towing JEEP COMMANDER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING! (Continued)
•Before using the Rear Park Assist System, it is
strongly recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected from the ve-
hicle when the vehicle is not used for towing.
Failure to do so can result in injury or damage to
vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia
when the warning display turns on the single
flashing arc and sounds the continuous tone. Also,
the sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly, depending on its size and shape,
giving a false indication that an obstacle is behind
the vehicle.
REAR CAMERA — IF EQUIPPED
Vehicles may be equipped with a rearview camera (lo-
cated on the rear liftgate) that allows you to see an
on-screen image (on the Navigation/Multimedia radio)
of the rear of your vehicle, whenever the vehicle is put
into REVERSE.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Camera System. Always check care-
fully behind your vehicle, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or
blind spots before backing up. You are responsible
for the safety of your surroundings and must con-
tinue to pay attention while backing up. Failure to do
so can result in serious injury or death.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The optional crossbars must also be secured in one of the
five detent positions marked with an arrow on the
siderails to prevent movement. To move the crossbars,
loosen the thumb screws located at the upper edge of
each crossbar approximately eight turns, then move the
crossbar to the desired position, keeping the crossbars
parallel to the rack frame. Once the crossbar is in one of
the five detent positions, retighten the thumb screws to
lock the crossbar into position.
NOTE:
•To help control wind noise when the crossbars are not
in use, place the front crossbar in the first detent from
the front of the vehicle and the rear crossbar in the
second detent from the rear of the vehicle.
•If the rear crossbar (or any metallic object) is placed
over the satellite radio antenna (if equipped), you may
experience interruption of satellite radio reception. For
improved satellite radio reception, place the rear cross-
bar in the second detent from the rear of the vehicle
when not in use.
•The grab handles on the back of the vehicle (if
equipped) are not to be used as a towing feature.
CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof rack without
crossbars installed. The load should be secured
and placed on top of the crossbars, not directly on
the roof. If it is necessary to place the load on the
roof, place a blanket or some other protection
between the load and the roof surface.(Continued)
152 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.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
162 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

21. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
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 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 autho-
rized dealer.
24. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
25. Charging System Light This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing 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
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169

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 situa-
tion 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 toshift into NEUTRAL and press 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
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.
236 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫3.7 Engine ......................... 314
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 314
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 315
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 315
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 315
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 316
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 316
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 317
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 317
 Adding Fuel ......................... 318
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 318
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 320
▫ Certification Label ................... 320 
Trailer Towing ........................ 323
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 323
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 327
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 328
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 329
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 330
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 335
 Snow Plow .......................... 336
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 336
▫ Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models ....... 336
▫ Towing — Quadra-Trac I (Single-Speed
Transfer Case) Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . 337
▫ Towing — Quadra–Trac II /Quadra–Drive
II Four-Wheel Drive Models ............. 337
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever into the PARK position.
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
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. 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
This range is used 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 249

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.
NOTE:
•If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever to the left
(-), the transmission will downshift to the lowest gear
that can be attained without overrevving the engine.
The display will show the gear the vehicle is in and
will limit the top gear to the one displayed.
•If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever to the right
(+), the transmission will exit the gear limiting mode
and shift to the appropriate gear. The display will read
D.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.
5.7L Engine
On vehicles equipped with 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 improves vehicle perfor-
mance 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
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

•transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
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 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 warmup 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 “TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP” 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. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator
Light” will turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat
protection strategy when operating in the “TOW/
HAUL” mode.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive, to the
most desirable gear, if the accelerator pedal is fully
pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode — If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” switch. This will improve
252 STARTING AND OPERATING