2004 JEEP LIBERTY Owners Manual

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
mandatory for motoring safety.
²Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule ªBº for
changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation.
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5

Minimum Vehicle Requirements for Trailer Towing
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing ± 2WD Models
Recreational towing is not recommended. Provided that
the transmission is operable, tow only in N (Neutral) at
speeds not exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) and distances
less than 100 miles (161 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 100 miles (161 km),
the propeller shaft should be disconnected or place tow
dollies under the rear wheels.
Towing Ð 4WD Models
CAUTION!
Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neu-
tral) for recreational towing.
Shifting Into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
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5

CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Shift transmission into N (Neutral).
3. Shift transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
4. Start engine.
5. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or manual
transmission into any forward gear.
6. Release brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.7. Shut the engine OFF and place the ignition key into
the unlocked OFF position.
8. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park) or ensure
manual transmission is in any forward gear.
9. Apply parking brake.
10. Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.
11. Release parking brake.
CAUTION!
Transmission damage may occur if the automatic
transmission is shifted into P (Park) with the transfer
case in N (Neutral) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in N (Neutral) ensure that the engine is
OFF prior to shifting the transmission into P (Park)
(refer to steps7±8above).
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Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Shift transmission into N (Neutral).
2. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
3. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or manual
transmission into any forward gear.
NOTE:When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral)
on automatic transmission equipped vehicles, turning
the engine OFF may be required to avoid gear clash.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
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5

SNOW PLOW
Snow plows, winches, and other aftermarket equipment
shouldnotbe added to the front end of your vehicle. The
airbag crash sensors may be affected by the change in the
front end structure. The airbags could deploy unexpect-
edly or could fail to deploy during a collision.WARNING!
Do not add a snow plow, winches, or any other
aftermarket equipment to the front of your vehicle.
This could adversely affect the functioning of the
airbag system and you could be injured.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flashers.................272
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................273
mChanging A Flat Tire....................274
NJack And Lug Wrench Locations...........274
NSpare Tire Location....................275NTire Changing Procedures...............275
mJump Starting Procedure..................279
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........281
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................281
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
Your vehicle's hazard warning flasher is an emergency
warning system. When you activate it, all front and rear
directional signals will flash intermittently. Use it when
your vehicle is disabled on or near the road. It warns
other drivers to steer clear of you and your vehicle. This
is an emergency warning system, not to be used when the
vehicle is in motion.
To activate the warning flashers, press the button on the
instrument panel (between center air outlets). To turn the
warning flashers off, press the button again.
NOTE:With extended use, the flashers may run down
your battery.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES