2008 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED steering

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

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK
Your vehicle is equipped with a passive steering wheel
lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle without the
ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved a half turn in
either direction, and the key is not in the ignition, the
steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel one–
half revolution from the straight ahead position, turn off
the engine, and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition, and turn the wheel slightly
to the left or right, to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫To Raise The Rear Seat ..................94
 To Open And Close The Hood ..............94
 Lights ................................95
▫ Interior Lights ........................95
▫ Multifunction Control Lever ...............97
▫ Parking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights,
And Headlights .......................97
▫ Lights-On Reminder ....................98
▫ Headlight Dimmer Switch ................98
▫ Passing Light .........................99
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped ............99
▫ Turn Signals ..........................99
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped ......99
Windshield Wipers And Washers ............100
▫ Intermittent Wiper System ...............100
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation .............100
▫ Windshield Washers ...................101
▫ Mist Feature .........................101
 Tilt Steering Column ....................101
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......102
▫ To Activate ..........................102
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............103
▫ To Deactivate ........................103
▫ To Resume Speed .....................103
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............103
▫ Manual Transmission ..................104
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.

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.

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

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.

Mud
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use 2nd
gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic trans-
mission), with the transfer case in the 4L (Low) position
to maintain your momentum. If you start to slow to a
stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4
turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud
holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and
getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from
previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before
entering any mud hole, get out and determine how deep
it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle
can be safely recovered if stuck.
Sand
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail
maintain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The
key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tirepressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneu-
vers and maintaining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are
going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes,
reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103
kPa) to allow for a greater tire surface area. Reduced tire
pressure will drastically improve your traction and han-
dling, while driving on the soft sand, but you must return
the tires to normal air pressure before driving on pave-
ment or other hard surfaces. Be sure you have a way to
reinflate the tires prior to reducing the pressure.