1996 JEEP WRANGLER service

Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants, and lubricate body compo-
nents and steering linkage more often than in nor-
mal service to prevent excessive wear.

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.

Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find information on limits to the
type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle.
Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the
“Maintenance Schedules” section. When your vehicle is
used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds to
the load on your vehicle.
The “D” Overdrive range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting occurs move the shift lever
to the next lower position to eliminate excessive auto-
matic transmission shifting. This action will also reduce
the possibility of transmission overheating and provide
better engine braking. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section for additional information.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in an collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
•The “Airbag Warning Light” flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 33

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find information on limits to the
type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle.
Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the
“Maintenance Schedules” section. When your vehicle is
used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds to
the load on your vehicle.
The “D” Overdrive range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting occurs move the shift lever
to the next lower position to eliminate excessive auto-
matic transmission shifting. This action will also reduce
the possibility of transmission overheating and provide
better engine braking. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section for additional information.
STARTING AND OPERATING 229