2008 JEEP COMMANDER light

Battery Saver FeatureÐExterior/Interior Lights
If the multi-function control lever is left in the interior
light position, parking light position, or the headlight
position when the ignition switch is moved to the OFF
position, the battery saver feature will automatically turn
off the exterior and interior lights after eight minutes.
Normal operation will resume when the ignition is
turned ON or when the headlight switch is turned to
another position.
Headlights and Parking Lights
Turn the end of the multi-function control lever to the
first detent for parking light operation. Turn to the
second detent for headlight operation. Turn to the third
detent for ªAutoº headlight operation (if equipped).
Headlight Switch
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Automatic Headlight System Ð If Equipped
Turn the end of the multi-function control lever to the
third detent to activate the automatic headlight system.
This system performs two functions. With the engine
running and the multi-function control lever in the A
(Auto) position, the headlights will turn on and off based
on the surrounding light levels.
Headlights On Automatically With Wipers
If your vehicle is equipped with Automatic Headlights it
also has this customer programmable feature. When your
headlights are in the automatic mode, and the engine is
running, they will automatically turn on when the wiper
system is on.
If your vehicle is equipped with a ªRain Sensitive Wiper
System,º and it is activated, the headlights will automati-
cally turn on after the wipers complete five wipe cycles
within approximately 1 minute, and they will turn offapproximately four minutes after the wipers completely
stop. Refer to ªWindshield Wipers and Washersº in this
section for more information.
NOTE:When your headlights come on during the
daytime, the instrument panel lights will automatically
dim to the lower nighttime intensity. Refer to ªInstru-
ment Panel and Interior Lightsº below for setting the
instrument panel lights to full daytime intensity.SmartBeams Ð If Equipped
The SmartBeam system provides increased forward light-
ing at night by automating high beam control through
the use of a digital camera mounted on the inside
rearview mirror. This camera detects vehicle specific light
and automatically switches from high beams to low
beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If the windshield or SmartBeam mirror is re-
placed, the SmartBeam mirror must be re-aimed to
ensure proper performance. See your local authorized
dealer.
To Activate
1. Select ªAuto Headlamp Low/High Beams? Ð Low/
High Beam.º Refer to ªEVIC Ð Customer Programmable
Featuresº in Section 4 of this manual.
2. Turn the end of the multi-function control lever to the
A (Auto) headlight position.
NOTE:This system will not activate until the vehicle is
at or above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
1. Pull back on the muti-function control lever to manu-
ally deactivate the system (normal operation of high
beams).2. Pull back on the multi-function control lever once
again to re-activate the system.
NOTE:Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and
taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause
headlights to remain on longer (closer to the vehicle).
Also, dirt, film, and other obstructions (sticker, toll box,
etc.) on the windshield or camera lens will cause the
system to function improperly.
Instrument Panel and Interior Lights
When the multi-function control lever is in the parklight,
headlight, or A (Auto) position (if equipped), rotating the
center portion of the lever up and down will increase and
decrease the brightness (dimmer control) of the instru-
ment panel lights. Full daytime brightness on all elec-
tronic displays (odometer, overhead console, radio, and
Automatic Climate Control (if equipped) is obtained by
rotating the center portion of the control to the first
detent above the dimmer range. Rotating the control to
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the second detent above the dimmer range turns the
interior lights on. Rotating the control to the ªOffº
(extreme bottom) position disables all the interior lights,
even when the doors and liftgate are open. While in the
ªOffº position the instrument panel lighting is at the
lowest light level and may not be suitable for night
driving.
Daytime Running Lights Ð If Equipped
The high beam headlights come on at a low intensity
level whenever the engine is running, and the transmis-
sion is not in the P (Park) position. The lights remain on
until the ignition switch is turned OFF or the parking
brake is engaged. The headlight switch must be used for
normal night time driving.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound when the driver's door
is opened.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
The fog light switch is located in the multi-
function control lever. To activate the fog lights,
turn on the park/turn lights, low beam headlights,
or ªAutoº headlights and pull out the end of the multi-
function control lever. A light in the instrument cluster
shows when the fog lights are on.
NOTE:Turning on the high beam headlights turns off
the fog lights.
A front fog light is a lighting device providing illumina-
tion forward of the vehicle under conditions of fog, rain,
snow, or dust. Principally, the front fog light supplements
the lower beam of a standard headlight system.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Proper aim and adjustments of the front fog
lights should be made to prevent excessive glare for other
drivers.
Turn Signals
Move the multi-function control lever up or down and
the arrows on each side of the instrument cluster will
flash to show proper operation of the front and rear turn
signal lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the
lever partially up or down.
Turn Signal Auto-Mode
Tap the multi-function control lever once and the turn
signal (left or right) will flash 3 times, and automatically
turn off.
High Beam Switch
Push the multi-function control lever away from you to
switch the headlights to high beam. Pull the lever to-
wards you to switch the headlights back to low beam.
Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multi-function control lever toward
the steering wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn
on at high beam and remain on until the lever is released.
Headlight Time Delay
There is also a feature that delays turning off the vehicle
lights for 30, 60, or 90 seconds after the ignition switch is
turned OFF. To activate the headlight delay, the multi-
function control lever must be rotated to the ªOffº
position after the ignition switch is turned OFF. Only the
headlights will illuminate during this time. Refer to
ªEVIC- Customer Programmable Featuresº in Section 4
to turn this feature ªOn/Offº or set the time interval.
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Interior Lights
The interior lighting consists of courtesy lights mounted
below the instrument panel, an overhead console light
assembly which contains both driver and passenger
reading lights, reading lights located above the rear
doors, and a rear cargo light. Opening a door or turning
the center of the multi-function control lever to the
extreme up position will activate all interior courtesy
lights.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
Each light can be turned on by pressing the recessed area
of the lens. To turn these lights off, press the recessed area
of the lens a second time. There are also reading lights
located above the rear doors. Each light can be turned on
by pressing the front recessed area of the lens. To turn
these lights off, press the recessed area of the lens a
second time.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
The automatic transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System), TCS (Traction Control System), BAS (Brake
Assist System), ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation), and
ESP (Electronic Stability Program). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with TSC (Trailer Sway
Control) and, if it has 4WD with the NV245 two-speed
transfer case, HSA (Hill Start Assist) and HDC (Hill
Descent Control).
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
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ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The9ESP/TCS Indicator
Light9also flashes when TCS is active. If the9ESP/TCS
Indicator Light9begins 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.
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