2008 JEEP WRANGLER traction control

Trac-Lok™ is especially helpful during slippery driving
conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery surface, a
slight application of the accelerator will supply maxi-
mum traction.
WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to lose
control of your vehicle.
AXLE LOCK (TRU–LOK™) — RUBICON MODELS
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the lower switch
bank (below the climate controls).
This feature will only activate when the following con-
ditions are met:
•Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.
Axle Lock Switch
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

The Basics of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-
road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area
before proceeding. There are many types of surface
conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

When To Use 4L (Low) Range
When off-road driving, shift into 4L (Low) for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain,
ascending or descending steep hills, and to increase low
speed pulling power. This range should be limited to
extreme situations such as deep snow, mud, steep in-
clines, or sand where additional low speed pulling power
is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h)
should be avoided when in 4L (Low) range.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simulta-
neous use of the brake and throttle (two-footed driving).
When climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects,
using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the
vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a
steep incline.
Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
Snow
In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at
slower speeds, shift the transmission into a low gear and
the transfer case into 4L (Low) if necessary. Don’t shift to
a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway. Over-
revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will
be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your
steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and
forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow the
tires to get a freshbiteand help maintain your momen-
tum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM or vehicle speeds, because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
5

branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If every-
thing looks good and you feel confident, shift the trans-
mission into a lower gear with 4L (Low) engaged, and
proceed with caution maintaining your momentum as
you climb the hill.
Driving Up Hill
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle
up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an
easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start
up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade, the
abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If
the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle
slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you
approach the crest of the hill, ease off the throttle and
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as
you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel nomore than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will
provide a fresh
biteinto the surface and will usually
provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do
not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in
severe injury.
Driving Down Hill
Before driving down a steep hill you need to determine if
it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow
controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill
to regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel
confident in your ability to proceed then make sure you
are in 4L (Low) and proceed with caution. Allow engine
braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking.
Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured.
Driving Across An Incline
If at all possible avoid driving across an incline. If it is
necessary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving across
an incline places more weight on the downhill wheels,
which increases the possibilities of a downhill slide orrollover. Make sure the surface has good traction with
firm and stable soils. If possible transverse the incline at
an angle heading slightly up or down.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a
rollover, which may result in severe injury.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift
into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing
engine braking to control the descent and apply your
brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
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5

All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear 1-1/2 times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 443
9

Defroster, Windshield.................. 260,262
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 100
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 379
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ............. 250
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .................. 98
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 383
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 374
Disarming, Theft System ................... 18
Disposal Engine Oil ........................... 385
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 397
Door Locks ........................... 31,32
Doors ................................. 26
Drive Belts ............................ 386
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt ..................... 87
Driving ............................... 294
Off-Pavement ......................... 294
Off-Road ............................ 294 Dual Top
.............................. 120
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 116
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 116
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 105
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 105
Brake Assist System .................... 107
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 108
Electronic Stability Program ............... 109
Traction Control System ................. 106
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 108
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 102
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 109
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 214
Emergency Brake ........................ 308
Emergency, In Case of Brake Warning Light .................... 207
Coolant Temperature Gauge .............. 209
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 364
INDEX 449
10

Back-Up............................. 422
Brake Assist Warning ................. 1 15,214
Brake Warning ........................ 207
Bulb Replacement ...................... 420
Cargo ............................... 95
Center Mounted Stop ................... 423
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ........ 213
Cruise .............................. 209
Daytime Running ....................... 99
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................ 98
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator ....................... 1 15,213,214
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 214
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 209
Fog .............................. 99,422
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 364
Headlight Switch ....................... 97
Headlights ........................... 420
High Beam ........................... 207 High Beam Indicator
.................... 207
Instrument Cluster ...................... 97
Interior .............................. 95
Lights On Reminder ..................... 98
Low Fuel ............................ 206
LowTire ............................ 210
Oil Pressure .......................... 207
Passing .............................. 99
Rear Servicing ........................ 422
Rear Tail ............................ 422
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 207
Sentry Key ........................... 209
Service .............................. 420
Side Marker .......................... 422
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 210
Traction Control ....................... 213
Turn Signal ................... 99,207,421,422
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 206
Loading Vehicle ......................... 342
454 INDEX