tow JEEP COMMANDER 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

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 ªHº, 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 ªCooling System Pressure Cap.º
14. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Cen-
terº later in this section.
15. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. The TOW/
HAUL button is located in the center of the
instrument panel (below the climate controls).
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
22. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
23. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Ð
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a problem
is detected the light will come on while theengine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the gear selector is
placed in the P (Park) position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see your dealer
for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing
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 LightÐ If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Rear Temperature Control
The center knob on the Rear Control Panel allows the
third row seat occupants to have control of the rear
temperature as follows:
²When the temperature knob is in the cold (Blue)
position, cold air will be delivered from the outlets. As
the temperature knob is turned towards the hot (Red)
position, the air will get warmer.
Rear Mode Control
²
Floor
Air flows through the floor outlet located on the
right side of the rear floor into the rear seating
area.
²Bi-Level
Air flows through both the outlets located in the
rear quarter trim panels, and the one located on
the floor. The rear quarter trim panel outlets can be
closed to block airflow.
²Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the rear
quarter trim panels. These registers can be closed
to block airflow.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the Air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 269
4

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 Recommended
Fluids and Genuine Parts for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation 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 to shift intoN (Neutral) and depress 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 obstruc-
tions.
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 insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
²Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

WARNING!
Never use P (Park) position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P
(Park) or N (Neutral) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
R (Reverse)
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
N (Neutral)
Shift into N (Neutral) when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
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 ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5 and ªTowing a Disabled Vehicleº in
Section 6 of this manual.
D (Drive)
Shift into D (Drive) only when the vehicle is at a complete
stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The transmission
automatically upshifts through fifth gear. The D (Drive)
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shifter left (-) or right (+) when the
shifter is in the D (Drive) position, allowing the selection
of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but can shift down to 2
(second) or 1 (first), when needed.
When in the D (Drive) position, the first tap to the left (-),
will show the current gear. For example, if you are in D
(Drive) and are in 3rd gear, when you tap the gear shift
one time to the left (-), the display will show 3. Another
tap to the left (-) will shift the transmission into 2nd gear.
If you are in D (Drive) and are in 5th gear, the first tap to
the left (-) will display 5. Another tap to the left (-) will
shift the transmission into 4th gear.
On vehicles equipped with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, use of
ERS (or Tow/Haul mode) also enables a additional
underdrive gear which is not normally used duringthrough-gear accelerations. This additional gear im-
proves vehicle performance and cooling capability when
towing a trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode (on all
transmissions), 1st through 3rd gear are underdrive gears
and 4th gear is direct drive. ERS 5th gear (Overdrive) is
the same as the normal 4th gear.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display12345*D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-5
* Applies to vehicles equipped with 4.7L/5.7L engines
only.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to the
left ªD(-)º and hold it there. The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (5th gear for 3.7L engine, 4th and
5th gears for 4.7L and 5.7L engines). The transmission
will automatically shift from direct gear to Overdrive if
the following conditions are present:
²the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the ªTOW/HAULº switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
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 also 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 warm up 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 ªTRANSMISSION
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

OVER TEMPº 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. This is a normal part of the
overheat protection strategy when operating in the
ªTow/Haulº mode.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to the
most desirable gear if the accelerator pedal is fully
depressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When To Use ªTOW/HAULº Mode Ð If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the ªTOW/HAULº switch. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmissionoverheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in ªTOW/HAULº mode, the transmission will
shift to direct gear and Overdrive will be enabled under
steady cruise conditions.
The ªTOW/HAULº light will illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster to indicate when the switch has beenTOW/HAUL Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
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