INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
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 or
working 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
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
4 INTRODUCTION
18. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
19. Cruise Indicator This indicator shows when the electronic speed
control system is turned on.
20. 4WD Indicator Light — If Equipped This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive mode, and the front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked to-
gether forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .... 341
Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-
Trac I Or Rock-Trac) — If Equipped ....... 345
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ....... 345
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 347
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 348
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ........ 349
Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models .... 350
Rear Axle Lock (Four-Wheel Drive
Non-Rubicon Models) — If Equipped ........ 351
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect
— If Equipped ........................ 352
On-Road Driving Tips .................. 354
Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 354 ▫
Side Step Removal – If Equipped ......... 354
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving .......... 356
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ........... 356
▫ Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation . 357
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 357
▫ Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points) ............................ 358
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 361
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 363
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 366
Power Steering ....................... 367
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 368
Parking Brake ........................ 369
328 STARTING AND OPERATING
▫Base System ........................ 408
▫ General Information .................. 411
Fuel Requirements ..................... 411
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 412
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 412
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 413
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 413
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 414
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 414
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 415
Adding Fuel ......................... 416
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 416
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 418
Vehicle Loading ...................... 418
▫ Certification Label ................... 418
Trailer Towing ........................ 420
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 421
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 424
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 424
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 427
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 428
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 433
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 435
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Models .............. 435
▫ Four-Wheel Drive Models .............. 436
330 STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children in the vehicle alone. Leaving
unintended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. The child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. The child could operate
power windows, other controls or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
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 feature
enhances 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 – If Equipped
Start the vehicle with the shift lever in the PARK position
(vehicle can also be started in NEUTRAL). 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition from LOCK so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise,
damage to the steering column or shift lever could
result.
•Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can overheat and damage the transmission.
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (COMMAND-
TRAC IOR ROCK-TRAC) — IF EQUIPPED
Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
•2H (Two-wheel drive high range)
•4H (Four-wheel drive high range)
•N (Neutral)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
•4L (Four-wheel drive low range)
The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions such
as hard-surfaced roads. In the event that additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accom-
plished by simply moving the shift lever to one of these
positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only and not intended for normal
driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on hard-
surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage
to the driveline components.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are locked
together. The light will illuminate when the transfer case
is shifted into the 4H position.
Four-Wheel Drive Shift Controls
346 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:Do not attempt to shift when only the front or
rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer, and the front and rear
driveshaft speeds must be equal for a shift to take place.
Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning
can cause damage to the transfer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed will
be approximately three times (four times for Rubicon
models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road
speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshaft from
the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H Position
This range is used for normal street and highway driving
on hard-surfaced roads.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 347