2008 JEEP COMMANDER traction control

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
NOTE:Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air
dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is attached to
the lower front fascia with quarter turn fasteners, and can
be removed by hand.
When To Use 4WD LOW Range Ð If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction. This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, or sand where additional
low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in
excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
4WD LOW range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water:
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW if necessary.
Refer to ªFour-Wheel Drive Operationº in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
forward motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.If you stall or begin to lose forward motionwhile
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine
and shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
298 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
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build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.
²After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
454 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Electronic Brake Control System............. 139
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 139
Brake Assist System.................... 141
Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 142
Electronic Stability Program............... 143
Traction Control System................. 140
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 142
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 136
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 143
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 194
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................192,195
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 289
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 366
Jacking............................. 368
Jump Starting......................... 374
Tow Hooks.......................... 377
Emission Control System Maintenance......386,440Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 393
Block Heater......................... 280
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Compartment...................382,383,384
Compartment Identification.........382,383,384
Cooling............................. 401
Exhaust Gas Caution................38,70,337
Fails to Start.......................... 279
Fuel Requirements..................333,435
Multi-Displacement..................... 306
Oil ..............................389,435
Oil Change Interval.................... 390
Oil Disposal.......................... 391
Oil Filter............................ 391
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 391
Oil Selection.......................... 435
Oil Synthetic......................... 391
Overheating.......................... 367
462 INDEX

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 190
Tow/Haul Indicator.................... 192
Traction Control....................152,189
Turn Signal..................124,129,430,432
Vanity Mirror.......................... 81
Voltage............................. 195
Load Floor, Cargo....................... 174
Loading Vehicle......................... 344
Tires ............................... 311
Locks................................. 28
Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 28
Power Door........................... 29
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................64,65
Lubrication, Body....................... 399
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 177
Lumbar Support........................ 109Maintenance Free Battery.................. 395
Maintenance Procedures................... 389
Maintenance Schedule.................... 440
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 187,386
Manual, Service......................... 452
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 408
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 118
Memory Seat........................... 118
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 118
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 200
Mirrors................................ 78
Automatic Dimming..................... 78
Electric Powered....................... 80
Electric Remote........................ 80
Exterior Folding........................ 80
Heated.............................. 81
Outside.............................. 79
Rearview............................. 78
Vanity............................... 81
468 INDEX

Life of Tires.......................... 320
Load Capacity...................... 311,312
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 323
Pressure Warning Light.................. 190
Quality Grading....................... 454
Radial.............................. 318
Replacement......................... 320
Rotation............................. 322
Safety............................72,306
Sizes............................... 308
Spare Tire........................... 369
Spinning............................ 318
Tread Wear Indicators................... 319
Wheel Mounting....................... 373
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 352
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 288
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 377
Tow/Haul Indicator Light................. 192
Towing............................346,378Disabled Vehicle....................... 378
Guide.............................. 350
Recreational.......................... 359
Weight.............................. 350
Traction Control......................... 140
Traction Control Light.................... 189
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)................. 147
Trailer Towing.......................... 346
Cooling System Tips.................... 358
Hitches............................. 350
Minimum Requirements................. 353
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 352
Wiring.............................. 356
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 350
Trailer Weight.......................... 350
Transfer Case........................... 410
Maintenance.......................... 410
Transmission
Automatic........................283,411
INDEX 475
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