towing JEEP COMMANDER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

•If supported, this number may be programmable on
some systems. To do this, press the PHONE button
and say ‘Setup’, followed by ‘Emergency’.
•The UConnectsystem does slightly lower your
chances of successfully making a phone call as to that
for the cell phone directly.
WARNING!
Your phone must be turned on and paired to the
UConnectsystem to allow use of this vehicle feature
in emergency situations, when the cell phone has
network coverage and stays paired to the UConnect
system.
Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance:
•Press the PHONE button to begin.
•After theReadyprompt and the following beep, say
Towing Assistance.
NOTE:
•The towing assistance number dialed is based on the
country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-528-
2069 for the U.S., 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-
3454 for Mexico City and 1-800-712-3040 for outside
Mexico City in Mexico).
•If supported, this number may be programmable on
some systems. To do this, press the PHONE button
and say “Setup”’, followed by “Towing Assistance”.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer toWorking with Automated
Systems.Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies, which time out a little too soon to
work properly with the UConnectsystem.
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Voice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
language
list names
list phones
mobile
mute
mute off
new entry
no
pager
pair a phone
phone pairing pairing
phonebook phone book
previous
record again
redialVoice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
return to main menu return or main menu
select phone select
send
set up phone settings or phone
set up
towing assistance
transfer call
UConnectTutorial
try again
voice training
work
yes
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3

rack system or a number of aftermarket rails that are
tailored to your life style or activities.
The optional cross rails have five specific locations iden-
tified by a feature on both the side rail and the cross rail.
Cross rails must be secured in one of the five detent
locations on the side rail to prevent movement with a
sudden stop. The cross rails must also be installed using
the correct orientation (the longer rail toward the front)
with the wind trip toward the front of the vehicle as
shown below. For improved windnoise performance
when cross rails are not in use, place them in detent
positions #1 (first detent from the front of the vehicle) and
#4 (second detent from the rear of the vehicle) as indi-
cated with a unique feature on the side rails.The grab
handles (A) on the back of the vehicle (if equipped) are
not to be used as a towing feature.
NOTE:If the rear cross rail (or any metallic object) is
placed over the satellite radio antenna (if equipped), youmay experience interruption of satellite radio reception.
For improved satellite radio reception, place the rear
cross rail in detent position #4 when not in use.
Cross Rail Positions
1 — Front of Vehicle
2 — Wind Trip 182 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

5. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.6. Airbag Warning Light
This light turns on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
7. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
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alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
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 “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
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
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped, and the
shift lever is placed into the 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 authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or enginestall 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 autho-
rized dealer.
24. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
25. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging
system. The light should come on when the ignition
switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, turn
off some of the vehicle’s non-essential electrical devices or
increase engine speed (if at idle). If the charging system light
remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a
problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMME-
DIATELY. See an authorized dealer.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199
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 Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper
coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic, in
hot weather, especially when towing a trailer, additional
engine cooling may be required. If this situation is encoun-
tered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to increase
engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When stopped inheavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift into 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 wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstructions.
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 ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Trailer Towing........................ 380
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 380
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 383
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...................... 384
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight.............. 385
▫Towing Requirements................. 386
▫Towing Tips........................ 391Snow Plow.......................... 392
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................. 392
▫Towing – 2WD Models................. 392
▫Towing — Quadra-Trac I(Single-Speed
Transfer Case) 4WD Models............. 393
▫Towing — Quadra–Trac II/Quadra–Drive
II4WD Models..................... 393
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
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WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or 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.
REVERSE
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Shift into 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 the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in
Section 6 of this manual.
DRIVE
Shift into DRIVE only when the vehicle is at a complete
stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The transmission
automatically upshifts through fifth gear. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shift lever left (-) or right (+) when the
shift lever is in the DRIVE position, allowing you to limit
the highest available gear. For example, if the driver
shifts the transmission into ERS 3 (third gear), the trans-
mission will never shift above third gear, but can shift
down to 2 (second) or 1 (first), when needed.
3.7L Engine
When in the DRIVE position, the first tap to the left (-),
will shift down one gear and will display that gear. For
example, if you are in DRIVE and are in 5th gear, when
you tap the shift lever one time to the left (-), the
transmission will downshift to 4th gear and the display
will show 4. Another tap to the left (-) will shift the
transmission into 3rd gear.4.7L and 5.7L Engine
On vehicles equipped with 4.7L or 5.7L engines, use of
ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables an additional
underdrive gear which is not normally used during
through-gear accelerations. This additional gear im-
proves vehicle performance and cooling capability when
towing a trailer on certain grades. ERS 1,2, and 3 are
underdrive gears; ERS 4 is direct drive. ERS 5 (Overdrive)
is the same as the normal 4th gear. When in the DRIVE
position in 1st through 4th gear, the first tap to the left (-),
will display the ERS designation for the current gear (the
transmission will not downshift). For example, if you are
in DRIVE and are in 3rd (direct) gear, when you tap the
shift lever one time to the left (-), the display will show 4
(ERS 4 is direct gear). Another tap to the left (-) will shift
the transmission down to ERS 3 (the added underdrive
gear). When in the DRIVE position in 5th gear, the first
tap to the left (-) will downshift the transmission and
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
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