2008 JEEP COMMANDER manual transmission

drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. The
feature is operational in Overdrive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Manually shifting (using the ERS shift control) between 4
(direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive gear) positions will
demonstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will notcause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
Rocking the Vehicle
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between D (Drive) and R (Reverse),
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
NOTE:The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF
before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to ªElectronic
Brake Control Systemº in Section 3 of this manual.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
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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:
4HI
Four Wheel Drive High Range Ð All roads surfaces such
as ice, snow, gravel, sand, and dry hard pavement.
N (Neutral)
Neutral Ð Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4 LOW
Four Wheel Drive Low Range Ð Low speed 4 wheel
drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
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Shifting Procedures
4HIto4LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. ªThe 4WD
LOW Indicator Lampº in the instrument cluster will
begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. Release the T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a ªCHECK SHIFT PROCEDURESº message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 of this manual.
4 LOW to 4 HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into N
(Neutral), and raise the transfer case T-handle. The ª4WD
Shifter T-Handle
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LOW Indicator Lampº in the instrument cluster will flash
and go out when the shift is complete. Release the
T-handle.
NOTE:If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a
transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a ªCHECK SHIFT PROCEDURESº message will
flash from the EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter). Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 of this manual.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible
with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty
may occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being
properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to 3 mph (0
to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5
km/h), the transfer case will not allow the shift.Neutral (N) Shift Procedure
1. Key ON, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place transmission in N (Neutral).
4. Hold down N (Neutral) ªpinº switch (with a pen, etc.)
for 4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to
blink indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking
(stay on solid) when Neutral shift is complete. A ª4WD
SYSTEM IN NEUTRALº message will display on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual.
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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.
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Engine/
TransmissionModel GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating)Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note 1)
3.7L/
Automatic4x2 8,670 lbs (3 933 kg) 40 Sq. Ft (3.72
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic4x4 8,755 lbs (3 971 kg) 40 Sq. Ft (3.72
square meters)3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
4.7L/
Automatic4x2 11,665 lbs (5 291 kg) 60 Sq. Ft (5.57
square meters)6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 650 lbs (295 kg)
4.7L/
Automatic4x4 11,800 lbs (5 352 kg) 60 Sq. Ft (5.57
square meters)6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 650 lbs (295 kg)
5.7L/
Automatic4x2 12,470 lbs (5 656 kg) 60 Sq. Ft (5.57
square meters)7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (327 kg)
5.7L/
Automatic4x4 12,620 lbs (5 724 kg) 60 Sq. Ft (5.57
square meters)7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tireand Loading Information placard. Refer to the ªTire±
Safety Informationº section in this manual.
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Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the ºTow/
Haulº mode (if equipped) or a lower gear range should
be selected.
NOTE:Using the ºTow/Haulº mode (if equipped) or a
lower gear range while operating the vehicle under
heavy operating conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shift-
ing and heat build up. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the ªMain-
tenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual for trans-
mission fluid change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in N (Neutral) and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing ± 2WD Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the driveshaft
is removed.Towing with the rear wheels on the ground
while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe
transmission damage.
Towing Ð Quadra-Trac I (Single-Speed Transfer
Case) 4WD Models
Recreational towing is not allowed.This model does not
have a N (Neutral) position in the transfer case.
Towing Ð Quadra±Trac II /Quadra±Drive II 4WD
Models
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
NOTE:The transfer case must be in the N (Neutral)
position, and the transmission must be in the P (Park)
position for recreational towing.
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