gas type JEEP COMMANDER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize
the buffeting.
LIFTGATE
To open the liftgate, pull up (squeeze) on the handle and
lift. Manually unlocking the vehicle doors with the
plunger or a key in the lock cylinder will not unlock the
liftgate.
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous
exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your pas-
sengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep the
liftgate closed when you are operating the vehicle.
Liftgate Release
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2

For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
•you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 mi (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM
D5798). With non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may
experience hard starting and rough idle following start
up even if the above recommendations are followed,
especially when the ambient temperature is below 32°F
(0°C).
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
Whether operating the vehicle on an E-85 ethanol fuel or
unleaded gasoline, the engine oil requirements are the
same. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of
this manual for the proper quality and viscosity engine
oil.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0° to 32°F (-18° to 0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

Double check to ensure the tire is snug against the
underbody of the vehicle. Damage to the winch cable
may result if the vehicle is driven with the tire loose.
WARNING!
Do not use power tools to winch the tire up or down.
Impact type tools may damage the winch mechanism.
12. Reinstall the rubber plug into the floor of the cargo
area.
JUMP STARTING
If the vehicle has a discharged 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
dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure
carefully.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Do not lean over a battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12-Volt system, i.e.
Do not use a 24-Volt power source.
1. Remove all metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets, which might make an unintended electrical
contact.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 409
6

•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
7

Rear Heater............................ 281
Rear Park Sense System................... 156
Rear Seat, Fold and Tumble................ 128
Rear Seat, Folding....................128,132
Rear Window Defroster................... 181
Rear Window Features.................... 180
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 180
Rearview Mirrors........................ 83
Reclining Front Seats..................... 122
Recorder, Event Data...................... 62
Recreational Towing...................... 392
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N)....... 393
Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N)..... 395
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 368
Refrigerant............................ 427
Reminder, Lights On..................... 145
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 50
Remote Control
Starting System........................ 27Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 268
Remote Starting System.................... 27
Replacement Bulbs....................... 457
Replacement Keys........................ 18
Replacement Parts....................... 421
Replacement Tires....................... 353
Reporting Safety Defects................... 490
Restraints, Child......................... 64
Restraints, Occupant...................... 42
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 306
Roll Over Warning........................ 5
Roof Type Carrier....................... 181
Rotation, Tires.......................... 355
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 75
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 75
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 490
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 42
INDEX 509
10