2008 JEEP COMMANDER fuel

This feature allows you to monitor when the MDS
switches off the fuel on four of the eight cylinders and it
can be used to modify driving habits in order to increase
the time in which the fuel saver mode is active.²Distance To Empty (DTE)
Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with
the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is
determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous
and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel
tank level. DTE cannot be reset through the FUNCTION
SELECT button.
NOTE:Significant changes in driving style or vehicle
loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of
the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value.
²When the DTE value is less than 30 miles (48 km)
estimated driving distance, the DTE display will
change to a text display of9LOW FUEL.9This display
will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding
a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off
the9LOW FUEL9text and a new DTE value will
display.
8 Cylinder Operation - MDS Off
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

located on the control panel. Conditioned air will be
directed through the outlets selected by the mode control.
A light in the snowflake button shows that the air
conditioning is on.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
Automatic Temperature Control Ð If Equipped
The Infrared Dual-Zone Climate Control System auto-
matically maintains the interior comfort level desired by
the driver and passenger. This is accomplished by a dual
sun-sensor in the top of the instrument panel, and an
infrared sensor located in the face of the control unit.
There are also various sensors monitored by this system
which take account for vehicle speed, A/C pressure,
outside temperature, and engine cooling temperature.
The infrared sensor independently measures the surfacetemperature of the driver and passenger. Based on the
sensor input, the system automatically adjusts the air
flow temperature, the air flow volume, and amount of
outside air recirculation. This maintains a comfortable
temperature even under changing conditions.
Automatic Temperature Controls
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NTread Wear Indicators..................319
NLife Of Tire.........................320
NReplacement Tires.....................320
NAlignment And Balance.................321
mTire Chains...........................322
mTire Rotation Recommendations............322
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........323
NBase System Ð If Equipped..............326
NPremium System Ð If Equipped..........328
NGeneral Information...................333
mFuel Requirements......................333
N3.7/4.7L Engines (If Equipped)............333
N5.7L Engines (If Equipped)...............333NReformulated Gasoline.................334
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............335
NMMT In Gasoline.....................335
NMaterials Added To Fuel................336
NFuel System Cautions..................336
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............337
mFlexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) Ð
If Equipped...........................337
NE-85 General Information................337
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................338
NFuel Requirements....................339
NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......340
NStarting............................340
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
5

NCruising Range.......................340
NReplacement Parts.....................340
mAdding Fuel..........................341
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............341
mVehicle Loading........................344
NCertification Label.....................344
mTrailer Towing.........................346
NCommon Towing Definitions.............346
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............350
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................350NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............352
NTowing Requirements..................353
NTowing Tips.........................357
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 359
NTowing ± 2WD Models.................359
NTowing Ð Quadra-Trac I (Single-Speed Transfer
Case) 4WD Models....................359
NTowing Ð Quadra±Trac II /Quadra±Drive II
4WD Models........................359
mSnow Plow...........................363
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
²Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the ªTOW/HAULº mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the transmission limp home mode
will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will
remain in the current gear (3.7L engine) or in direct gear
(4.7L and 5.7L engines) until the vehicle is brought to a
stop.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine, be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.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 2nd gear (3.7L engine) or 3rd gear (4.7L
and 5.7L engines) will be available in the D (Drive)
position. Have the transmission checked at your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at a calibrated speed at light throttle. It engages at
higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 forward motion
by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a
fresh ªbiteº 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 4WD 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.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
²Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
²Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
²Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) Ð 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
²P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter ªPº molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING