brake fluid JEEP COMMANDER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related tothe brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191
4

•LIFTGLASS/HOOD OPEN (with graphic)
•WASHER FLUID LOW (with graphic)
•COOLANT LOW (with graphic)
•OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
•OIL CHANGE RESET
•CHECK GAUGES
•AUTO HIGH BEAMS ON
•AUTO HIGH BEAMS OFF
•PARK ASSIST DISABLED
•SERVICE SUSPENSION
•SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
•TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP
•CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURE
•SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM
•4WD SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL
•LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
•WARNING! LIMIT SPEED
•CHECK GASCAP
•ESP OFF
•IOD FUSE OUT
•HILL DESCENT CONTROL
•MEMORY #1 POSITIONS SET
•MEMORY #2 POSITIONS SET
•MEMORY SYSTEM DISABLED — SEATBELT BUCK-
LED (with graphic)
•MEMORY SYSTEM DISABLED — VEHICLE NOT IN
PARK
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
4

▫Quadra-Trac IIOperating
Instructions/Precautions — If Equipped.... 307
▫Shift Positions....................... 309
▫Shifting Procedures................... 309
▫Quadra-Drive IISystem — If Equipped.... 312
On-Road Driving Tips.................. 312
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 313
▫When To Use 4WD Low Range —
If Equipped......................... 313
▫Driving Through Water................ 313
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 314
▫Hill Climbing....................... 314
▫Traction Downhill.................... 315
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 316Power Steering........................ 317
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 317
Parking Brake........................ 318
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 320
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) — 5.7L
Engine Only.......................... 323
Electronic Brake Control System........... 323
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)........... 323
▫TCS (Traction Control System)........... 324
▫BAS (Brake Assist System).............. 324
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation).......... 325
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program)......... 326
▫TSC (Trailer Sway Control).............. 331
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold.
This is normal. Manually shifting (using the ERS shift
control) between 4 (direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive
gear) positions will demonstrate that the transmission
is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. For vehicles
with 4.7L or 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive
gears), the transmission may not shift into the top
Overdrive gear (normal 5th gear) until the transmis-
sion fluid and engine coolant are warm.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter intothe transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.
Rocking The Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
between DRIVE and REVERSE, while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.
NOTE:The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF
before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in Section 3 of this manual.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine, is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), or
other types of power steering fluids, when servicing
the power steering system of this vehicle. Damage to
the power steering system can result from the use of
the wrong power steering fluid.
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition ON, the Brake Warning Light in the instrument
cluster will light. To release the parking brake, pull up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cooling System...................... 431
▫Brake System....................... 437
▫Front/Rear Axle Fluid................. 438
▫Transfer Case....................... 439
▫Automatic Transmission................ 440
▫Maintenance After Off-Road Driving....... 443
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 444
Fuses.............................. 449
▫Interior Fuses....................... 449
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center)............................ 451
▫Underhood Fuses
(Integrated Power Module).............. 455Vehicle Storage....................... 456
Replacement Bulbs..................... 457
Bulb Replacement..................... 458
▫Head Light......................... 458
▫Front Turn Signal.................... 460
▫Front Fog Light...................... 461
▫Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lights............................. 462
▫Center High Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . 464
Fluids And Capacities................... 465
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 466
▫Engine............................ 466
▫Chassis............................ 467
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 3.7L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Power Distribution Center 7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Integrated Power Module 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Battery 10 — Air Cleaner FilterMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 4157

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 4.7L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Battery
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick 9 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Power Distribution Center 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
6 — Integrated Power Module 416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 5.7L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Power Distribution Center 9 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Integrated Power Module 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
6 — BatteryMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 4177

•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be periodically inspected.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark, because leakage may occur at the cap.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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