Page 217 of 467
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and 6 disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
SALES CODE REQ — AM/FM STEREO RADIO
AND 6–DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX
JACK)
NOTE:The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
NOTE:The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACC
position to operate the radio.
REQ Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
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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
5
Page 271 of 467

•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.
•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
The manufacturer recommends that you use the shift
speeds listed in the chart below.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
En-
gineSpeeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
3.8L Accel. 15 (24) 24
(39)34
(55)47
(76)56
(90)
Cruise 10 (16) 19
(31)27
(43)37
(60)41
(66)
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
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Page 279 of 467
WARNING!
Never use P (Park) position with an automatic trans-
mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise,
damage to steering column or shifter could result.
•Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can overheat and damage the transmission.
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween D (Drive) and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
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Page 280 of 467
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
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.
4WD Shift Controls
280 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 281 of 467

This transfer case is intended to be driven in the two
wheel drive (2H) position for normal street and highway
conditions such as 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 and not intended for normal
driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on hard
surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage
to the driveline components.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four wheel
drive and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked
together. This light illuminates when the transfer case is
shifted into the 4H position.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 (four times for Rubicon mod-
els) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
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Page 282 of 467

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. Hard surfaced roads.
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. This range (4H) provides
additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces and
should not be used on wet or dry pavement.
WARNING!
Do not drive this vehicle in excess of 50 mph (80
km/h) with the transfer case in the four wheel drive
high range (4H). Failure to follow this warning can
result in loss of control and an accident causing
serious and fatal injuries.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING
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The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4H position.
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.
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).
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4L position.
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 50 mph (80 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
is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
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