traction control JEEP LIBERTY 2008 KK / 2.G Owners Manual

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
²Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
²Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
²Impact acceleration and angle
²Seat belt status
²Brake status (service and parking brakes)
²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Transmission gear selection
²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2

8. Front Fog Light Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the fog lights are ON. (See
page 133 for more information.)
9. Speedometer
Shows the vehicle speed.
10. Turn Signal Indicator Light
The left or right arrow will flash in unison with the
corresponding front and rear turn signal lights when
the turn signal switch is operated. (See page 133 for more
information.)
NOTE:A chime will sound if the vehicle is driven more
than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
NOTE:Check for a defective outside light bulb if either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate.11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Be sure to
adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. (See page 314 for more infor-
mation.)
12. Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should turn on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle's electrical devices,
such as the Fog Lights or Rear Defroster. If the light
remains on, it means that the charging system is experi-
encing a problem. See your local authorized dealer to
obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
194 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

NMP1522 Command-TractTransfer Case Ð
If Equipped.........................292
NMP3022 Selec-Trac IItTransfer Case Ð
If Equipped.........................298
mOn-Road Driving Tips...................303
mOff-Road Driving Tips...................304
NWhen To Use 4WD Low Range...........304
NDriving Through Water.................304
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........305
NHill Climbing........................306
NTraction Downhill.....................307
NAfter Driving Off-Road.................307
mParking Brake.........................308
mAnti-Lock Brake System..................310mPower Steering........................313
mElectronic Brake Control System............314
NABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............315
NTCS (Traction Control System)............316
NBAS (Brake Assist System)...............316
NERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........317
NTSC (Trailer Sway Control) ± If Equipped....318
NHSA (Hill Start Assist)..................319
NHDC (Hill Descent Control) ± If Equipped . . . 322
NESP (Electronic Stability Program).........324
NESP/BAS Warning Light & ESP/TCS
Indicator Light.......................328
mTire Safety Information...................329
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shift Positions
The electronic transfer case switch is located on the center
console next to the gear selector lever.
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.4WD Lock
4-Wheel-Drive High Range - Locks the front driveshaft
and rear driveshaft together and forces the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
4WD Low
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel drive
that locks the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft to-
gether and forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). This position allows engine
starting without depressing the clutch pedal on vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission. Refer to ªClutch
Interlocking Ignition Systemº under ªManual Transmis-
sionº or to ªStarting Proceduresº in this section for
details.
4WD Control Switch
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

2WD to 4WD Lock
Move the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage / disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after mov-
ing the 4WD Control Switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either OFF or RUNNING. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.
NOTE:
²The 4-wheel drive system will not allow shifts be-
tween 2WD and 4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are
spinning (no traction). In this situation, the selected
position indicator light will flash and the original
position indicator light will remain ON. At this time,reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to com-
plete the shift. There may be a delay up to 10 seconds
for the shift to complete after the wheels have stopped
spinning.
²Delayed shifting out of 4WD LOCK may be experi-
enced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive loading.
4WD Lock to 4WD Low
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, some gear noise
may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental
to the vehicle or its occupants
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2-3
mph (3-5 km/h) using the ªPreferred Procedureº or
completely stopped using the ªAlternate Procedure.º
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shift Positions
The electronic transfer case switch is located on the center
console next to the gear selector lever.
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.4WD Auto
4-Wheel-Drive Auto High Range ± This active on-
demand position makes available optimum traction for a
wide range of conditions, while maximizing driver con-
venience. This position is always in 4-wheel drive mode,
with a normal 42% front axle, 58% rear axle torque split.
The system also anticipates and prevents slip by redirect-
ing torque as necessary, up to 100% to the front or rear
axle, if needed.
4WD Low
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel drive
that locks the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft to-
gether and forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). This position allows engine
starting without depressing the clutch pedal on vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission. Refer to ªClutch
4WD Control Switch
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily 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
When To Use 4WD Low Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD Low for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain,
ascending or descending steep hills, and to increase
low-speed pulling power. This range should be limited to
extreme situations 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:
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches deep will
require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent dam-
age to your vehicle. If you must drive through water, try
to determine the depth and the bottom condition (and
location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than
5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off) avoid crossing until the water level recedes
and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing-water, avoid depths in excess of 9 inches. The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, axle, transfer
case) to assure they have not been contaminated. Con-
taminated fluids and lubricants (milky, foamy in appear-
ance) should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
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 ªFour-Wheel Drive Operationº in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
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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 headwaywhile climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to R (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 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 straight
down a hill in R (Reverse) gear carefully. 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 by
turning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh ªbiteº into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 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 is
always 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.
²Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
²Check 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.
²Check 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.
²After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
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