2004 JEEP WRANGLER steering

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a JeeptWrangler and welcome to
our worldwide family.
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.
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 it or expect it to
overcome the laws of nature. 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. Be sure to read ªOn-Road/Off-Road Driving
Tipsº in this manual.
Roll Over Warning
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll over rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance, higher center of gravity, and narrower
track than many passenger cars. It is capable of perform-
ing better in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Driven in an unsafe manner, all vehicles can be caused to
go out of control. Because of the higher center of gravity
and the narrower track, if this vehicle is out of control it
may roll over when some other vehicles may not.
Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, roll over of the vehicle and serious injury
or death. Because of its open-body construction, your
vehicle offers less protection than closed vehicles in the
event of an accident.
4 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys.................11
NIgnition Key..........................11
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................12
mSentry Key Immobilizer System Ð
If Equipped
...........................12
NImportant Note About Service.............13
NReplacement Keys......................13
NCustomer Key Programming..............13
NGeneral Information....................14
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped.........14
NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......14
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........14
mIlluminated Entry Ð If Equipped...........15
mDoors And Locks.......................15
NDoor Locks...........................15
mOccupant Restraints.....................16
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................17
NAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage....21
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............21
NSeat Belt Extender......................21
NDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) Ð Airbags..........22
NChild Restraint........................29
mEngine Break-In Recommendations..........39
2

3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime
will sound and the SKIS indicator light will begin to
flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the
second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds, a single chime will sound. The SKIS indicator
light will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn
off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
General Information
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System complies with FCC
rules part 15 and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK Ð IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock pre-
vents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the
steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will
lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
revolution from 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 right or left 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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the seat belt is not long enough when it is
worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating
positions. Remove and stow the seat belt extender
when not needed.
Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) Ð Airbags
This vehicle has front airbags for both the driver and
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
system. The driver's front airbag is mounted in the center
of the steering wheel. The passenger's front airbag is
mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove com-
partment. The words SRS/AIRBAG are embossed on the
airbag covers.
NOTE:The front airbags are certified to the Federal
regulations that allow less forceful deployment.
NOTE:Airbag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim; but they will open to allow airbag deploy-
ment.
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be-
cause the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won't deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
²Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Airbag Control Module (ACM)
²Airbag Warning Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Steering Wheel And Column
²Instrument Panel
²Crash Sensor
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolsters
²Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch (If Equipped)
How The Airbag System Works
²
TheAirbag Control Module (ACM)determines if a
frontal collision is severe enough to require the airbags
to inflate.
²The ACM will not detect side, roll over, or rear
impacts.
²The ACM also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or ON position. These include all of the
items listed above except the knee bolster, the instru-
ment panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the
ignition key is in the OFF or ACC position, or not in
the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Also, the ACM turns on the ªAirbag Warning Lightº in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously. If the
ACM detects a malfunction, the ªAirbag Warning
Lightº will illuminate for a minimum of 12 seconds
and will remain illuminated as long as the malfunction
exists.
WARNING!
Ignoring the ªAirbag Warning Lightº in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won't have the airbags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not
come on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it
comes on as you drive, have the airbag system
checked right away.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and in the
instrument panel. When the ACM detects a collision
requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of
the way as the bags inflate to full size. The bags fully
inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver's front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
panel. The passenger's front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.
²TheKnee Impact Bolstershelp protect the knees and
position the driver and front passenger's for the best
interaction with the front airbag.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
2

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
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.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº does not come on or
flickers during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº remains on or flickers
after the 6 to 8 second interval.
²The ªAirbag Warning Lightº flickers or comes on and
remains on while driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time-babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2

NDaytime Running Lights Ð Canada Only.....58
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........58
NIntermittent Wiper System................58
NWindshield Wiper Operation..............59
NWindshield Washers....................59
NMist Feature..........................59
mTilt Steering Column.....................60
mElectronic Speed Control..................60
NTo Activate...........................61
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................61
NTo Deactivate.........................61
NTo Resume Speed......................61
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................61
NTo Accelerate For Passing................62
mCigar Lighter And Ashtrays Ð If Equipped....62
mElectrical Power Outlet...................63
NElectrical Outlet Use With Engine Off........63
mCup Holders..........................64
mStorage...............................65
NGlove Compartment....................65
NConsole Storage Compartment Ð
If Equipped..........................65
NAdd-A-TrunkŸ Ð If Equipped............65
mDual Top Ð If Equipped..................66
NRemoving The Soft Top..................66
NInstalling The Soft Top..................68
mHard Top.............................78
NHard Top Removal.....................79
NHard Top Installation...................82
44 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE