2008 JEEP LIBERTY trailer

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
5

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
7- Pin Connector
376 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, you will
want to activate the TOW/HAUL feature. Refer to ªAu-
tomatic Transmissionº in this section for additional in-
formation.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transmission fluid and filter according to the
interval specified for ªpolice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towingº in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this manual.
Towing Tips Ð TOW/HAUL
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the ªTOW HAULº button when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position ª2º
on more severe grades. Refer to ªAutomatic Transmis-
sionº in this section for additional information.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 377
5

TOWING METHOD
NOTE:The transmission & transfer case must be in ªNº Neutral under any towing configuration.
Model Flat Towing (all four
wheels on the
ground)Flat Bed Towing
(Recommended for
speeds > 30 mph (48
km/h) & distances >
15 miles (24 km)
and/or when using a
vehicle trailer [All
four wheels sus-
pended off the
ground])Front Wheels
Raised, Rear Wheels
on the GroundRear Wheels Raised,
Front Wheels on the
Ground
2 Wheel Drive Rear driveshaft re-
movedAll four wheels sus-
pended off the
groundSpeed < 30 mph (48
km/h) & distance <
15 miles (24 km)Speed < 30 mph (48
km/h) & distance <
15 miles (24 km)
4 Wheel Drive Yes All four wheels sus-
pended off the
groundNot Recommended Not Recommended
394 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped dipstick tube that
is sealed and it should not be tampered with. Your
authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the
fluid level is set properly.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this sec-
tion for the correct fluid type.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter at the
intervals shown in the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªpolice, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towingº maintenance interval if appli-
cable.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7

Manual Transmission Ð If Equipped
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16º (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer's recommended manual trans-
mission fluid. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
fluid becomes contaminated with water. Change the fluid
immediately if contaminated with water.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªtrailer tow, snow plow,
heavy load, taxi, police, commercial service, off-road,
desert, or sustained high speeds during hot weatherº
maintenance interval if applicable.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the fill
hole (1) when the vehicle is in a level position.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªpolice, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towingº maintenance interval if appli-
cable.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Fluid Level Check
The lubricant level should be at bottom edge of the oil fill
hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer's recommended lubricant. Refer
to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this section
for the correct fluid type.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the lubricant in-
stalled at the factory will give satisfactory lubrication forthe life of the vehicle. Lubricant changes are not neces-
sary unless the lubricant becomes contaminated with
water. Change the lubricant immediately if contaminated
with water.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªpolice, taxi, fleet, off-road,
or frequent trailer towingº maintenance interval if appli-
cable.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
J21 20 Amp
BlueÐ Front Washer/Rear
Washer - if equipped
J22 25 Amp
WhiteÐ Sunroof Module - if
equipped
M1 Ð 15 Amp
BlueStop Light Switch
Feed Ð Center High
Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL)
M2 Ð 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Lighting - if
equipped
M3ÐÐÐ
M4 Ð 10 Amp
RedTrailer Tow - if
equipped
M5 Ð 25 Amp
NaturalPower Inverter ± if
equippedCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
M6 Ð 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #1 (ci-
gar lighter)/Rain Sen-
sor - if equipped/
Trailer Tow - if
equipped
M7 Ð 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet #2
(BATT/ACC SELECT)
M8 Ð 20 Amp
YellowFront Heated Seats -
if equipped
M9ÐÐÐ
M10 Ð 15 Amp
BlueHands Free Module
(HFM) ± if equipped/
Universal Garage
Door Opener (UGDO)
± if equipped/Vanity
Light
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE