JEEP LIBERTY 2007 KJ / 1.G Owners Manual

Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
Shifting from D (Drive) to P (Park) or R (Reverse) (or
from P or R to D) should be done only after the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake when moving the
shift lever between these gears.
Gear Ranges
P (Park)
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. 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 parking brake first,
then place the selector in P (Park) position.
WARNING!
Never use P (Park) position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
Automatic Shift Controls
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WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P
(Park) or N (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.
R (Reverse)
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.N (Neutral)
Shift into N (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 selector lever in N (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.
Overdrive (O/D)
For most city and highway driving. The transmission
contains an electronically controlled Overdrive, and will
automatically shift from D (Drive) to O/D (Overdrive) if
the following conditions are present:
•The transmission selector is in D (Drive).
•The O/D OFF button has not been activated.
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•Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h).
•Transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
Overdrive, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy load conditions (for example, in hilly terrain,
strong head winds, or trailer towing), turning off over-
drive will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
Overdrive can be locked out by pressing the O/D OFF
button located on side of the gearshift lever. The O/D
OFF indicator light will illuminate to show that the
switch has been activated. When the indicator light is on,
Overdrive is locked out. Pressing the switch a second
O/D Off Button
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time restores the Overdrive function. The lockout feature
is useful when towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in cold outside tempera-
tures, shifts into Overdrive may be delayed. Normal
Overdrive and shifting operation will resume when the
temperature of the transmission reaches the appropriate
temperature. Refer to the “Note” under “Torque Con-
verter Clutch” later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the trans-
mission may downshift out of Overdrive or engage
overdrive at higher vehicle speeds until the transmission
cools down. After cooldown, Overdrive will resume
normal operation.
2 (Second)
For moderate grades and to assist braking on dry pave-
ment or in mud and snow. Begins at a stop in low gear
with automatic upshift to 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd.1 (First)
For hard pulling at low speeds in mud, sand, snow, or on
steep grades. Begins and stays in low gear with no
upshift. Provides engine compression braking at low
speeds.
CAUTION!
•Never press on the accelerator pedal with the en-
gine running, vehicle in gear, and the brakes ap-
plied. Always apply the brakes when stopped on a
incline. Failure to follow these instructions can
cause overheating and damage to the transmission.
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “First” and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
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Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch (TCC) will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm (usually after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving)
and the vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h). To understand the difference in operation,
drive the vehicle so that TCC engagement conditions
are correct, and then press and release the “O/D OFF”
button once to disengage the TCC. Wait a few seconds,
and then press and release the “O/D OFF” button
again to engage the TCC. You will notice that the
engine runs at a higher RPM when driving at vehicle
speeds above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h) with
the TCC not engaged. This is a normal condition.
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
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normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Command-TracOperating
Information/Precautions
The Command-Tractransfer case provides 4 mode
positions-2(rear) wheel drive high range, 4-wheel drive
high range, neutral, and 4-wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2-wheel
drive position (2H) for normal street and highway con-
ditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required the transfer case 4H
and 4L positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished bysimply moving the shift lever to these positions. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry
hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.
The PART TIME indicator light, located in the instrument
cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted to the
4H position.
The 4 LO MODE indicator light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted
to the 4L position. There is no light for the 2H or N
(Neutral) positions.
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CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The Command-
Trac transfer case is not equipped with a synchro-
nizer and therefore the front and rear driveshaft
speeds must be equal for the shift to take place.
Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
•When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2H
or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference will adversely affect shifting and can
cause damage to the transfer case.
WARNING!
•Because 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.
•You 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.
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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 “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 for more information.
4L
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). (Allows engine starting without depressing
the clutch pedal on vehicles equipped with manual
transmission. Refer to “Starting Procedures — Manual
Transmission (4WD Models Only)” in this section.
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle in motion up to 55 mph (88 km/h). The transfer
case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily
release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift.
Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case
lever.
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4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
clutch on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:To shift from 4H to 4L, the shift lever should
pushed away from the driver, and then rearward into 4L.
In 4H, there is a neutral stop to prevent shifting into N
(Neutral) by accident.
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift automatic
transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn
engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
Selec-TracOperating Information/Precautions —
If Equipped
The Selec-Tractransfer case provides 5 mode positions -
normal 2-wheel drive mode, part-time 4-wheel drive
high range, full-time 4-wheel drive high range, neutral,
and 4-wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential which allows driving the vehicle in the 4 FULL
TIME position at all times on any given road surface
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including dry hard surfaced roads. The 4 FULL TIME
mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds which eliminates driveline binding and
component wear that is normally associated with driving
the vehicle in the 4 PART TIME position on dry hard
surfaced roads. This feature provides the safety, security,
and convenience of operating in 4–wheel drive at all
times regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required the 4 PART TIME
and 4LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together through the transfer case inter-axle
differential and force the front and rear driveshafts to
rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by simply
moving the shift lever to these positions. The 4 PART
TIME and 4LO positions are intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4 PART TIME and 4LO
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to driveline components.The PART TIME indicator light, located on the instru-
ment cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted
to the 4 PART TIME position.
The FULL TIME indicator light, located on the instru-
ment cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted
to the 4 FULL TIME position.
The 4LO MODE indicator light, located on the instru-
ment cluster, illuminates when the transfer case is shifted
to the 4LO position. There is no light for the 2WD, or N
(Neutral) positions.
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