2008 JEEP COMMANDER warning light

8. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
9. Security Alarm System Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
10. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
continuous chime will sound when this light turns on.Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
This indicator light starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº also
flashes when TCS is active. If the ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions. The ªESP/TCS Indicator
Lightº will flash any time the ESP or TCS is active and
helping to improve vehicle stability. If the ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº is on solid, the ESP system has been
turned off by the driver or a temporary condition exists
that will not allow full ESP function.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 189
4

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. If you decide to look under the hood your-
self, refer to Section 7 of this manual. Follow the
warnings under ªCooling System Pressure Cap.º
14. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Cen-
terº later in this section.
15. TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when the TOW/
HAUL button has been selected. The TOW/
HAUL button is located in the center of the
instrument panel (below the climate controls).
192 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

U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
21. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
22. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
23. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light Ð
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a problem
is detected the light will come on while theengine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the gear selector is
placed in the P (Park) position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running your
vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see your dealer
for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing
when the engine is running, immediate service is re-
quired and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing. The light will come on when the ignition
is first turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check.
If the light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
24. Front Fog Light Indicator LightÐ If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.
194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

25. Voltage Warning Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
Immediate service should be obtained.
26. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.3 U.S.
Gallons (8.7 Liters) this light will come on and
remain on until fuel is added. The Low Fuel
Warning Light may turn on and off again, especially
during and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns.
This occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Also, a single chime will sound.ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located on the
bottom of the tachometer in the instrument cluster. The
EVIC consists of the following:
²System Status
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195
4

Key Off Power Delay
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, hands±free system (if equipped), DVD
video system (if equipped), power sunroof (if equipped),
and power outlets will remain active for up to 60 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening a vehicle
door will cancel this feature. To make your selection,
press and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until
ªOff,º ª45 sec.,º ª5 min.,º or ª10 min.º appears.
Illuminated Approach
When this feature is selected, the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked with the remote keyless entry transmitter. To
make your selection, press and release the FUNCTION
SELECT button until ªOFF,º ª30 sec.,º ª60 sec.,º or ª90
sec.º appears.
Hill Start Assist
To make your selection, press and release the FUNC-
TION SELECT button until ªY (YES)º or ªN (NO)º
appears.
Display Units of Measure in
The EVIC, odometer, and navigation system (if
equipped) can be changed between English and Metric
units of measure. To make your selection, press and
release the FUNCTION SELECT button until ªUSº or
ªMETRICº appears.
System Status
Press and release the MENU button until one of the
following System Status messages displays in the EVIC:
²System OK
²System Warnings Displayed (Will display all currently
active System Warnings.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
4

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

²After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
²If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition ON, the ªBrake Warning Lightº in the instru-
ment cluster will light. To release the parking brake, pull
up slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
NOTE:The instrument cluster ªBrake Warning Lightº
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. It does
not indicate the degree of brake application.
300 STARTING AND OPERATING