2008 JEEP WRANGLER ABS

•This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors, swing gate, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. When the alarm is
activated, the system provides both audible and visible
signals. The horn, headlights, and tail lights will sound/
flash repeatedly for three minutes. If disturbance is still
present (driver’s door, passenger door, other doors, igni-
tion) after three minutes, the headlights and tail lights
will flash for an additional 15 minutes.
NOTE:The Panic and Security alarms are quite differ-
ent. Please take a moment to activate the Panic and the
Security modes to hear the differences in the horn. In case
one should go off in the future, you will need to know
which mode has been activated in order to deactivate it.
To Set the Alarm
The alarm will set when you use the remote keyless entry
(RKE) transmitter to lock the doors and swing gate, or
when you use the power door lock switch while the door
is open. After all the doors are locked and closed, the
Sentry Key/Security Alarm Indicator Light (located on
the instrument cluster) will flash rapidly for about 16
seconds to signal that the system is arming. During this
16–second arming period, opening any door or the swing
gate will cancel the arming. If the system successfully
arms, the Sentry Key/Security Alarm Indicator Light
will flash at a slower rate to indicate the alarm is set.
To Disarm the System
To disarm the system, you will need to press the UN-
LOCK button on the RKE transmitter, or turn the ignition
key to the ON position. If something has triggered the
system in your absence, the horn will sound three times
when you unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tam-
pering.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫To Accelerate For Passing ...............105
 Electronic Brake Control System ............105
▫ ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ............105
▫ TCS (Traction Control System) ............106
▫ BAS (Brake Assist System) ...............107
▫ ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation) ..........108
▫ ESP (Electronic Stability Program) .........109
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ................115
 Electrical Power Outlet ...................116
▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......117
 Cupholders ...........................117
▫ Front Cupholders .....................117
▫ Rear Cupholders ......................118 
Storage ..............................118
▫ Console Storage Compartment ............118
▫ Rear Storage Compartment ..............119
 Dual Top — If Equipped .................120
▫ Removing The Soft Top .................120
▫ Installing The Soft Top .................122
 Freedom Top Three-Piece Modular Hard Top . . . 125
▫ Front Panel(s) Removal .................126
▫ Front Panel(s) Installation ...............128
▫ Front Panel(s) Installation Only
(With Rear Hard Top Removed) ...........128
▫ Rear Hard Top Removal ................129
▫ Rear Hard Top Installation ...............131
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
3

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
3

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

BAS (Brake Assist System)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.WARNING!
BAS (Brake Assist System) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107
3

off, it indicates a possible brake system fluid leak or low
pressure level,see your authorized dealer immediately.
If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is in
motion, the Brake Warning Light will “flash” and a chime
will sound.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately 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 illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
12. Anti-Lock (ABS) Warning Light After the ignition is turned on, this light illumi-
nates to indicate function check at vehicle start-up.
If the light remains on after start-up or comes on and
stays on at road speeds, it may indicate that the ABS has detected a malfunction or has become inoperative. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Warning
Light are on, see your authorized dealer immediately.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual.
13. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for six to
eight seconds when the ignition is first turned
on. If the light does not come on for six to eight
seconds, stays on or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
14. Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light — If Equipped This light indicates when the rear axle lock has
been activated.
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shifter out of PARK.
WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or 1st gear. Failure to do so may allow
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
5

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 for any reason, your
foot is on the brake when the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20
km/h), this check will be delayed until 25 mph (40
km/h).
The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test, and during an ABS stop, to provide the
regulated hydraulic pressure. The motor pump makes a
low humming noise during operation, this is normal. During off-road use, loss of traction can temporarily
defeat the system and cause the warning light to illumi-
nate. Turn the ignition OFF and ON again to restore
Anti-Lock Brake System function.
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.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING