2008 JEEP WRANGLER Owners Manual

NOTE:Continuous use of the “Recirculate” mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the “Recirculate”
mode will cause windows to fog on the inside because of
moisture buildup inside the vehicle. For maximum de-
fogging, select the Outside Air position.
NOTE: The “Recirculate” mode will not operate in floor,
mix or defrost modes.Air Conditioning
Normal Operation
Press this button to engage the air
conditioning. A lamp will illumi-
nate when the air conditioning
system is engaged. Once the air
conditioning is engaged, use a
combination of the mode control,
fan speed control, and tempera-
ture control to achieve your de-
sired interior temperature.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
264 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

MAX A/C
For maximum cooling, select ei-
ther the Panel or Bi-Level position
using the mode control. Then,
press the “A/C” and the “Recir-
culate” buttons so that both lamps
are illuminated, and set the tem-
perature control to its coolest set-
ting.
NOTE:
•Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
•Refer to “Recirculation Control” in this section, for
proper or extended use of this position.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases
turning on the air-conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 265
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Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids and
Genuine Parts in Section 7 for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear to
increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed. When
stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to shift intoNEUTRAL (N) and depress the accelerator slightly for
fast idle operation to increase coolant flow and fan speed.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .....................271
▫ Manual Transmission ..................271
▫ Automatic Transmission ................271
▫ Normal Starting ......................271
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F
Or –29°C) ...........................272
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................273
▫ After Starting ........................274
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........275
Manual Transmission ....................275
▫ Shifting ............................276
▫ Downshifting ........................277
▫ Reverse Shifting ......................278
 Automatic Transmission ..................279
▫ Shift Lock Manual Override ..............279
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System .......281
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .....281
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Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac™
Or Rock-Trac™) — If Equipped .............285
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions .........285
▫ Shift Positions ........................287
▫ Shifting Procedure ....................288
 Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle — If Equipped .........289
 Axle Lock (Tru–Lok™) — Rubicon Models .....290
 Rear Axle Lock — 4WD Non-Rubicon Models
(If Equipped) ..........................291
 Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If Equipped . . 292
 On-Road Driving Tips ...................294
 Off-Road Driving Tips ...................294
▫ Side Step Removal — If Equipped .........294
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving ...........296▫
When To Use 4L (Low) Range ............297
▫ Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation . . 297
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ..........297
▫ Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points) .............................299
▫ Hill Climbing ........................301
▫ Driving Through Water .................304
▫ After Driving Off-Road .................307
 Parking Brake .........................308
 Anti-Lock Brake System ..................309
 Power Steering ........................311
 Tire Safety Information ...................313
▫ Tire Markings ........................313
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........316
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........317
 Tires — General Information ...............321
▫ Tire Pressure .........................321
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................322
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation ....324
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ......................325
▫ Tire Spinning ........................325
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................326
▫ Life Of Tire .........................326
▫ Replacement Tires .....................327
▫ Alignment And Balance .................328
 Tire Chains ...........................329 
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............329
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........330
▫ Base System .........................333
▫ General Information ...................335
 Fuel Requirements ......................336
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................336
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............337
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................337
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................338
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................338
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............339
 Adding Fuel ..........................340
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............340
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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Vehicle Loading ........................342
▫ Certification Label .....................342
 Trailer Towing .........................344
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............345
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............348
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................348 ▫
Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight .........352
▫ Towing Requirements ..................353
▫ Towing Tips .........................357
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 359
▫ Towing – 2WD Models .................359
▫ Towing – 4WD Models .................360
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL and depress the clutch pedal before starting ve-
hicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking
ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.4WD Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch
pedal. The 4WD Indicator Light will illuminate when the
transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
Normal Starting
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
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