steering JEEP WRANGLER 2009 Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler LLC
vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workman-
ship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all essentials
that are traditional to our vehicles.
This is a specialized utility vehicle designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform
tasks for which conventional two-wheel drive enclosed
vehicles were not intended. It handles and maneuvers
differently from many passenger cars both on-road and
off-road, so take time to become familiar with your
vehicle.
The two-wheel drive utility vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving
or use in other severe conditions suited for a four-wheel
drive vehicle.Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s
Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, transmis-
sion, and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Your driving skills
will improve with experience. When driving off-road or
working the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of physics.
Always observe federal, state, provincial and local laws
wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an
accident. Refer to “On-Road/Off-Road Driving Tips” in
Section 5 of this manual.
4 INTRODUCTION

To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel one–
half revolution from the straight ahead position, turn off
the engine, and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition, and turn the wheel slightly
to the left or right, to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked. The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE:
A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the Vehicle Security Light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates that
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫To Raise The Rear Seat ................. 92
 To Open And Close The Hood ............. 93
 Lights .............................. 94
▫ Multifunction Lever ................... 94
▫ Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights And
Headlights .......................... 95
▫ Lights-On Reminder ................... 95
▫ Headlight Dimmer Switch ............... 96
▫ Flash-To-Pass ........................ 96
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped ........... 96
▫ Turn Signals ......................... 96
▫ Lane Change Assist .................... 96
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped ..... 97▫
Interior Lights ....................... 97
 Windshield Wipers And Washers ........... 98
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............. 98
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 100
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 101
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 101
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 101
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 102
▫ To Activate ......................... 103
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 104
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 104
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 104
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 104
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHTS
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever controls the operation of the
parking lights, headlights, headlight beam selection,
passing light, fog lights, instrument panel light dimming
and turn signals. The lever is located on the left side of
the steering column.

When a door is open and the interior lights are on,
rotating the dimmer control all the way down to the off
detent will cause all the interior lights to turn off. This is
also known as thePartymode because it allows the
doors to stay open for extended periods of time without
discharging the vehicle’s battery.Daytime Brightness Feature
Certain instrument panel components (instrument clus-
ter, radio display) can be illuminated at full brightness
during the daytime. This can be helpful when driving
with your headlights on during the daytime, such as in a
parade or a funeral procession. To activate this feature,
rotate the left stalk one detent lower than the dome light.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
Windshield Wiper Operation
The windshield wiper/washer control lever operates the
windshield wipers and washers when the ignition switch
is in the ON position. The lever is located on the right
side of the steering column.
Rotate the end of the control lever upward to the second
detent for low-speed wiper operation, or to the third
detent for high-speed operation.

Push down on the lever to unlock the steering column.
With one hand firmly on the steering wheel, move the
steering column up or down, as desired. Pull upwards on
the lever to lock the column firmly in place.

5. Install the lower windshield plates with the six black
round-headed Torxhead screws (using a #40 Torx head
driver) on each side of the base of the windshield.
6. Reinstall the wiper arms.REAR WINDOW FEATURES — HARD TOP ONLY
Rear Window Wiper/Washer — If Equipped
A rotary ring switch on the control lever (located on the
right side of the steering column), controls the operation
of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating the center of
the switch up to the “On” position will activate the wiper.
Rotating the switch ring beyond the “On” or “Off”
position will activate the rear washer. The washer pump
will continue to operate as long as the lever or ring is
engaged. Upon release, the wipers will cycle three times
before returning to the set position.

▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 287

Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac I
Or Rock-Trac) — If Equipped
............. 291
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ....... 291
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 293
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 294
 Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ........ 295
 Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models .... 296
 Rear Axle Lock (Four-Wheel Drive
Non-Rubicon Models) — If Equipped ........ 297
 Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect —
If Equipped .......................... 298
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 300
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 300 ▫
Side Step Removal — If Equipped ........ 300
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving .......... 301
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ........... 302
▫ Simultaneous Brake And
Throttle Operation ................... 302
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 303
▫ Crossing Obstacles
(Rocks And Other High Points) .......... 304
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 307
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 309
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 312
 Power Steering ....................... 313
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 314
 Parking Brake ........................ 315
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases, there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore,
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what is not. When on a trail, you should always
be looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.