JEEP WRANGLER 2008 JK / 3.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ESP cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP system has three available operating modes in
4H range. The system has one operating mode in 4L
range. 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2H range have
two operating modes.
4H Range (4WD Models) or 2WD Models
On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4H and
2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started or the
transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4L range or
NEUTRAL back to 4H range, the ESP system will be in
this mode. This mode should be used for most all driving
situations. ESP should only be turned to “Partial Off” or
“Full Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch. When in Partial Offmode, the TCS portion
of ESP has been disabled and the ESP/TCS Indicator
Light will be illuminated. All other stability features of
ESP function normally. This mode is intended to be used
if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand, or gravel conditions
and more wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

required to gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momen-
tarily depress the ESP OFF switch. This will restore the
normal “ESP On” mode of operation.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing the ESP OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
ESP Off (4H Range Only)
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
when ESP stability features could inhibit vehicle maneu-
verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
depressing and holding the ESP OFF switch for five
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. In this mode, all ESP and TCS stability features
are turned off except for the “limited slip” feature de-
scribed in the TCS section. After five seconds, a chime
will sound, the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will illuminate,
and the “ESP OFF
message will appear in the odometer.
Refer to “Compass and Mini-Trip Computer — If
Equipped” in Section 4 of this manual. To turn ESP on
ESP OFF Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

again, momentarily depress the ESP OFF switch. This
will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.
NOTE:The ESP system will change to “Partial Off”
mode if the vehicle speed exceeds 40 mph (64 km/h).
After the vehicle speed is reduced below 35 mph (56
km/h), the ESP system will return to “Full Off” mode.
NOTE: The “ESP OFF” message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed in
the PARK position from any position other than PARK,
and then moved out of the PARK position. This will
occur even if the message was previously cleared.WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP and ERM are unavailable. In
an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESP and ERM
systems will not engage to assist in maintaining
stability. The “Full Off” ESP mode is intended for
off-road use only.
4L Range (4WD Models)
ESP Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4L range.
Whenever the vehicle is started in 4L range, or the
transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4H range or
NEUTRAL to 4L range, the ESP system will be in this
mode. In 4L range, ESP and TCS, except for the “limited
slip” feature described in the TCS section, are turned off
until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (48 km/h). At
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

40 mph (48 km/h), the normal ESP stability function
returns but TCS remains off. When the vehicle speed
drops below 35 mph (40 km/h), the ESP system shuts off.
ESP is off at low vehicle speeds in 4L range so that it will
not interfere with off-road driving, but the ESP function
returns to provide the stability feature at speeds above 40
mph (48 km/h). The ESP/TCS Indicator Light will al-
ways be illuminated in 4L range when ESP is off.
NOTE:The “ESP OFF” message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed in
the PARK position from any position other than PARK,
and then moved out of the PARK position. This will
occur even if the message was previously cleared.WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP and ERM are unavailable. In
an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESP and ERM
systems will not engage to assist in maintaining
stability. The “Full Off” mode is intended for off-
road use only.
Disabling ESP for Modified Vehicles (4WD Models
Only)
Vehicles modified with larger tires and/or suspension
lifts may experience early ESP activations as compared to
a non-modified production vehicle depending on lift
size, tire size, suspension changes and/or driving habits.
If early ESP activations are experienced while driving a
modified vehicle, the additional ability to permanently
turn off ESP is available. A steering wheel/ESP button
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3

maneuver must be performed to permanently disable
ESP and defeat the functionality of the ESP switch.
Repeating the procedure will return the system to normal
ESP operation and restore ESP switch functionality al-
lowing ESP “Partial” or “Off” modes.
WARNING!
With ESP in the permanent disable mode, enhanced
vehicle stability offered by the ESP and ERM sys-
tems is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneu-
ver, the ESP and ERM systems will not engage to
assist in maintaining stability. This disabled mode is
intended for off-highway or off-road use only. Ve-
hicle modifications requiring the owner to configure
the vehicle in the ESP disabled mode, will seriously
affect the vehicles roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to loss of control and/or accident resulting
in possible serious or fatal injuries.The following procedure will disable (or re-enable) ESP
functionality in the vehicle.
1. Shift the transfer case into the 4H range position.
2. Turn the steering wheel until it is centered and the
wheels are pointed straight ahead.
3. Cycle the ignition key OFF to ON.
4. Wait approximately five seconds for the system bulb
check.
5. Turn and hold the steering wheel one-half turn to the
right (clockwise).
6. Press and hold the ESP OFF button for seven seconds.
7. Turn the steering wheel back to center, and turn and
hold an additional one-half turn to the left (counterclock-
wise).
8. Press and hold the ESP OFF button for seven seconds.
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

9. Turn the steering wheel back to center.
10. Press and hold the ESP OFF button for seven seconds.
11. Cycle the ignition key to OFF.
After performing the ESP disable procedure correctly,
“ESP OFF” will be displayed in the odometer for approxi-
mately 12 seconds each time the ignition is moved to ON.
Repeating the ESP disable procedure will re-enable nor-
mal ESP operation.
ESP/BAS Warning Light
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The ESP/
BAS Warning Light in the instrument cluster
comes on when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position. It should go out with the engine
running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in either the ESP or the BAS system, or both. If this light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle
has been driven several miles at speeds greater than 30
mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
•The ESP/BAS Warning Light comes on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was previously turned off.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETThis vehicle has two auxiliary power outlets that can
provide up to 20 Amps of current for accessories de-
signed for use with the standard power outlet adapters.
The outlet located in the lower portion of the instrument
panel has a snap-on plastic cap so that it can be covered
when not in use. As a safety precaution, the outlet in the
instrument panel only operates with the ignition switch
ON. When the optional cigar lighter heating element is
used, it heats when pushed in and pops out automati-
cally when ready for use.To preserve the heating
element, do not hold the lighter in the heating position.
The right side outlet is powered directly from the battery
(power available at all times). Items plugged into this
outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent engine
starting. The left side outlet has power available only when the
ignition is on. This outlet will also operate a conventional
cigar lighter unit.
Power Outlets
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
WARNING!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge suffi-
ciently to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine
starting.
• Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery
even more quickly. Only use these intermittently and
with greater caution.
• After the use of high-power draw accessories, or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with acces-
sories still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a
sufficient length of time to allow the alternator to
recharge the vehicle’s battery.
• Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug.
CUPHOLDERS
Front Cupholders
The front cupholders are located in the center console.
NOTE: The front cupholder insert is removable for
cleaning.
Front Cupholders
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
3

Rear Cupholders
The rear cupholders are located on the back of the center
console.
STORAGE
Console Storage Compartment
To lock or unlock, insert ignition key and turn. To open,
press the latch and lift cover.
Rear Cupholders
Center Console
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rear Storage Compartment
The rear storage compartment cover is held by a spring-
loaded latch. In order to remove the rear storage com-
partment cover, use the following procedure:
NOTE: The rear storage compartment latch should not
be used as cargo tie-down.
1. Flip up pull loop so it is perpendicular (straight up) to
the top surface of the tray.
2. Pull up on loop and twist 90 degrees, so it is parallel to
the slotted hole in tray.
3. Open rear compartment cover.
Rear Storage Cover
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
3