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11. Brake Warning Light
After ignition is turned on, illuminates to indicate
function check at vehicle start-up. Indicates park-
ing brake is applied. If the light stays on when the
parking brake is off, it indicates a possible brake system
fluid leak or low pressure level,see your authorized
dealer immediately.
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is in
motion, the red BRAKE warning light will “flash” and a
chime will sound.
The operation of the BRAKE warning light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON position. The light should illuminate
for approximately two seconds. The light should then
turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.12. Anti-Lock (ABS) Warning Light
After ignition is turned on, illuminates to indicate
function check at vehicle start-up. If light remains
on after start-up or comes on and stays on at road speeds,
it may indicate that the ABS has detected a malfunction
or has become inoperative. The system reverts to stan-
dard non-anti-lock brakes.
If both the red BRAKE warning light and the amber ABS
warning light are on, see your dealer immediately. Refer
to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this manual.
13. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on. If
the light does not come on for 6 to 8 seconds,
stays on or comes on while driving, have the
airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” will flash any time the ESP or TCS is active and
helping to improve vehicle stability. If the “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” is on solid, the ESP system has been
turned off by the driver or a temporary condition exists
that will not allow full ESP function.
27. O/D (Overdrive) Off Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when the O/D OFF
button has been selected. The O/D OFF button is
located on the gear shift lever.
28. Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the front sway
bar is disconnected.29. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light/Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning Light
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. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in Section 5 for more information.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................265
▫Manual Transmission..................265
▫Automatic Transmission................265
▫Normal Starting......................265
▫Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C).................266
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................266
▫After Starting........................268
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........269Manual Transmission....................269
▫6-Speed Manual Transmission............269
Automatic Transmission..................273
▫Shift Lock Manual Override..............274
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......275
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive.....275
Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac™
Or Rock-Trac™) — If Equipped.............280
▫Operating Instructions/Precautions.........280
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▫Shift Positions........................282
▫Shifting Procedure....................283
Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle — If Equipped.........284
Axle Lock (Tru–Lok™) — Rubicon Models.....285
Rear Axle Lock — 4WD Non-Rubicon Models
(If Equipped)..........................286
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If Equipped . . 287
On-Road Driving Tips...................289
Off-Road Driving Tips...................290
▫When To Use 4L (Low) Range............290
▫Driving Through Water.................291
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........292
▫Hill Climbing........................292▫Traction Downhill.....................293
▫After Driving Off-Road.................294
Parking Brake.........................295
Anti-Lock Brake System..................296
Power Steering........................298
Tire Safety Information...................300
▫Tire Markings........................300
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........303
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........304
Tires — General Information...............308
▫Tire Pressure.........................308
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................309
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation....311
262 STARTING AND OPERATING
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
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.4WD Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch
pedal. The “4WD Indicator Light” will illuminate when
the transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
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
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
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ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood bundled in front of
the battery tray.
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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
6-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
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Follow the shift pattern on the gearshift knob.
NOTE:The backup lights will come on when your
vehicle is in R (Reverse) gear and the ignition is in the ON
position.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.
Manual Shift Controls
270 STARTING AND OPERATING
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into P (Park) only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of R (Reverse) only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from R (Reverse), P (Park), or N
(Neutral) into any forward gear when the engine is
above idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P
(Park) or N (Neutral) if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
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