when the ignition
is first turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
24. Front Fog Light Indicator Light— If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
25. Voltage Warning Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.26. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.3 U.S.
Gallons (8.7 Liters) this light will come on and
remain on until fuel is added. The Low Fuel
Warning Light may turn on and off again, especially
during and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns.
This occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Also, a single chime will sound.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
4

Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........297
▫Base System.........................297
▫Premium System......................299
▫General Information...................303

Tire Chains...........................303

Tire Rotation Recommendations............304

Fuel Requirements......................305
▫3.7/4.7L Engines (If Equipped)............305
▫5.7L Engines (If Equipped)...............305
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................306
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............306
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................307
▫Materials Added To Fuel................307▫Fuel System Cautions..................307
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............308

Fuel Tank Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............309
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............311

TrailerTowing .........................312
▫Common Towing Definitions.............312
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............314
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........315
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............316
▫Towing Requirements..................317
▫TowingTips .........................321

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 323
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

▫Towing – 2WD Models.................323
▫Towing — Quadra-Trac I
(Single-Speed Transfer Case) 4WD Models....323▫Towing — Quadra–Trac II /Quadra–Drive II
4WD Models........................324

Snow Plow...........................328
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should apply
the park brake, shift the transmission into P (Park),
and remove the key from the ignition. Once the key
is removed from the ignition the transmission shift
lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore,
you should never leave children unattended inside a
vehicle.
R (Reverse)
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
N (Neutral)
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can roll
freely. Do not engage in N (Neutral) position while
driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with selector lever in N (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.
D (Drive)
The transmission automatically upshifts through fifth
gear. The D (Drive) position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shifter left (-) or right (+) when the
258 STARTING AND OPERATING