parking brake JEEP LIBERTY 2004 KJ / 1.G Owners Manual

To remove the ignition key on models with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn
the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.
To remove the ignition key on models with a manual
transmission, depress and hold the key release button,
turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal, or the gear selector
lever. Do not leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

NOTE:A tone will chime if the turn signals are left on
for more than 2 miles (3.2 km).
Lights-On Reminder
A chime will sound if the driver's door is left open, and
the headlights or parking lights are left on.
Battery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights
If the park lights, headlights, fog lights, or high beams are
left on when the ignition switch is in the OFF position,
the battery saver feature will automatically turn off the
exterior lights after eight minutes. Normal operation will
resume when the ignition is turned ON or when the
switch is turned to another position.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
The front fog light switch is in the multi-function
control lever. To activate the front fog lights, turn
on the park or low beam headlights and pull out
the end of the lever. The ªFog Light Indicator Lightº will
illuminate when the fog lights are on.
NOTE:The fog lights will only operate with the park
lights or the headlights on low beam. Selecting high
beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Daytime Running Lights Ð If Equipped
The headlights come on at a low intensity level after the
engine has started. They will turn off when the vehicle is
turned off, when the headlights are switched on, or when
the parking brake is set.
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

light will come on when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for as long as three
seconds.
If the light comes back on immediately or comes on
during 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 provided that the BRAKE
warning light is not on. Also, a chime will sound if the
light comes back on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The operation of the ABS light can be checked by turning
the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON
position. The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off unless theparking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
10. Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on for three
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If the light
comes back on immediately or comes on while driving, it
means that there is a problem with the charging system
or the battery is low. Also, a chime will sound if the light
comes back on. See your authorized dealer immediately.
11. Temperature Gage
Indicates engine coolant temperature. Any read-
ing within the normal range indicates that the
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gage pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature
(above center scale) when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 153
4

14. Cruise Indicator Light
This indicator lights when the speed control
system is turned ON.
15. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on, have the system checked by your autho-
rized dealer.
If the warning light comes on and remains on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO
NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS
CORRECTED. Also, a single chime will sound.
16. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur with
severe usage such as trailer towing or snow plowing. Ifthis light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at
idle or faster, with the transmission in N (Neutral) until
the light goes off.
17. Part Time Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the PART TIME four±wheel drive high range
mode, and the front and rear driveshafts are
mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed.
18. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the light comes on, it may indi-
cate that the parking brake is applied, or there
is a low brake fluid level. On vehicles equipped with
Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), it may also indicate an ABS
malfunction that could lead to reduced braking perfor-
mance.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155
4

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the BRAKE warning light on
is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per-
formance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You could
have an accident. Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately.
The operation of the BRAKE warning light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON position. The light should illuminate
for approximately two seconds. The light should then
turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.Also, the light will come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
19. Full Time Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the FULL TIME four±wheel drive mode, and
employs the inter-axle differential which al-
lows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds.
20. Security Alarm System Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds
after all of the doors are locked and closed to signal that
156 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NShifting Procedure....................230
mTrac-LokŸ Rear Axle Ð If Equipped.........231
mParking Brake.........................232
mAnti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped.......234
mOn-Road Driving Tips...................236
mOff-Road Driving Tips...................236
NWhen To Use 4L Or 4 Lo (Low) Range......236
NIn Snow, Mud And Sand................237
NHill Climbing........................237
NTraction Downhill.....................238
NAfter Driving Off-Road.................238
mTire Safety Information...................239
NTire Markings........................239NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........243
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........244
mTires Ð General Information...............248
NTire Inflation Pressures.................249
NHigh Speed Operation.................250
NRadial-Ply Tires......................251
NTire Spinning........................251
NTread Wear Indicators..................252
NReplacement Tires.....................252
NAlignment And Balance.................253
mTire Pressure Monitor System Ð If Equipped . . . 254
NTire Pressure Monitor System Tire/Wheel
Rotation And Sensor Replacement
Ð If Equipped.......................256
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in N (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system.4WD Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch
pedal. The 4 LO MODE indicator light will illuminate
when the transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position. Apply the brake before shifting to
any driving range.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) are
expected to last for several days.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
5-Speed Manual Overdrive Transmission
Follow the shift pattern on the gearshift knob.
NOTE:The backup lights will come on when your
vehicle is in R (Reverse) gear and the ignition is in the ON
position.WARNING!
When parking your vehicle, always leave a manual
transmission in first gear and apply the parking
brake fully to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage. Never use any gear as a
substitute for the parking brake.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5

Gear Ranges
P (Park)
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P
(Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the selector
in P (Park) position.
WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
STARTING AND OPERATING 217
5

WARNING!
²Because 4-wheel drive provides improved trac-
tion, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and
stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road con-
ditions permit.
²You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive-
shafts from the powertrain and will allow the
vehicle to move despite 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:
2H
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4H
4-Wheel-Drive High Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in Sec-
tion 5 for more information.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING