Page 14 of 368
To remove the ignition key on models with a manual
transmission, depress and hold the key release button,
turn the ignition key to LOCK, and remove the key.Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
CAUTION!
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIM) prevents
unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the
engine. The system will shut the engine down after 2
seconds of running if an invalid key is used to start the
vehicle. This system utilizes ignition keys which have an
electronic chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only
Ignition Key Removal
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 17 of 368

3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime
will sound and the SKIM 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 SKIM 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.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
The interior lights will come on when you open any door.
The lights will remain on after all of the doors are closed,
and then fade to off or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is turned on.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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Page 179 of 368
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
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Page 182 of 368

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in N (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system. It will not start unless the
clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.
WARNING!
You or others around you could be injured if you
attempt to start the engine with a manual transmis-
sion in gear — your vehicle will move. Remember,
always push the clutch pedal in fully and shift into
N (Neutral) before attempting to start the engine.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position. Apply the brake before shifting to
any driving range.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
182 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 185 of 368
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Follow the shift pattern on the gearshift knob.
NOTE: The backup lights will come on when your
vehicle is in reverse gear and the ignition is in the ON
position.Manual Shift Controls
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
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Page 186 of 368

WARNING!
When parking your vehicle, always leave a manual
transmission in first gear and apply the parking
brake fully to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage. Never use any gear as a
substitute for the parking brake.
CAUTION!
To drive as safely as possible and to prolong the life
of your manual transmission, follow these tips:
•Before shifting from a forward gear into reverse, or
from reverse to a forward gear, stop vehicle com-
pletely. Otherwise, transmission damage may result.
•Do not operate at sustained high engine or road
speeds in lower gears. Engine damage may result.
•Do not downshift into a low gear while traveling at too
high a speed for that gear. Engine, clutch, or transmis-
sion damage may result.
•Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This causes
heat buildup and damages the clutch.
•When you slow down or go up a grade, downshift as
speed requires or the engine may overheat.
•Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill by using the
clutch pedal. The clutch may be damaged.
•During cold weather, you may experience increased
effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms
up. This is normal.
•Push in the clutch pedal completely when shifting.
Otherwise, transmission or clutch damage may result.
186 STARTING AND OPERATING
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•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between a
forward gear and reverse, do not spin wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
Recommended Manual Transmission Shifting
Speeds
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
Engine Speeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
2.4L Accel. 14 (23) 24 (39) 34
(55) 46
(74) 57
(92)
Cruise 11 (18) 19 (31) 27
(43) 38
(61) 45
(72)
4.0L Accel. 15 (24) 24 (39) 34
(55) 47
(76) 56
(90)
Cruise 10 (16) 19 (31) 27
(43) 37
(60) 41
(66)
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System (Non —
Rubicon Models Only)
Manual transmission vehicles are equipped with a clutch
interlock safety feature. With this feature engaged, you
must depress the clutch pedal to allow cranking of the
engine. To temporarily bypass this safety feature while
off-road driving (4L range only), which will allow crank-
ing the engine without depressing the clutch, follow
these steps:
1. Locate the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the
engine compartment. Refer to “Fuse Panel” in Section 7
of this manual. (See page 305 for more information.)
2. Put a 10 Amp fuse in the PDC cavity (#28) marked as
Clutch Override.
NOTE: A fuse is provided in fuseblock cavity (f19 or
f20) marked as Spare.
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
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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
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