2010 JEEP COMMANDER brake fluid

JUMP-STARTING
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or the
battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure
carefully.
WARNING!
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution that can
cause serious burns; do not allow battery fluid to
contact eyes, skin or clothing. Wear safety glasses
and protect your eyes at all times. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area imme-
diately with large quantities of water.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not lean over the battery
when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to
touch each other.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24 Volt power source.
1. Remove all metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets, which might make an unintended electrical
contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles, place the transmission in PARK and turn
the ignition OFF.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 351

▫Cooling System ..................... 374
▫ Brake System ....................... 379
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid ................. 381
▫ Transfer Case ....................... 382
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 383
▫ Maintenance After Off-Road Driving ...... 386
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 387
 Fuses .............................. 392
▫ Interior Fuses ....................... 392
▫ Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center) ........................... 395
▫ Underhood Fuses (Integrated Power
Module) ........................... 398 
Vehicle Storage ....................... 400
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 400
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 401
▫ Head Lamp ........................ 401
▫ Front Turn Signal .................... 402
▫ Front Fog Lamp ..................... 403
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup
Lamps ............................ 404
▫ Center High Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 406
 Fluids And Capacities .................. 407
 Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts ....... 408
▫ Engine ............................ 408
▫ Chassis ........................... 409
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 3.7L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Battery
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Power Distribution Center 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Integrated Power Module 10 — Air Cleaner Filter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357

ENGINE COMPARTMENT – 5.7L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 — Battery
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Coolant Pressure Cap
5 — Power Distribution Center 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
6 — Integrated Power Module
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the brake system warning lamp indicates system
failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot. The fluid level must be
kept within these two dots. Do not add fluid above the
MAX mark, because leakage may occur at the cap.With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its per-
formance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also labeled on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
(Continued)
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
Front Axle Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be to the bottom of the oil fill hole.
Rear Axle Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be 1/2 inch (1 cm) below the oil fill
hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381

Fluid Level Check (5.7L Engine)
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles
(25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature the
fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingertips.
To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure
must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again, and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. The fluid level is only valid if there is a
solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick. If the
fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick tube.
Do
not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil through the
oil fill tube, wait a minimum of two minutes for the oil to
fully drain into the transmission before rechecking the
fluid level.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two “COLD” (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70°F (21°C) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the “HOT”
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385

CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50°F
(10°C) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
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. Check
threaded 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.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE