INTRODUCTION
This is a specialized utility vehicle designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform
tasks for which conventional two-wheel drive enclosed
vehicles were not intended. It handles and maneuvers
differently from many passenger cars both on-road and
off-road, so take time to become familiar with your
vehicle.
The two-wheel drive utility vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving
or use in other severe conditions suited for a four-wheel
drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s
Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, transmis-
sion, and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Your driving skills
will improve with experience. When driving off-road orworking the vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of physics.
Always observe federal, state, provincial and local laws
wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an
accident. Refer to “On-Road/Off-Road Driving Tips” in
Section 5 of this manual.
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer-oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
4 INTRODUCTION
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
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accom-
plished by simply moving the shift lever to one of these
positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only, and not intended for normal
driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on hard
surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage
to the driveline components.
The 4WD Indicator Light (located in the instrument
cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are locked
together. The light will illuminate when the transfer case
is shifted into the 4H position.
NOTE:Do not attempt to shift when only the front or
rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer, and the front and rear
driveshaft speeds must be equal for a shift to take place.
Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning
can cause damage to the transfer case. When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed will
be approximately three times (four times for Rubicon
models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road
speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. With a manual transmission, shift the transmis-
sion into 1st gear. And with four-wheel-drive vehicles,
make sure the transfer case is not in N (Neutral).
Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
354 STARTING AND OPERATING
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ROLLOVER WARNING HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD
ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderSTEERING WHEEL LOCK To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel LockSENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSECURITY ALARM
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To Unlock the Doors and Swing GateTo Lock the Doors and Swing GateUsing The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With Lock
Programming Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationBattery ReplacementREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOORS Upper Half Door Window Removal (If Equipped)Upper Half Door Window Installation (If Equipped)Front Door RemovalRear Door Removal
(Four-Door Models)DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door Locks - If EquippedAutomatic Unlock Doors On ExitAutomatic Door LocksWINDOWS Power Windows - If EquippedRear Power Windows (Four-Door Models Only)Wind BuffetingREAR SWING GATE
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsRear Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Retractor Lock-Out (Four-Door Models Only)Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageSeat Belt PretensionersEnhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)Seat Belts And Pregnant
WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should Make
Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorOutside MirrorsHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) SEATS Front Seat AdjustmentManual Seat Height Adjustment - If EquippedFront Seatback
ReclineFront Easy Entry Seats (Two-Door Models)Head RestraintsFold And Tumble Rear Seat (Two-Door Models)Removing the Rear Seat (Two-Door Models)Replacing the Rear Seat (Two-Door Models)60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat (Four-Door Models)To Raise the Rear
SeatTO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior LightsMultifunction Control LeverParking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, and HeadlightsLights-On ReminderHeadlight Dimmer SwitchPassing LightFront Fog Lights - If EquippedTurn SignalsDaytime Running Lights
- If EquippedWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemWindshield Wiper OperationWindshield WashersMist FeatureTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo Deactivate
To Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransmissionTo Accelerate For PassingELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)TCS (Traction Control System)BAS (Brake Assist System)ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)ESP (Electronic
Stability Program)ESP/BAS Warning LightELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCUPHOLDERS Front CupholdersRear CupholdersSTORAGE Console Storage CompartmentRear Storage CompartmentDUAL TOP - IF EQUIPPED Removing
The Soft TopInstalling the Soft TopFREEDOM TOP THREE-PIECE MODULAR HARD TOP Front Panel(s) RemovalFront Panel(s) InstallationFront Panel(s) Installation Only (With Rear Hard Top Removed)Rear Hard Top RemovalRear Hard Top InstallationDOOR FRAME
Door Frame Removal (Two-Door Models)Door Frame Installation (Two-Door Models)Door Frame Removal (Four-Door Models)Door Frame Installation (Four-Door Models)SOFT TOP (TWO-DOOR MODELS) Folding Down The Soft Top Putting Up The Soft Top SUNRIDER
(TWO-DOOR MODELS) - IF EQUIPPED SUNRIDER (FOUR-DOOR MODELS) - IF EQUIPPED SOFT TOP (FOUR-DOOR MODELS) Folding Down The Soft Top Putting Up The Soft Top FOLDING WINDSHIELD Lowering The Windshield And Removing Side BarsRaising
The Windshield And Replacing Side BarsREAR WINDOW FEATURES - HARD TOP ONLY Rear Window Wiper/Washer - If EquippedRear Window Defroster - If EquippedUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION COMPASS AND TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED Control ButtonsTrip ConditionsCompass Temperature DisplayRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical
DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE RES - AM/FM STEREO RADIO WITH CD PLAYER (MP3 AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD MODE for CD and MP3 Audio PlayNotes On Playing MP3 FilesLIST Button (CD
Mode for MP3 Play)INFO Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REQ - AM/FM STEREO RADIO AND 6-DISC CD/DVD CHANGER (MP3/WMA AUX JACK) Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (DISC MODE for CD and MP3/WMA Audio
Play, DVD-VIDEO)Notes On Playing MP3/WMA FilesLIST Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)INFO Button (DISC Mode for MP3/WMA Play)SALES CODE RER - MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions - Satellite RadioOperating Instructions -
Hands-Free Communication (UConnect) (If Equipped)Clock Setting ProcedureSATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED (REN/REQ/RER/RES RADIOS ONLY) System Act ivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite ModeSatellite
AntennaReception QualityOperating Instructions - Satellite ModeOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone (If Equipped)Operating Instruction s - Video Entertainment System (VES) (If Equipped)CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR
PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Manual Heater OnlyManual Air Conditioning and Heating System - If EquippedAir ConditioningOperating TipsSTARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionNormal StartingExtreme
Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED MANUAL TRANSMISSION ShiftingDownshiftingReverse ShiftingAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Shift Lock Manual Override
Brake/Transmission Interlock SystemAutomatic Transmission with OverdriveFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (COMMAND-TRAC OR ROCK-TRAC) - IF EQUIPPED Operating Instructions/PrecautionsShift PositionsShifting ProcedureTRAC-LOK REAR AXLE - IF
EQUIPPED AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) - RUBICON MODELS REAR AXLE LOCK - 4WD NON-RUBICON MODELS (IF EQUIPPED) ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT - IF EQUIPPED ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS Side Step Removal - If
EquippedThe Basics of Off-Road DrivingWhen To Use 4L (Low) RangeSimultaneous Brake And Throttle OperationDriving In Snow, Mud and SandCrossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)Hill ClimbingDriving Through WaterAfter Driving Off-RoadPARKING BRAKE
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM POWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation Pressures Tire Pressures for High-Speed Operation
Radial-Ply TiresTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment and BalanceTIRE CHAINS TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) Base SystemGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)VEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing Definitions
Trailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Trailer Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing - 2WD ModelsTowing - 4WD ModelsWHAT TO DO
IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking Instructions JUMP STARTING EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING
A DISABLED VEHICLE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 3.8L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS AUTHORIZED
DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark PlugsCatalytic ConverterCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuel FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower
Steering Fluid CheckDriveline And Steering Component LubricationBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield And Rear Window WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses and Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesBrake SystemAutomatic TransmissionHydraulic Clutch
Fluid - Manual TransmissionManual TransmissionTransfer CaseFront/Rear Axle FluidMaintenance After Off-Road DrivingAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionFUSES (TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS
- IF EQUIPPED BULB REPLACEMENT Head LightFront Park/Turn SignalFront Side MarkerFront Fog LightRear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, and Backup LightsCenter High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL)FLUID CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS Engine
ChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare
For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Customer CenterDaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired
(TDD/TTY)Service ContractWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX