JEEP WRANGLER 2012 JK / 3.G Owners Manual

▫Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 420
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 420
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 424
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 425
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 429
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 430
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 431
 Tire Safety Information ................. 432
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 432
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 436
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 437
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 438
Tires — General Information ............. 443
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 443
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 444
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 445
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 446
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 446
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 447
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 447
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 448
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 448
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 449
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 450
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STARTING AND OPERATING 369

▫Replacement Tires .................... 450
 Tire Chains .......................... 452
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 453
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 454
▫ Base System ........................ 457
▫ General Information .................. 459
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 460
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 460
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 461
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 461
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 462
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 462 ▫
Fuel System Cautions ................. 463
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 464
 Adding Fuel ......................... 465
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 465
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 466
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 466
▫ Certification Label ................... 466
 Trailer Towing ........................ 469
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 469
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 472
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 473
370 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 477
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 478
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 483 
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 485
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind
Another Vehicle ..................... 485
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 486
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STARTING AND OPERATING 371

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlock-
ing ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.
Four-Wheel Drive Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to press the clutch pedal.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will illuminate when the
transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
Start the vehicle with the shift lever in the PARK position
(vehicle can also be started in NEUTRAL). Apply the
brake before shifting to any driving range.
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

Normal Starting
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Tip Start Feature – Automatic Transmission Only
Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will continue to run, but will automatically disengage
itself when the engine is running. If the engine fails to
start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 sec-
onds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally-powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 373

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and, once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.Without Tip Start – Manual Transmission Only
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
374 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15–
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Ex-
treme Cold Weather” procedures.
With Tip Start – Automatic Transmission Only
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is found under the hood
bundled in front of the battery tray.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause
abnormal wear on the clutch.
NOTE: During cold weather, you may experience in-
creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid
warms up. This is normal.
376 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
You should always use first gear when starting from a
standing position.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
En-
gine Speeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
3.6L Accel. 15 (24)24
(39) 34
(55) 47
(76) 56
(90)
Cruise 10 (16)19
(31) 27
(43) 37
(60) 41
(66)
NOTE: Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for
2H and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L would be signifi-
cantly less.
Shift Pattern
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STARTING AND OPERATING 377

Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to
avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip, and the vehicle could skid.
CAUTION!
When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift
one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine
which can cause valve damage, and/or clutch disc
damage, even if the clutch pedal is pressed.
Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds
CAUTION!
Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-
shifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed
and/or damage the clutch disc, even if the clutch
pedal is pressed.
378 STARTING AND OPERATING