2009 JEEP COMMANDER steering

Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted, as well as
inspected for signs of tire wear or visible damage, at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap (if equipped). This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage it.
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WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity than what was originally equipped on
your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have an accident.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS
Only models fitted with 235/65R17XL (extra load) tires
have sufficient tire-to-body clearance to allow use of tire
chains.Install chains on rear tires only.Follow these
recommendations to guard against damage and exces-
sive tire and chain wear:
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•Do not install tire chains or traction devices on ve-
hicles with larger than 235/65R17XL size tires. Tires
larger than this may not provide sufficient body
clearance with chains or other traction devices.
•Manufacturer recommends a cold inflation pressure of
38 psi (262 kPa) when using 235/65R17XL size tires for
this vehicle.
•Use SAE class “S” tire chains or traction devices only.
•Follow tire chain manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting chains.
•Install chains snugly and tighten after 1/2 mi (1 km) of
driving.
•Do notexceed 30 mph (48 km/h), unless otherwise
specified by the chain manufacturer.
•Drive cautiously, avoiding large bumps, potholes and
extreme driving maneuvers.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates and develop irregular wear patterns.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.
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Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically
used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight
to the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the manufacturer’s direc-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control thereby enhancing
towing safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by traffic and cross-
winds, and contributes positively to tow vehicle andtrailer stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distrib-
uting (load equalizing) hitch are recommended for
heavier trailer tongue weights (TW) and may be required
depending on Vehicle and Trailer configuration/loading
to comply with gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
requirements.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, and braking
performance, and could result in an accident.
Weight-distributing hitch systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch and
trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.
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•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
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 transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the transfer case
is not in 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
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized (This requirement may limit the ability to
always achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight
as a percentage of total trailer weight).
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To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
Maintenance After Off-Road Driving
After extended operation in mud, sand or water, or
similar dirty conditions, have your brake discs, brake
linings, and axle joints inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible. This will prevent any abrasive material from
causing excessive wear or unpredictable braking action.
After driving off-road, completely inspect the underbody
of your vehicle. Check the tires, body structure, steering,
suspension and exhaust system for damage. Checkthreaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the
chassis, drivetrain components, steering and suspension.
Retighten, if required, to torque values specified in the
Service Manual. Also check for accumulations of vegeta-
tion or brush that could become a fire hazard, or conceal
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.CAUTION!
Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants, and lubricate body compo-
nents, all driveline joints and steering linkage more
often than in normal service, to prevent excessive
wear.
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FUSES
Interior Fuses
The fuse panel is on the lower instrument panel just to
the left of the steering column.
CavityCartridge
FuseMini-Fuse Description
1 30 Amp
GreenAudio Amp (B+)
2 15 Amp
BlueSunroof (B+)
3 10 Amp
RedHtd Mirror (EBL)
4 20 Amp
YellowRr Pwr Out (B+)
5 10 Amp
RedRr HVAC (R/O)
(Commander Only)
6 Spare (B+)
7 20 Amp
YellowDoor Locks (B+)
Fuse Panel
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CavityCartridge
FuseMini-Fuse Description
20 10 Amp
RedSteering Column
Control Module
(SCCM), Cluster (R/
S), BUX Trailer Tow
21 Spare (Acc
Delay)
22 15 Amp
BlueRear Wiper (B+)
24 10 Amp
RedPower Distribution
Center (PDC) Relays,
Powertrain Control
Module, A580 (R/S)
25 10 Amp
RedShifter Assy (BTSI),
Trans. Case Switch,
ESP/ABS, Trailer
Sway Damp RelayUnderhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
CavityCartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
1 50 Amp
RedPTC Heater 1 (Diesel
Only)
Power Distribution Center
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