2008 JEEP COMMANDER brake

When HDC is enabled properly, the message ªHILL
DESCENT CONTROLº will appear in the EVIC and the
light in the switch will be illuminated. HDC will auto-
matically apply the brakes to control downhill speed
when necessary. HDC has the capability to sense terrainand will only activate when the vehicle is descending a
hill. It will usually not activate on level ground.
The HDC speed may be adjusted by the driver to suit the
driving conditions. The speed corresponds to the trans-
mission gear selected.
²1st = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
²2nd = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
²3rd = 4 mph (6 km/h)
²4th = 5.5 mph (9 km/h)
²5th = 7.5 mph (12 km/h)
²Reverse (R) = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
²Neutral (N) = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
²Park (P) Ð HDC will not function
Hill Descent Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
3

HDC also has the capability to sense rough terrain, and
will automatically adjust to a slightly slower set speed
(about.3 mph (.5 km/h) than normal.
HDC operation can be overridden with brake application
to slow the vehicle down below the HDC control speed.
Conversely, if more speed is desired during HDC control,
the accelerator pedal will increase vehicle speed in the
usual manner. When either the brake or the accelerator is
released, HDC will control the vehicle back to the origi-
nal set speed.
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driving only.
At vehicle speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h), HDC will no
longer function. When the vehicle speed drops below 30
mph (48 km/h), HDC function will automatically resume
and the vehicle speed will return to the chosen set speed.WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in control-
ling vehicle speed when descending hills. The driver
must remain attentive to the driving conditions and
is responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ªESP/BAS Warning Lampº and the yellow
ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the instrument
cluster both come on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ªONº position. They should both go out with the
engine running.
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Brake Warning Light
The BRAKE warning light will come on when
the ignition is first turned on, and stay on
briefly as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb re-
paired promptly. If the light stays on longer, it may be an
indication that the parking brake has not been released.
If the light remains on when the parking brake is off, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction
or low fluid level. In this case, the ªBrake Warning Lightº
will remain on until the cause is corrected. If a brake
malfunction is indicated, immediate repair is necessary
and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is
dangerous.3. Turn Signal Indicator Light
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
4. High Beam Indicator Light
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
5. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD II that monitors engine and auto-
matic transmission control systems. The light will
illuminate when the key is in the ON position before
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 187
4

engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning
the key from OFF to ON, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
6. Airbag Warning Light
This light turns on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not onduring starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
7. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
188 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

16. 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 ªONº 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.
17. 4WD LOW Mode Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4WD LOW mode. The front and rear drive-
shafts are mechanically locked together forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed.18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver's seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash
or remain on continuously. Refer to9Enhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)9in the Occupant
Restraints section for more information.
19. Cruise Indicator Light
This indicator lights when the speed control
system is turned ON.
20. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
4

²HOOD/GATE/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
²HOOD/GATE/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
²LIFTGLASS/DOOR OPEN (with graphic)
²LIFTGLASS/DOORS OPEN (with graphic)
²LIFTGLASS/HOOD OPEN (with graphic)
²WASHER FLUID LOW (with graphic)
²COOLANT LOW (with graphic)
²OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
²OIL CHANGE RESET
²CHECK GAUGES
²AUTO HIGH BEAMS ON
²AUTO HIGH BEAMS OFF
²PARK ASSIST DISABLED
²SERVICE SUSPENSION
²SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
²TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP
²CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURE
²SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM
²4WD SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL
²LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
²WARNING! LIMIT SPEED
²CHECK GASCAP
²ESP OFF
²IOD FUSE OUT
²HILL DESCENT CONTROL
²MEMORY #1 POSITIONS SET
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................277
NNormal Starting......................278
NExtremely Cold Weather (Below220ÉF Or
229ÉC).............................278
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................279
NAfter Starting........................280
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........280
mAutomatic Transmission..................281
NShift Lock Manual Override Ð If Equipped . . . 281NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......283
N5±Speed Automatic Transmission..........283
NGear Ranges.........................283
NRocking The Vehicle...................289
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation...............290
NQuadra-Trac ItOperating Instructions/
Precautions Ð If Equipped..............290
NQuadra-Trac IItOperating
Instructions/Precautions Ð If Equipped.....291
NShift Positions........................292
5

NShifting Procedures....................293
NQuadra-Drive IItSystem Ð If Equipped.....295
mOn-Road Driving Tips...................296
mOff-Road Driving Tips...................296
NWhen To Use 4WD Low Range Ð
If Equipped.........................296
NDriving Through Water.................296
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........298
NHill Climbing........................298
NTraction Downhill.....................299
NAfter Driving Off-Road.................299
mParking Brake.........................300
mAnti-Lock Brake System..................302mPower Steering........................305
mMulti Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................306
mTire Safety Information...................306
NTire Markings........................306
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........310
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........311
mTires Ð General Information...............315
NTire Pressure.........................315
NTire Inflation Pressures.................316
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation....318
NRadial-Ply Tires......................318
NTire Spinning........................318
274 STARTING AND OPERATING