2008 JEEP LIBERTY transmission

Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine RUNNING, slow the vehicle speed to
2-3 mph (3-5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into ªNº (Neutral) (automatic
transmission), or depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
3. While still rolling, move the 4WD Control Switch to
the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear (automatic
transmission), or release the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.2. With the ignition switch in the ON position, and the
engine OFF or RUNNING, shift the transmission into
ªNº (Neutral) (automatic transmission), or depress the
clutch pedal (manual transmission).
3. Move the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear (automatic
transmission), or release the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
NOTE:
²Steps 1 and 2 in the ªPreferred Procedureº and the
ªAlternate Procedureº are requirements for shifting
the transfer case. If these requirements are not met
prior to attempting the shift or while the shift attempt
is in process, then the indicator light will flash, and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To
retry a shift, move the 4WD Control Switch back to the
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CAUTION!
²The 4WD Low position is intended for loose or
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in this posi-
tion on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
²When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of
the 2WD position or 4WD AUTO position at a
given road speed. Take care not to over-speed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
²Proper operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type, and circumfer-
ence on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can
cause damage to the transfer case.
WARNING!
²You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N)
position disengages both the front driveshaft and
rear driveshaft from the powertrain and it will
allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission
position. The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
²Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the ªSERV 4WDº light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
²Since 4-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and
stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road con-
ditions permit. You or others could be injured.
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Shift Positions
The electronic transfer case switch is located on the center
console next to the gear selector lever.
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.4WD Auto
4-Wheel-Drive Auto High Range ± This active on-
demand position makes available optimum traction for a
wide range of conditions, while maximizing driver con-
venience. This position is always in 4-wheel drive mode,
with a normal 42% front axle, 58% rear axle torque split.
The system also anticipates and prevents slip by redirect-
ing torque as necessary, up to 100% to the front or rear
axle, if needed.
4WD Low
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4-wheel drive
that locks the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft to-
gether and forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). This position allows engine
starting without depressing the clutch pedal on vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission. Refer to ªClutch
4WD Control Switch
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position, make certain all shift requirements have been
met, wait five (5) seconds, and try the shift again.
2WD to 4WD Auto
Move the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD Auto can be done with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is stopped,
the ignition switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either OFF or RUNNING. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.
2WD or 4WD Auto to 4WD Low
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, some gear noise
may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental
to the vehicle or its occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2-3
mph (3-5 km/h) using the ªPreferred Procedureº or
completely stopped using the ªAlternate Procedures.ºPreferred Procedure
1. With the engine RUNNING, slow the vehicle speed to
2-3 mph (3-5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into ªNº (Neutral) (automatic
transmission), or depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
3. While still rolling, move the 4WD Control Switch to
the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear (automatic
transmission), or release the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
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2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the
engine OFF or RUNNING, shift the transmission into
ªNº (Neutral) (automatic transmission), or depress the
clutch pedal (manual transmission).
3. Move the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear (automatic
transmission), or release the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission).
NOTE:
²Steps 1 and 2 in the ªPreferred Procedureº and the
ªAlternate Procedureº are requirements for shifting
the transfer case. If these requirements are not met
prior to attempting the shift or while the shift attempt
is in process, then the indicator light will flash, and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To
retry a shift, move the 4WD Control Switch back to theoriginal position, make certain all shift requirements
have been met, wait five (5) seconds, and try the shift
again.
²The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator lights
to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON
position, then the shift will not take place, and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
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caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than
5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off) avoid crossing until the water level recedes
and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing-water, avoid depths in excess of 9 inches. The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, axle, transfer
case) to assure they have not been contaminated. Con-
taminated fluids and lubricants (milky, foamy in appear-
ance) should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
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
headway. 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.
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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 headwaywhile 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 or you lose headway 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 straight
down a hill in R (Reverse) gear carefully. Never back
down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by
turning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh ªbiteº into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
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Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4WD Low range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
²Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
²Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
²Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
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.
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