2011 JEEP LIBERTY Owners Manual

Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the ignition switch in the ON position, and the
engine OFF or RUNNING, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL.
3. Move the transfer case switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear.
NOTE:Steps 1 and 2 in the “Preferred Procedure” and
the “Alternate Procedure” are requirements for shifting
the transfer case. If these requirements are not met prior
to attempting the shift or while the shift attempt is in
process, then the indicator light will flash, and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
a shift, move the transfer case switch back to the original
position, make certain all shift requirements have been
met, wait five seconds, and try the shift again. The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a shift
to take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON position,
then the shift will not take place and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
Selec-Trac
II Transfer Case – If Equipped
Operating Information And Precautions
The Selec-Trac II active on-demand transfer case pro-
vides four positions:
•Two-wheel drive (2WD) high range
•Four-wheel drive Auto (4WD AUTO) high range
•Neutral (N)
•Four-wheel drive (4WD) low range
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This transfer case is intended to be driven in either the
two-wheel drive position (2WD) or the four-wheel drive
Auto position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and high-
way conditions such as dry hard-surfaced roads.
For added capability when traversing steep grades,
rough terrain, or extremely poor traction surfaces, select
the transfer case 4WD LOW position. This position locks
the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft together and
forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed while multiplying engine torque.
Use the transfer case NEUTRAL position for recreational
towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
and Operating” for further information.CAUTION!
•The 4WD LOW position is intended for loose or
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in this posi-
tion on dry hard-surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
•When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that of
the 2WD position or 4WD AUTO position at a
given road speed. Take care not to over-speed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
•Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type, and circumfer-
ence on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can
cause damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation
schedule should be followed to balance tire wear.
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WARNING!
•You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL
position disengages both the front driveshaft and
rear driveshaft from the powertrain and it will
allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission
position. The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
•Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the “SERV 4WD Warning
Light” is illuminated. Not engaging the parking
brake may allow the vehicle to roll, which may
cause personal injury.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Since four-wheel drive provides improved trac-
tion, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and
stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road con-
ditions permit. You or others could be injured.
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Shift Positions
The transfer case switch is located on the center console
next to the shift lever.
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - This range is for normal
street and highway driving on dry hard-surfaced roads.4WD Auto
Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range – This active on-
demand range makes available optimum traction for a
wide range of conditions, while maximizing driver con-
venience. This position is always in four-wheel drive
mode, with a normal 42% front axle, 58% rear axle torque
split. The system also anticipates and prevents slip by
redirecting torque as necessary, up to 100% to the front or
rear axle, if needed.
4WD Low
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range - This range is for low
speed four-wheel drive. Locks the front driveshaft and
rear driveshaft together forcing the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose or slippery road
surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Transfer Case Switch
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N
Neutral - This range disengages both the front driveshaft
and rear driveshaft from the powertrain. To be used for
flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The four-wheel drive indicator lights (4WD, 4 LOW) are
located in the instrument cluster. The NEUTRAL indica-
tor light is located on the transfer case switch. If there is
no indicator light on or flashing, the transfer case posi-
tion is two-wheel drive (2WD). If the indicator light is on,
the desired position (4WD AUTO, 4WD LOW, or NEU-
TRAL) has been obtained.
If One Or More Shift Requirements Are Not Met:
•An indicator light will flash.
•The transfer casewill notshift. NOTE:
The “SERV 4WD Warning Light” monitors the
electric shift four-wheel drive system. If this light re-
mains on after engine start up, or it illuminates during
driving, it means that the four-wheel drive system is not
functioning properly and that service is required.
Shifting Procedures
NOTE: If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift, the indicator light for the previous position
will remain on, and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the requirements for
the selected position have been met. To retry a shift, move
the transfer case switch back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five seconds, and try the shift again.
2WD To 4WD Auto
Move the transfer case switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD Auto can be done with the
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vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is stopped,
the ignition switch must be in the ON position with the
engine either OFF or RUNNING. This shift cannot be
completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.
2WD Or 4WD Auto To 4WD Low
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, some gear noise
may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental
to the vehicle or its occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) using the “Preferred Procedure” or
completely stopped using the “Alternate Procedure.”
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine RUNNING, slow the vehicle speed to
2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.3. While still rolling, move the transfer case switch to the
desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the
engine OFF or RUNNING, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL.
3. Move the transfer case switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is on (not
flashing), shift the transmission into gear.
NOTE:
Steps 1 and 2 in the “Preferred Procedure” and
the “Alternate Procedure” are requirements for shifting
the transfer case. If these requirements are not met prior
to attempting the shift or while the shift attempt is in
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

process, then the indicator light will flash, and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
a shift, move the transfer case switch back to the original
position, make certain all shift requirements have been
met, wait five seconds, and try the shift again.
The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a shift
to take place and for the position indicator lights to be
operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON position,
the shift will not take place, and no position indicator
lights will be on or flashing.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
When To Use 4WD LOW Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD 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, or sand
where additional low speed pulling power is needed.
Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be
avoided when in 4WD LOW range.
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Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water:
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering
as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driv-
ing through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. If you must
drive through water, try to determine the depth and the
bottom condition (and location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady
controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water
to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off) avoid crossing until the water level recedes
and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing-water, avoid depths in excess of 9 in (22 cm). The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 in
(51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 20 in (51 cm) of water is
less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
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