2008 JEEP LIBERTY ABS

The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will give you a false alarm. If the previously
described arming sequence has occurred, the system will
arm regardless of whether you are inside or outside the
vehicle. If you remain inside the vehicle and open a door,
the alarm will sound. If this occurs, disarm the system.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the alarm in your absence, the
horn will sound three times when you unlock the doors.
Check the vehicle for tampering.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
The interior lights will turn on when you use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open a door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting (if so
equipped). For details, refer to ªIllumination Approach,ºunder ªPersonal Settings (Customer Programmable Fea-
tures),º under ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º in Section 4 of this manual.
The interior lights will fade to off after about 30 seconds
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned on.
NOTE:
²The illuminated entry system will not operate the
interior lights if the dimmer control is in the ªdefeatº
position (extreme downward position).
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors and
liftgate, open the liftgate flip-up window, or activate the
panic alarm from distances up to 23 feet (7 meters) using
a hand held radio transmitter. The transmitter need not
be pointed at the vehicle to activate the system. However,
the line of transmission must not be blocked with metal
objects when using the transmitter.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

13. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
will turn on and remain on when the ignition
switch is turned from the LOCK or ACC position to the
ON position. The light will turn off after the engine is
started. If the light does not turn on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If the light turns on and remains on while driving, safely
bring the vehicle to a stop and shut off the engine. DO
NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS
CORRECTED.
This light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the proper
procedure. (See page 403 for more information.)
14. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. This light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and it may
stay on for approximately 3 seconds.If the light remains on or turns on during driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally, provided the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as
soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock Brakes.
The ABS Warning light should be checked frequently to
assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition
switch to the ON position, but do not start the vehicle.
The light should turn on. If the light does not turn on,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer. (See
page 310 for more information.)
15. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(rpm x 1000). Before the pointer reaches the red area, ease
up on the accelerator to prevent engine damage.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 195
4

NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which can change fluid level con-
ditions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK or ACC
position to the ON position. The light should turn on for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn
off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not turn on, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 310 for more
information.)
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 203
4

NMP1522 Command-TractTransfer Case Ð
If Equipped.........................292
NMP3022 Selec-Trac IItTransfer Case Ð
If Equipped.........................298
mOn-Road Driving Tips...................303
mOff-Road Driving Tips...................304
NWhen To Use 4WD Low Range...........304
NDriving Through Water.................304
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........305
NHill Climbing........................306
NTraction Downhill.....................307
NAfter Driving Off-Road.................307
mParking Brake.........................308
mAnti-Lock Brake System..................310mPower Steering........................313
mElectronic Brake Control System............314
NABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............315
NTCS (Traction Control System)............316
NBAS (Brake Assist System)...............316
NERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........317
NTSC (Trailer Sway Control) ± If Equipped....318
NHSA (Hill Start Assist)..................319
NHDC (Hill Descent Control) ± If Equipped . . . 322
NESP (Electronic Stability Program).........324
NESP/BAS Warning Light & ESP/TCS
Indicator Light.......................328
mTire Safety Information...................329
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Always apply the parking brake fully when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in ªPº (Park) or a manual transmis-
sion in ªRº (Reverse) or 1st gear. Failure to do so
may allow the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Significant over or under inflation of tires or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low-speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot
lightly on the brake while this test is occurring, you may
feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
apparent on ice and snow. This is normal.
The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5

WARNING!
²The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
CAUTION!
The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused
by improperly installed after-market radios or
telephones.
NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System), TCS
(Traction Control System), BAS (Brake Assist System),
HSA (Hill Start Assist), ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation),
and ESP (Electronic Stability Program). These systems
work together to enhance both vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING