2006 JEEP COMMANDER Tow haul

To Vary the Speed Setting
When the Speed Control is ON, speed can be increased
by pressing and holding the RES·ACCEL button. When
the button is released, a new set speed will be estab-
lished.
Tapping the RES·ACCEL button once will result in a 2
mph (3 km/h) (3.7L/4.7L Models) or a 1 mph (2 km/h)
(5.7L Models) speed increase. Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases, so tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h) (3.7L/4.7L
Models) or 3 mph (5 km/h) (5.7L Models), etc.
To decrease speed while Speed Control is ON and SET,
press and hold the DECEL button. Release the button
when the desired speed is reached, and the new speed
will be set.
To Accelerate for Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40
km/h) for 5.7L models, or 30 mph (48 km/h) for 3.7L/
4.7L models, the Speed Control will automatically disen-
gage. If this happens, you can push down on the accel-
erator pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles may exhibit several 4-3 downshifts under the
above conditions. To reduce the frequency of the down-
shifts and to improve vehicle performance, it is advisable
to lock out overdrive. Press the TOW/HAUL switch on
the lower center switch bank (below the Heating/Air
Conditioning controls).
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

14. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter” later in this section. (See page 186 for more informa-
tion.)
15. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. The TOW/
HAUL button is located in the center of the
instrument panel (below the climate controls).
16. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light/Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light — If
Equipped
The ESP/BAS warning light in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. The light should
go out with the engine running. If the ESP/BAS warning light comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either
the ESP or the BAS system. If this light stays illuminated,
have the ESP and BAS checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 131 for more information.)
17. 4WD LOW Mode Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4WD LOW mode. The front and rear drive-
shafts are mechanically locked together forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. (See page 264 for more information.)
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

shifter is in the D (Drive) position, allowing the selection
of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but can shift down to 2
(second) or 1 (first), when needed.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display12 34D
Actual Gear(s) Al-
lowed1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to theleft “D(-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth speed (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from 3rd gear to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
•the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” button has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm up time of
the engine and transmission.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSIONOVER TEMP” message may display and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cooldown, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift followed shortly thereafter by
a downshift may occur. This is a normal part of the
overheat protection strategy when operating in the
“Tow/Haul” mode.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to the
most desirable gear if the accelerator pedal is fully
depressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode — If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in “TOW/HAUL” mode, the transmission will
shift to 3rd gear and 4th will be enabled under steady
cruise conditions.
The “TOW/HAUL” light will illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster to indicate when the switch has beenactivated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW/HAUL” mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the transmission limp home mode
will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will
remain in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to
a stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine, be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.
Tow/Haul Button
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ”Tow/
Haul” mode (if equipped) or the “3” range should be
selected. Shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
NOTE:Using the ”Tow/Haul” mode (if equipped) or
the “3” range while operating the vehicle under heavy
operating conditions will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat build up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

Dimmer Switch, Headlight.............122,126
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator........................140,180,183
Electronic Throttle Control Warning......... 184
Fog .............................126,185
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 183
Fuses............................... 381
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 330
Headlight Switch...................... 122
Headlights On With Wipers............... 123
High Beam Indicator.................... 178
Illuminated Entry....................... 18
Instrument Cluster..................122,125
Interior..........................120,125
Lights On Reminder.................... 125
Low Fuel............................ 185
LowTire ............................ 181
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 178
Oil Pressure.......................... 180Passing............................. 126
Reading............................. 121
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 183
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 180
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 178
SmartBeams.......................... 124
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 181
Tow/Haul Indicator.................... 183
Traction Control....................140,180
Turn Signal........................122,126
VanityMirror .......................... 82
Voltage............................. 185
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 166
Loading Vehicle
Tires ............................... 285
Locks................................. 18
Automatic Door........................ 20
Child Protection........................ 19
Door................................ 18
428 INDEX