2006 JEEP COMMANDER manual transmission

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a JeepCommander and wel-
come 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 vehicles
were not intended. However, on-road ride and handling
will have a different feel from what drivers experience
with other vehicles, so take time to become familiar with
your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive utility vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving
or use in other severe conditions suited for a four-wheel
drive vehicle.Before you start to drive this vehicle, read this manual. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls, particu-
larly those used for braking, steering and transmission
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 “On-Road/Off-Road Driving
Tips” in Section 5 of this manual.
4 INTRODUCTION

driver desires more sensitivity. Place the wiper switch in
the OFF position when not using the system.
NOTE:
•The rain sensing feature will not operate when the
wiper switch is in the LOW or HIGH speed position.
•The rain sensing feature may not function properly
when ice, or dried salt water is present on the wind-
shield.
•Use of Rain-Xor products containing wax or silicone
may reduce rain sensor performance.
•A customer programmable feature in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) allows the Rain
Sense feature to be turned off. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — Customer Pro-
grammable Features” in Section 4 of this manual.The rain sensing system has protection features for the
wiper blades and arms, and will not operate under the
following conditions:
•Low Ambient Temperature— When the ignition is
first turned ON, the rain sensing system will not
operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed
is greater than 0 mph (0 km/h), or the outside tem-
perature is greater than 32°F (0°C).
•Transmission in N (Neutral) Position— When the
ignition is ON, and the transmission is in the N
(Neutral) position, the rain sensing system will not
operate until the wiper switch is moved, vehicle speed
is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), or the shift lever is
moved out of the N (Neutral) position.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should apply
the park brake, shift the transmission into P (Park),
and remove the key from the ignition. Once the key
is removed from the ignition the transmission shift
lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore,
you should never leave children unattended inside a
vehicle.
R (Reverse)
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
N (Neutral)
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can roll
freely. Do not engage in N (Neutral) position while
driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with selector lever in N (Neutral) can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in
Section 6 of this manual.
D (Drive)
The transmission automatically upshifts through fifth
gear. The D (Drive) position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shifter left (-) or right (+) when the
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists, P
(Park), R (Reverse), and N (Neutral) will continue to
operate. Only Second gear range will operate in the D
(Drive) shifter position. Have the transmission checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, orduring acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in Over-
drive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Manually shifting between 3 (third gear) and 4 (fourth
gear) positions (using the ERS shift control) will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
Rocking the Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between D (Drive) and R (Reverse),
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
NOTE:The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF
before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to Section 3 of
this manual. (See page 131 for more information.)
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the transmissionselector in N (Neutral) for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheat-
ing and reduce the risk of transmission failure during
prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between
“First” and R (Reverse), do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
5

N (Neutral)
Neutral — Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4 LOW
Four Wheel Drive Low Range — Low speed 4 wheel
drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedures
4HIto4LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. “The 4WD
LOW Indicator Lamp” in the instrument cluster will
begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. Release the T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a “CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual. (See page 186 for
more information.)
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

4LOWto4HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. The “4WDLOW Indicator Lamp” in the instrument cluster will flash
and go out when the shift is complete. Release the
T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a “CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual. (See page 186 for
more information.)
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible
with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty
may occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being
properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to 3 mph (0
to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5
km/h), the transfer case will not allow the shift.
Shifter T-Handle
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

Neutral (N) Shift Procedure
1. Key ON, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place transmission in N (Neutral).
4. Hold down N (Neutral) “pin” switch (with a pen, etc.)
for 4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to
blink indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking
(stay on solid) when Neutral shift is complete. A “4WD
SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will display on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual. (See page 186 for more informa-
tion.)5. Repeat Steps 1– 4 to shift out of Neutral.
Neutral Switch
268 STARTING AND OPERATING