4WD JEEP COMMANDER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

17. 4WD LOW Mode Indicator — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
4WD LOW mode. The front and rear driveshafts
are mechanically locked together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
18. Seat Belt Reminder LightWhen the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver or front passenger
seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to
Occupant Restraints/Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder
System (BeltAlert) in Section 2 for more information.
19. Cruise Indicator This indicator illuminates when the speed con-
trol system is turned ON. 20. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
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. If your
odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the repair
technician should leave the odometer reading the same
as it was before the repair or service. If s/he cannot do so,
then the odometer must be set at zero, and a sticker must
be placed in the door jamb stating what the mileage was
before the repair or service. It is a good idea for you to
make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/
service, so that you can be sure that it is properly reset, or
that the door jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer
must be reset at zero.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•HOOD/GLASS/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/GATE/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•HOOD/GATE/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGLASS/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
•LIFTGLASS/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
•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
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173

▫Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped ............. 256
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 257
▫ Shifting Procedures ................... 258
▫ Quadra-Drive II System — If Equipped .... 260
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 261
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 261
▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range
— If Equipped ...................... 261
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 261
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 263
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 263
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 264
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 264 
Power Steering ....................... 265
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 266
 Parking Brake ........................ 267
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 269
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS) (If
Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ............. 271
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 272
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 272
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 273
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 273
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 274
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 275
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 280
240 STARTING AND OPERATING

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac IOperating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac I is a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time four–
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.
NOTE: The Quadra-Trac I system is not appropriate
for conditions where 4WD LOW range is recommended.
Refer to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in this section.
Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/
Precautions — If Equipped
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully automatic in the
normal driving 4WD HI mode. The Quadra-Trac II
transfer case provides three mode positions:
•4WD HI
•NEUTRAL
•4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD HI mode.
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW
position can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts
together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. The 4WD LOW position is intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOW position on dry, hard-surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD HI
position at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed
the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
4WD HI
This range is used on surfaces such as ice, snow, gravel,
sand, and dry hard pavement.
NEUTRAL
This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing”
in Section 5 of this manual.
4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It locks the
front and rear driveshafts together and forces the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. It provides
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STARTING AND OPERATING 257

additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Shifting Procedures
4WD HI to 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and raise the transfer case T-handle. The
“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. Release the T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a “CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will
flash from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and raise the transfer case T-handle. The
Shifter T-Handle
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete. Release
the T-handle.
NOTE:
•If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a transfer
case motor temperature protection condition exists, a
“CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will flash
from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
•Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may
occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being prop-
erly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur.
The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster
than 3 mph (5 km/h), the transfer case will not allow
the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Key ON, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with a pen,
etc.) for four seconds until the LED light by the switch
starts to blink indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is
complete. A “4WD SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will
display on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 259

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
NOTE:Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air
dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is attached to
the lower front fascia with quarter turn fasteners and can
be removed by hand.
When to Use 4WD LOW Range — If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction. This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, or sand where additional
low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in
excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
4WD LOW range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 261

Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW if necessary.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
forward motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills. If you stall or begin to lose forward motion
while
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine,
and shift into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill,
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill always
drive straight up or down.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 263

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 “bite” 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 into 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 isalways 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.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check the tires, body structure, steering, suspension,
and exhaust system for damage.
•Check 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.
•Check 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.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING