four wheel drive JEEP WRANGLER 2017 JK / 3.G User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................285
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........285
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......285
▫ Normal Starting — Gasoline Engine .........285
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................286
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................286
▫ After Starting ......................... .287
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .287
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .288
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .288

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .....290
▫Shifting ............................. .291
▫ Downshifting ......................... .292▫
Reverse Shifting ....................... .293
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .293
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................294
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .295
▫ Five-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ......................... .295
▫ Gear Ranges ......................... .296
▫ Autostick ........................... .300
 FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
(COMMAND-TRAC I OR ROCK-TRAC) .......301
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ..........301
▫ Shift Positions ........................ .303
▫ Shifting Procedure ..................... .304
▫ Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ..........305
6

▫Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models ......305
▫ Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect —
If Equipped ......................... .306
 POWER STEERING ..................... .308
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............308
 SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ..........309
▫ To Activate .......................... .310
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................310
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................310
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................311
▫ To Resume Speed ......................311
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .312
 REFUELING THE VEHICLE ................312
▫ Fuel Filler Cap ....................... .312
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............313
VEHICLE LOADING .....................313
▫ Certification Label ..................... .313
 TRAILER TOWING ..................... .315
▫ Common Towing Definitions ...............316
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ................318
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings) ..................319
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ...............323
▫ Towing Tips .......................... .325
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ....................327
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle. . . .327
▫ Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ............................. .328
 DRIVING
TIPS......................... .330
▫ On-Road Driving Tips ...................330
▫ Off Road Driving Tips ...................331
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in
a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking
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 gear selector in the PARK
position (vehicle can also be started in NEUTRAL). Apply
the brake before shifting to any driving range.
Normal Starting — Gasoline Engine
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine
is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 285

Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
•After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow
the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is
especially important when the engine is cold.
• If there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF position before restarting.
Transmission gear engagement may be delayed after
restarting the engine if the ignition is not cycled to the
LOCK/OFF position first.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
NOTE:
On four-wheel drive vehicles, be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake
• Shift the transmission into PARK
• Turn the engine OFF
• Remove the ignition key
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
(Continued)
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

•You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.
Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear.
Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or
icy conditions.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of
a vehicle speed.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is engaged.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is enabled.
NOTE: When the transfer case is in the 4L (Low) range, the
transmission will shift automatically (but no higher than
the displayed gear).
To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the gear selector to the
right (+) until Dis once again displayed in the instrument
cluster. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (COMMAND-
TRAC I OR ROCK-TRAC)
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position completely
can cause transfer case damage or loss of power and
vehicle control. You could have a collision. Do not
drive the vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 301

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. 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 tirewear and damage to the driveline components. Refer to
“Shifting Procedures” in this section for further informa-
tion on shifting into 4H or 4L.
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 to-
gether. The light will illuminate when the transfer case is
shifted into the 4H position.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to shift when only the front or rear
wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with
a synchronizer, and the front and rear driveshaft speeds
must be equal for a shift to take place. Shifting while the
front or rear wheels are spinning at different speeds can
cause damage to the transfer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed will
be approximately three times (four times for Rubicon
models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road
speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause
damage to the transfer case.
Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or
manual transmission is in gear). The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
4WD system mode position, see the information below:
2H Position
This range is used for normal street and highway driving
on hard-surfaced roads.
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 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 “Start-
ing And Operating” for further information.
4L Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

WARNING!
Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on
hard-surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h); you may lose control of the vehicle, which
could result in serious injury. The front stabilizer bar
enhances vehicle stability and is necessary for main-
taining control of the vehicle. The system monitors
vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the stabi-
lizer bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is
indicated by a flashing or solid “Sway Bar Indicator
Light.” Once vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph
(22 km/h), the system will once again attempt to return
to off-road mode.
To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4H or
4L and push the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the off-road
position. Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this
section for further information. The “Sway Bar Indicator
Light” will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been
fully disconnected. NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due
to left and right suspension height differences. This condi-
tion is due to driving surface differences or vehicle loading.
In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/
reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar must be
aligned. This alignment may require that the vehicle be
driven onto level ground or rocked from side to side.
To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR switch
again.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road
mode, the “Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash in the
instrument cluster and vehicle stability is greatly re-
duced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over 18 mph
(29 km/h). Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) may
cause loss of control of the vehicle, which could result
in serious injury. Contact your local authorized dealer
for assistance.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 307

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat Tow NONESee Instructions
•Automatic transmission in PARK.
•Manual transmission in gear (NOT
in NEUTRAL [N]).
•Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N).
•Tow in forward direction.
Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE:
•When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial High-
way Safety offices for additional details.
•For RHD models, refer to the Postal Supplement for Recreational Towing instructions.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 327

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N), automatic transmission must be in PARK, and manual
transmission must be in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with
only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear)
will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in
Neutral) for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under “Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)” to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL
(N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position
disengages both the front and rear drive shaft from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual transmis-
sion is in gear). The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING