2009 JEEP LIBERTY brake

NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required. 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.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
32. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash rapidly for approximately
16 seconds when the vehicle security system is
arming and then flash slowly when the system
is armed. The light will also turn on for about
three seconds when the ignition is first turned ON.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Hill Start Assist (HSA) — If Equipped
When on is selected, the HSA system is active. Refer to
“HSA (Hill Start Assist)” under “Electronic Brake Control
System” in Section 5 of this manual for system function
and operating information. To make your selection, press
and release the FUNCTION SELECT button until “On”
or “Off” appears.
SALES CODE REQ — AM/FM STEREO RADIO
AND 6–DISC CD/DVD CHANGER
(MP3/WMA AUX JACK)
NOTE:The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of the radio faceplate.
Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
NOTE: The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACC
position to operate the radio.
REQ Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 291
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 291
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or
–29°C) ............................ 291
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 292
▫ After Starting ....................... 293
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 293
 Automatic Transmission ................. 294
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System ..................... 295 ▫
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 295
▫ 4–Speed Automatic Transmission ......... 296
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation ............. 302
▫ MP1522 Command-Trac Transfer Case — If
Equipped .......................... 302
▫ MP3022 Selec-Trac II Transfer Case — If
Equipped .......................... 308
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 313
5

Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 314
▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range .......... 314
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 314
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 315
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 316
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 317
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 317
 Power Steering ....................... 318
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 319
 Parking Brake ........................ 320
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 321
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 324
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 324▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 325
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 325
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 326
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) —
If Equipped ........................ 327
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 328
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) —
If Equipped ........................ 331
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 332
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light ...................... 336
 Tire Safety Information ................. 337
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 337
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 341
288 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 build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
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. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Tip Start Feature
Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it
as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0 °F (-18 °C) are
expected to last for several days.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop. (Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. Always press thebrake pedal first,before
moving the shift lever out of PARK.
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override
Your vehicle may be equipped with a shift lock manual
override. The manual override may be used in the event
that the shift lever should fail to move from PARK with
the key in the ON position and the brake pedal pressed.
To operate the shift lock manual override, perform the
following steps:
1. Turn the key to the ON position but do not start the
engine.
2. Firmly set the parking brake.
3. Using a flat blade screwdriver, carefully remove the
shift lock manual override cover which is located on the
PRNDL bezel.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

5. Using the screwdriver, reach into the manual override
opening. Press and hold the shift lock lever down.
6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized
dealer if the shift lock manual override has been used.
4–Speed Automatic Transmission
NOTE:
Under extreme cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C)
and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be
briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
when moving the shift lever between these gears.
Shift Lock Manual Override
296 STARTING AND OPERATING