wheel 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

Headlight Dimmer Switch
Push the multifunction lever away from you to switch
the headlights to high beam. Pull the lever toward you to
switch the headlights back to low beam.
Flash-To-Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will turn on the high beam headlights
until the lever is released.
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped
The front fog light switch is located on the multi-
function lever. To activate the front fog lights, turn
on the parking or low beam headlights and pull
out the end of the lever.
NOTE: The fog lights will only operate with the parking
lights or the headlights on low beam. Selecting high
beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever up or down, and the
arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash, to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights.
If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to light
when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator is defective or there may be a circuit failure.
NOTE: A tone will chime if the turn signals are left on
for more than 1 mile (2 km).
Lane Change Assist
Tap the lever up or down once without moving beyond
the detent and the turn signal (right or left) will flash
three times the automatically turn off.

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.

▫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

▫Base System ........................ 353
▫ General Information .................. 356
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 356
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 357
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 357
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 358
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 358
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 359
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 359
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 360
 Adding Fuel ......................... 361
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 361
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 363
Vehicle Loading ...................... 363
▫ Certification Label ................... 363
 Trailer Towing ........................ 365
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 366
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 368
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 369
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 375
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 376
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 381
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 382
▫ Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models ....... 382
▫ Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models ....... 383
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

•4L (Four-wheel drive low range)
The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions such
as hard-surfaced roads. In the event that additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accom-
plished by simply moving the shift lever to one of these
positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only and not intended for normal
driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on hard-
surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage
to the driveline components.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are locked
together. The light will illuminate when the transfer case
is shifted into the 4H position.

4H Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4H) provides additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces and should not be used on
wet or dry pavement.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4H position.
N (Neutral) Position
This range disengages the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4L Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the samespeed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4L position.
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion,
shifts can be made up to 50 mph (80 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
AXLE LOCK (TRU–LOK) — RUBICON MODELS
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the lower switch
bank (below the climate controls).This feature will only activate when the following con-
ditions are met:
•Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.
•Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.