2005 JEEP LIBERTY Owners Manual

NOTE:DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that
this vehicle should be operated using Diesel fuel with 15
ppm Sulfur or less, where it is available.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. To prevent
fuel system trouble, drain the accumulated water from
the fuel/water separator using the fuel/water separator
drain provided. If you buy good quality fuel and follow
the cold weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in your area,
a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel may offer improved
cold-starting and warm-up performance.
FUEL TANK FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)
WARNING!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
CAUTION!
DO NOT put gasoline in your diesel vehicle (if
equipped). If you accidentally put gasoline in your
vehicle, DO NOT start the engine. This will cause
damage to the fuel system. Have the fuel system
flushed.
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The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door, on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.
When tightening the gas cap, tighten until 2 or 3 clicks
are heard to insure that the cap is properly seated.
NOTE:A loose gas cap may cause the “Malfunction
Indicator Light” to illuminate.
Fuel Filler Cap
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP” message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Overhead Console” in Section 3 of this manual. Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII”
in Section 7 of this manual for more information.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
WARNING!
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
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.
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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.
Warranty Requirements
The manufacturer’s warranty will apply to vehicles used
to tow trailers for noncommercial use, however the
following conditions must be met:
•The “D” Overdrive range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs select the
“O/D Off” function or move the shift lever to the next
lower position to eliminate excessive automatic trans-
mission shifting. This action will also reduce the
possibility of transmission overheating and provide
better engine braking. Refer to “Transmission Shift-
ing” in this section for additional information.
•A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg).
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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.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
mandatory for motoring safety.
•Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule “B” 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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Minimum Vehicle Requirements for Trailer Towing
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing – 2WD Models
Recreational towing is not allowed.Towing with the
rear wheels on the ground can result in severe transmis-
sion damage.
Towing — 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), and the transmission must be shifted into P (Park)(for automatic transmission) or into any forward gear (for
manual transmission) for recreational towing.
Shifting Into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
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.
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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 – 8 above).
Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Shift transmission into N (Neutral).
2. Turn engine off.
3. Shift transfer case lever to desired position.
4. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).
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