2008 JEEP WRANGLER wheel

Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a indicator check when the ignition switch is
first turned on. If the indicator is not lit during starting,
have it serviced. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes
are detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

Next, locate handle in middle of the front end of the
hood. Insert hand into gap between hood and top of
grille, and push handle to the side to raise hood. You may
have to push down slightly on the hood before pushing
the handle. Insert the support rod into the slot on the
hood panel.
To close the hood, remove the support rod from the hood
panel and place it in the retaining clip. Lower the hood
slowly. Secure both of the hood latches.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are latched fully before
driving.
LIGHTS
Interior Lights
The overhead light will come on when a door is opened.
It may also be turned on by rotating the control for the
dimmer switch on the multifunction control lever fully
upward.
The overhead light will automatically turn off in about 20
minutes if a door is left open or the dimmer control is left
in the dome light position. Turn the ignition switch ON to
restore the overhead light operation.
Cargo Lamp
The courtesy and dome lights will turn on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
upward detent position, or if equipped, when the UN-
LOCK button is pressed on the RKE key fob.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95
3

Passing Light
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multifunction control lever toward the
steering wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn on
at high beam and remain on until the lever is released.
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped
The front fog light switch is located on the multi-
function control lever. To activate the front fog
lights, turn on the parking or low beam headlights
and pull out the end of the lever.
NOTE: The fog lights will only operate with the parking
lights or the headlights on low beam. Selecting high
beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the multifunction control lever up or down, and
the arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash, to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down without moving beyond the detent.
If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to light
when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator is defective or there may be a circuit failure.
NOTE: A tone will chime if the turn signals are left on
for more than 1 mi (2 km).
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The headlights come on at a low intensity level after the
vehicle has been driven approximately 3 ft (1 m). They
will turn off when the vehicle is turned off or when the
headlights are switched on.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
3

Windshield Washers
To use the washer, pull the lever toward you and hold
while spray is desired. If the lever is pulled while in the
delay range, the wiper will operate for two wipe cycles
after the lever is released, and then resume the intermit-
tent interval previously selected.
If the lever is pulled while in the OFF position, the wipers
will operate for as long as the lever is held plus two wipe
cycles, then turn OFF.
Mist Feature
Push down on the wiper lever to activate a single wipe to
clear off road mist or spray from a passing vehicle. As
long as the lever is held down, the wipers will continue
to operate.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever under the
multifunction control lever and move the wheel up or
down, as desired. Pull the lever back upwards to lock the
column firmly in place.
Tilt Steering Column
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
3

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 35 mph (56 km/h). The
speed control lever is located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button. The Cruise Indicator Light in
the instrument cluster will illuminate. To turn the system
OFF, push the ON/OFF button a second time. The Cruise
Indicator Light will turn off. The system should be
turned OFF when not in use.
Speed Control Switches
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain and/or more
frequent downshifts (auto transmission only) may occur
so it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System), TCS (Traction Control System), BAS (Brake
Assist System), ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation), and ESP (Electronic Stability Program). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 105
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WARNING!
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ABS cannot prevent accidents, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
TCS (Traction Control System)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS
system functions similar to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This
will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if
TCS and ESP are in either the “Partial Off” or “Full Off”
modes. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability Program)” in
this section.
106 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.NOTE:
Anytime the ESP system is in the “Full Off”
mode, ERM is disabled. Refer to ESP (Electronic Stability
Program) for a complete explanation of the available ESP
modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
108 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE