steering JEEP COMMANDER 2008 1.G User Guide

WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The
telescoping adjustment must be locked while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving or
driving without the telescoping adjustment locked
could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Ð IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward the driver to provide improved position
with the steering wheel. The adjustable pedal system is
designed to allow a greater range of driver comfort for
steering wheel tilt and seat position. The position of the
brake and accelerator pedals can be adjusted without
compromising safety or comfort in actuating the pedals.Press the bottom of the switch to move the pedals
rearward (toward the driver).
Press the top of the switch to move the pedals forward
(away from the driver).
Adjustable Pedal Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135
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²The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.
²The pedals can be adjusted while driving.
²The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in R
(Reverse) or when the Speed Control is ON. A message
will be displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) if the pedals are attempted to be ad-
justed when the system is locked out (ªAdjustable
Pedal Disabled Ð Cruise Control Engagedº or ªAd-
justable Pedal Disabled Ð Vehicle In Reverseº). Refer
to Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
Section 4 for more information.
CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedal's
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim-
ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the
adjustable pedal's path.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera-
tions at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h) for 3.7L/
4.7L engines, and 25 mph (40 km/h) for 5.7L engines.
Electronic Speed Control Operation
The speed control lever is located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver 's steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the brake of the appropriate wheel and may also
reduce engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift
will occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.NOTE:Anytime the ESP system is in the ªFull Offº
mode, ERM is disabled. Refer to ESP (Electronic Stability
Program) for a complete explanation of the available ESP
modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The9ESP/TCS Indicator
Light9also flashes when TCS is active. If the9ESP/TCS
Indicator Light9begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch up to the DEL (Delay) position or
the ON position will activate the wiper. Rotating the
center of the switch all the way up or down will turn on
the wash function. The wash pump will continue to
operate as long as the button is pressed. Upon release, the
wipers will cycle three times before returning to the set
position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the ªParkº
position.
If the liftgate flipper glass is open, connection to the rear
window wiper is interrupted preventing activation of the
rear wiper blade. When the liftgate flipper glass is closed,
Rear Wiper/Washer Switch
176 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

²Vehicle Information Warning Message Displays
²Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)
²Compass Display
²Outside Temperature Display
²Trip Computer Functions
The system allows the driver to select information by
pressing the following buttons mounted on the steering
wheel:
MENU Button
Press and release the MENU button and the
mode displayed will change between Trip
Functions, Personal Settings, and System Sta-
tus.FUNCTION SELECT Button
Press the FUNCTION SELECT button to select
the displayed function (YES (Y) or NO (N).
SCROLL Button
Press the SCROLL button to scroll through Trip
Functions, Personal Settings (Customer Pro-
grammable Features), and System Status Mes-
sages.
COMPASS/TEMPERATURE Button
Press and release the COMPASS/
TEMPERATURE button to display one of eight
compass readings and the outside temperature.
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and 6 disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211
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REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. Reach behind the wheel to
access the switches.
Remote Control Location
254 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
274 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
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