brake light JEEP LIBERTY 2005 KJ / 1.G Owners Manual

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 — 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 — 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 “Fog Light Indicator Light” 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 — 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.
120 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 309 for more
information.)
9. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
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 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.
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.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

17. Part Time Indicator Light — 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. (See page 236 for
more information.)
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.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.
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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 — 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. (See page 236 for more information.)
20. Sentry Key/Security Alarm Indicator Light — If
Equipped
Refer to “Sentry Key Immobilizer System” or “Vehicle
Security Alarm” in Section 2 of this manual for more
information.21. Fuel Gage
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the pointer
will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. A
small arrow indicates the side of the vehicle where the
filler cap (gas cap) is located.
22. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.3 U.S.
Gallons (8.7 Liters) this light will come on and
remain on until fuel is added. The “Low Fuel
Warning Light” may turn on and off again, especially
during and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns.
This occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Also, a single chime will sound.
23. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on. If the
light doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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, which requires the clutch to
be fully depressed before starting the vehicle.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.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRAC-LOK™ REAR AXLE — IF EQUIPPED
The optional Trac-Lok™ rear axle provides a constant
driving force to both rear wheels and reduces wheel spin
caused by the loss of traction at one driving wheel. If
traction differs between the two rear wheels, the differ-
ential automatically proportions the usable torque by
providing more torque to the wheel that has traction.
Trac-Lok™ is especially helpful during slippery driving
conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery surface, a
slight application of the accelerator will supply maxi-
mum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel on
an excessively slippery surface, slight application of the
parking brake may be necessary to gain maximum trac-
tion.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to
lose control of your vehicle.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will light.
NOTE:The instrument cluster “Brake Warning Light”
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
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To release the parking brake, pull up slightly, press the
center button, then lower the lever completely.
Before leaving the vehicle parked on a hill, you must
make sure the parking brake is fully applied and place
the gear selector in the P (Park) position. Make certain the
transfer case is in gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in P (Park), other-
wise the load on the transmission locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of P (Park).WARNING!
•Leaving children unattended in a vehicle is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up
may cause serious injury or death.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving. Failure to do so can lead to brake failure.
NOTE:Parking brake adjustment and maintenance
should be performed by your authorized dealer.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Anti-Lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under-inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low speed self-test
at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If for any reason, your foot is
on the brake when the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20 km/h),
this check will be delayed until 25 mph (40 km/h).
The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test and during an ABS stop to provide the
regulated hydraulic pressure. The motor pump makes a
low humming noise during operation, this is normal.
During off-road use, loss of traction can temporarily
defeat the system and cause the warning light to illumi-
nate. Turn the ignition OFF and ON again to restore
Anti-Lock Brake System function.
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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 or you lose headway 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 R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway byturning the front wheels slowly left and right. 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 to 4L or 4LO 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.
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
mandatory for motoring safety.
•Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule “B” for
changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation.
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