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. It can go places and
perform tasks that conventional passenger cars are 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 version of this 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 vehiclehandles 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 a
collision. Refer to “On-Road/Off-Road Driving Tips” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
4 INTRODUCTION
Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light for four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn
off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the
system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light either
momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound
if the light comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-
tics also record the nature of the malfunction.WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65
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. 21. Odometer / Trip Odometer / ECO
(Fuel Saver Indicator) Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings or the “ECO”
display. Trip A or Trip B will appear when in the trip
odometer mode. Press and hold the button for two
seconds to reset the trip odometer to 0 miles or kilome-
ters. The odometer must be in trip mode to reset.
22. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
23. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
272 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Four–Wheel Drive Operation
(Command-Trac I Or Rock-Trac).......... 383
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions ....... 383
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 385
▫ Shifting Procedure ................... 386
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ........ 387
Axle Lock (Tru–Lok) — Rubicon Models .... 388
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect —
If Equipped .......................... 389
On-Road Driving Tips .................. 391
Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 392
▫ Side Step Removal – If Equipped ......... 392
▫ The Basics Of Off-Road Driving .......... 393
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ........... 394▫
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation .......................... 394
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 394
▫ Crossing Obstacles
(Rocks And Other High Points) .......... 396
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 398
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 401
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 403
Power Steering ....................... 405
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 406
Parking Brake ........................ 406
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 409
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 410
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 411
366 STARTING AND OPERATING
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 470
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 471
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 476
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 478
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind
Another Vehicle ..................... 478
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 479
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
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
unattended 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.
370 STARTING AND OPERATING
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will operate (when in DRIVE) in second gear only.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn OFF the engine and be sure to turn the key fob to
the LOCK position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only second gear will operate in the DRIVE position.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
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 I
OR ROCK-TRAC)
Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
•2H (Two-wheel drive high range)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 383
•4H (Four-wheel drive high range)
•N (Neutral)
•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
384 STARTING AND OPERATING