WARNING!
Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal, or the shift lever. Do
not leave the key in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.NOTE:
The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved
approximately a half turn in either direction, and the key
is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel one–
half revolution from the straight ahead position, turn off
the engine, and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition, and turn the wheel slightly
to the left or right, to disengage the lock.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
WARNING! (Continued)
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss of
control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 141
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............ 142
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 143
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 143
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 144
Tilt Steering Column ................... 145
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 146
▫ To Activate ......................... 147
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 147
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 147
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 147
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 148 ▫
Manual Transmission ................. 148
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 149
Electrical Power Outlet ................. 150
Cupholders .......................... 152
▫ Front Cupholders .................... 152
▫ Rear Cupholders ..................... 153
Storage ............................. 153
▫ Console Storage Compartment ........... 153
▫ Rear Storage Compartment ............. 154
Dual Top — If Equipped ................ 154
▫ Removing The Soft Top ................ 155
▫ Installing The Soft Top ................ 157
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
▫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
The Basics of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-
road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area
before proceeding. There are many types of surface
conditions: hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases, there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore,
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what is not. When on a trail, you should always
be looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When to Use 4L (Low) Range
When off-road driving, shift into 4L (Low) for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain,
ascending or descending steep hills, and to increase low
speed pulling power. This range should be limited to
extreme situations such as deep snow, mud, steep in-
clines, or sand where additional low speed pulling power
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle’s limitations.
Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep
to climb and should not be attempted. You should always
feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You
should always climb hills straight up and down. Never
attempt to climb a hill on an angle.
Before Climbing A Steep Hill
As you approach a hill, consider its grade or steepness.
Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction
is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down?
What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,
branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safelyrecover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If every-
thing looks good and you feel confident, shift the trans-
mission into a lower gear with 4L (Low) engaged, and
proceed with caution, maintaining your momentum as
you climb the hill.
Driving Up Hill
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle
up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an
easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start
up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade; the
abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If
the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle
slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you
approach the crest of the hill, ease off the throttle and
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as
you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake
rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected
and cleaned as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only bechecked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING