2009 JEEP WRANGLER brake

11. Brake Warning LightThis light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop. The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
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.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
12. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light After the ignition is turned on, the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) light illuminates 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 an authorized dealer immediately. Refer
to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this manual.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203

26.Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light /
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) /
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on
the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. This indicator light starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) becomes active. The ESP/TCS Indicator Light also
flashes when TCS is active. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. If the
ESP/TCS Indicator Light is on solid, the ESP system has
been turned off by the driver or a temporary condition
exists that will not allow full ESP function.
27. O/D (Overdrive) Off Indicator Light This light will illuminate when the O/D OFF
button has been selected and overdrive has been
turned off. The O/D OFF button is located on the center
console. 28. Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front
sway bar is disconnected.
29. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Warning Light The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake
Assist System (BAS) warning light in the in-
strument cluster comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. The light
should go out with the engine running. If the ESP/BAS
warning light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or the BAS system. If this light stays illuminated,
have the ESP and BAS checked at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in Section 5 for more information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 277
▫ Manual Transmission ................. 277
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 277
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 277
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) ................ 278
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 278
▫ After Starting ....................... 280
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 281
Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........ 281
▫ Shifting ........................... 282
▫ Downshifting ....................... 283
▫ Reverse Shifting ..................... 284
 Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ...... 285
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 285
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 286
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 286
5

▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 287

Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac I
Or Rock-Trac) — If Equipped
............. 291
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ....... 291
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 293
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 294
 Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ........ 295
 Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models .... 296
 Rear Axle Lock (Four-Wheel Drive
Non-Rubicon Models) — If Equipped ........ 297
 Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect —
If Equipped .......................... 298
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 300
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 300 ▫
Side Step Removal — If Equipped ........ 300
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving .......... 301
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ........... 302
▫ Simultaneous Brake And
Throttle Operation ................... 302
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 303
▫ Crossing Obstacles
(Rocks And Other High Points) .......... 304
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 307
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 309
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 312
 Power Steering ....................... 313
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 314
 Parking Brake ........................ 315
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 316
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 318
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 319
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 319
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 320
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 321
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 324
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 325
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ............... 331
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 332
 Tire Safety Information ................. 333
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 333
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 337▫
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 338
 Tires — General Information ............. 342
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 342
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 343
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 345
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 346
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 346
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 347
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 347
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 348
 Tire Chains .......................... 350
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 350
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 351
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 275

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 buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the shift lever in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlock-
ing ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.
Four-Wheel Drive Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This featureenhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to press the clutch pedal.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will illuminate when the
transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission
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 pressing 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 277

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood bundled in front of
the battery tray.
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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch
pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause
abnormal wear on the clutch.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 281