4WD JEEP COMMANDER 2008 1.G User Guide

NShifting Procedures....................293
NQuadra-Drive IItSystem Ð If Equipped.....295
mOn-Road Driving Tips...................296
mOff-Road Driving Tips...................296
NWhen To Use 4WD Low Range Ð
If Equipped.........................296
NDriving Through Water.................296
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........298
NHill Climbing........................298
NTraction Downhill.....................299
NAfter Driving Off-Road.................299
mParking Brake.........................300
mAnti-Lock Brake System..................302mPower Steering........................305
mMulti Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................306
mTire Safety Information...................306
NTire Markings........................306
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........310
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........311
mTires Ð General Information...............315
NTire Pressure.........................315
NTire Inflation Pressures.................316
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation....318
NRadial-Ply Tires......................318
NTire Spinning........................318
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NCruising Range.......................340
NReplacement Parts.....................340
mAdding Fuel..........................341
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............341
mVehicle Loading........................344
NCertification Label.....................344
mTrailer Towing.........................346
NCommon Towing Definitions.............346
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............350
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................350NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............352
NTowing Requirements..................353
NTowing Tips.........................357
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 359
NTowing ± 2WD Models.................359
NTowing Ð Quadra-Trac I (Single-Speed Transfer
Case) 4WD Models....................359
NTowing Ð Quadra±Trac II /Quadra±Drive II
4WD Models........................359
mSnow Plow...........................363
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting Procedures
4HIto4LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. ªThe 4WD
LOW Indicator Lampº in the instrument cluster will
begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. Release the T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a ªCHECK SHIFT PROCEDURESº message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 of this manual.
4 LOW to 4 HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. The ª4WD
Shifter T-Handle
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5

LOW Indicator Lampº in the instrument cluster will flash
and go out when the shift is complete. Release the
T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a ªCHECK SHIFT PROCEDURESº message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 of this manual.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible
with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty
may occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being
properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to 3 mph (0
to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5
km/h), the transfer case will not allow the shift.Neutral (N) Shift Procedure
1. Key ON, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place transmission in N (Neutral).
4. Hold down N (Neutral) ªpinº switch (with a pen, etc.)
for 4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to
blink indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking
(stay on solid) when Neutral shift is complete. A ª4WD
SYSTEM IN NEUTRALº message will display on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily 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
NOTE:Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air
dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is attached to
the lower front fascia with quarter turn fasteners, and can
be removed by hand.
When To Use 4WD LOW Range Ð If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction. This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, 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
4WD LOW range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water:
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW if necessary.
Refer to ªFour-Wheel Drive Operationº in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
forward motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.If you stall or begin to lose forward motionwhile
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine
and shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, 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. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain forward motion
by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a
fresh ªbiteº into the surface and will usually provide
traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4WD LOW range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
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.
²Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
²Check 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.
²Check 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.
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5

þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing ± 2WD Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the driveshaft
is removed.Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
Towing Ð Quadra-Trac I (Single-Speed Transfer
Case) 4WD Models
Recreational towing is not allowed.This model does not
have a N (Neutral) position in the transfer case.
Towing Ð Quadra±Trac II /Quadra±Drive II 4WD
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 N (Neutral)
position, and the transmission must be in the P (Park)
position for recreational towing.
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5

Shifting Into Neutral (N)
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 N (Neutral) before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition key ON, engine off.
3. Shift transmission into N (Neutral).
4. Shift transfer case into N (Neutral).
Hold down N (Neutral) ªpinº switch (with a pen, etc.) for
4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to blink
indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking (stayon solid) when Neutral shift is complete. A ª4WD
SYSTEM IN NEUTRALº message will display on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual.
Neutral Switch
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

Hold down N (Neutral) ªpinº switch (with a pen, etc.) for
4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to blink
indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking (go
out) when shift is complete. The ª4WD SYSTEM IN
NEUTRALº message will no longer be displayed on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual.
5. Shift transmission into P (Park).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift transmission into D (Drive).
Neutral Switch
362 STARTING AND OPERATING