2008 JEEP LIBERTY Owners Manual

WARNING!
²Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision, a
tie-down could pull loose and allow the child seat
to come loose. A child could be badly injured. Use
only the anchors provided for child seat tethers.
²The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
²Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits de-
scribed on the label attached to the left door or left
door center pillar.
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
WARNING!
To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 177
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Retractable Cargo Area Cover Ð If Equipped
NOTE:The purpose of this cover is for privacy, not to
secure loads. It will not prevent cargo from shifting or
protect passengers from loose cargo.
The removable retractable cargo area cover mounts in the
cargo area behind the top of the rear seats.
The cover, when extended, covers the cargo area to keep
items out of sight. Notches in the trim panels near the
liftgate opening secure the extended cover in place.
The cover rolls away neatly inside its housing when not
in use. You can also remove the cover from the vehicle to
make more room in the cargo area.
To install the cover, position it in the vehicle so that the
flat side of the housing faces upward. Then, insert either
the left or the right spring-loaded post (located on the
ends of the cover housing) into either of the left or the
right attachment points shown.Then, insert the spring-loaded post on the opposite end
of the cover housing into the attachment point on the
opposite side of the vehicle.
178 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Next, grab the cover handle and pull the cover toward
you. As the cover nears the liftgate opening, guide the
rear attachment posts (on both ends of the cover) into the
notches in the trim panels. Then, lower the cover to
position the posts into the bottom of the notches and
release the handle.WARNING!
In an accident, a cargo cover loose in the vehicle
could cause injury. It could fly around in a sudden
stop and strike someone in the vehicle. Do not store
the cargo cover on the cargo floor or in the passenger
compartment. Remove the cover from the vehicle
when taken from its mounting. Do not store in the
vehicle.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer Ð If Equipped
The Rear Window Wiper / Washer Control is
located on the right side of the steering column.The rotary ring switch on the lever controls rear wiper
and washer operation. Rotate the switch upward to the
first detent to activate the rear wiper. Rotate the switch
upward to the second detent to activate the rear washer.
The washer will continue to operate until you release the
switch. Once released, the wiper will cycle three times,
return to the park position, and then resume normal
operation.
NOTE:The rear wiper will automatically return to the
ªParkº position if you turn off the ignition switch while
it is operating. The rear wiper will resume operation
when you turn the ignition switch to the ON position
again.
Rear Window Wiper / Washer Control
180 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²Turn the rear wiper off when driving through an
automatic car wash. Damage to the rear wiper may
result if the rear wiper control is left in the ON
position.
²In cold weather, always turn off the rear wiper
switch and allow the rear wiper to return to the
park position before turning off the engine. If the
rear wiper switch is left on and the rear wiper
freezes to the window, damage to the rear wiper
motor may occur when the vehicle is restarted.
²Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents
the rear wiper blade from returning to the PARK
position. If the rear wiper control is turned OFF
and the blade cannot return to the PARK position,
damage to the rear wiper motor may occur.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer and rear window washer share
the same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster turns off automatically after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately 5 minutes for the second
push of the button.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 181
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CAUTION!
²Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
²Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
²Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK Ð IF EQUIPPED
The load carried on the roof, when equipped with a
luggage rack, must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it
should be uniformly distributed over the cargo area.
The tie loops provided in the side rails can be used to
help tie down cargo; however, crossbars should always
be used whenever cargo is placed on the roof rack. Tie
loops should not be used on their own to attach luggage
to the roof rack. Check the straps frequently to be sure
that the load remains securely attached.
NOTE:Crossbars are offered by Mopartaccessories.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the maximum vehicle load
capacity.
182 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity. Always
distribute heavy loads as evenly as possible and
secure the load appropriately.
Long loads, which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be secured to
both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward loads. This is espe-
cially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the roof rack
Cautions when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 183
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