2006 JEEP WRANGLER four wheel drive

7. High Beam Indicator Light This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low.
If the driver’s door is open, and the headlights or
parklights are left on, the “High Beam Indicator Light”
will flash and a chime will sound.
8. Seat Belt Indicator Light A warning chime and an indicator light will alert
you to buckle the seat belts. When the belt is
buckled, the chime will stop, but the light will stay
on until it times out (about 6 seconds).
9. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed. 10. Front Axle Lock Indicator Light — If Equipped
Indicates when the front axle lock has been
activated. (See page 199 for more information.)
11. Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light — If Equipped Indicates when the rear axle lock has been
activated. (See page 199 for more information.)
12. 4WD Indicator Light This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive mode, and the front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. (See page 194 for more infor-
mation.)
148 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures .....................182
▫ Manual Transmission ..................182
▫ Automatic Transmission ................182
▫ Normal Starting ......................182
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) .................183
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................183
▫ After Starting ........................184

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........184

Transmission Shifting ....................185
▫ 6-Speed Manual Transmission ............185
▫ Automatic Transmission ................188

Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac™
Or Rock-Trac™) — If Equipped .............194
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions .........195
▫ Shift Positions ........................196
▫ Shifting Procedure ....................197

Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle ....................198
5

NOTE:The transmission electronics constantly monitor
the transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets
too hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to
help control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough, the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
(COMMAND-TRAC™ OR ROCK-TRAC™) — IF
EQUIPPED
4WD Shift Controls
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode positions — two
(rear) wheel drive high range, four wheel drive high
range, neutral, and four wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the two
wheel drive (2H) position for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.
In the events when additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by simply moving the shift lever to these
positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents. The 4WD indicator light, located in the instrument panel,
alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four wheel drive
and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked to-
gether. This light illuminates when the transfer case is
shifted to either the 4H or 4L positions.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshafts speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 195
5

Proper operation of four wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.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.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H Position
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

4H Position
Four Wheel Drive High Range — Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces.
NOTE: This range should not be used during dry
pavement operation.
N (Neutral) Position
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. (See page 248 for more
information.)
4L Position
Four Wheel Drive Low Range — Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maxi-
mum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion,
shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle
STARTING AND OPERATING 197
5

and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 inches. The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low) if necessary.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE: Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low). Use
first gear and 4L (Low) for very steep hills.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you stall or begin to lose headwaywhile climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing
the compression braking of the engine to help regulate
your speed. If the brakes are required to control vehicle
speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding
the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by
turning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4L (Low) range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5