2012 JEEP LIBERTY transmission

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
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When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the TOW/HAUL mode,
or select the2range at lower speeds. Under these
conditions, using TOW/HAUL mode or the 2range
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds nor-
mal operating limits, the powertrain controller will
modify the transmission shift schedule and expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-
ing.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until
the transmission cools down. During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to second gear only. Normal operation will re-
sume once the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
2 (Second)
This range is used for moderate grades and to assist
braking on dry pavement or in mud and snow. Begins at
a stop in low gear with automatic upshift into second
gear. Will not shift into third gear.
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1 (First)
This range is used for hard pulling at low speeds in mud,
sand, snow, or on steep grades. Begins and stays in low
gear with no upshift. Provides engine compression brak-
ing at low speeds.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in second gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
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If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
•the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature,
•the engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture,
•vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
•the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator, and
•the TOW/HAUL button has not been activated.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, the transmission will downshift into third gear.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 331

NOTE:TOW/HAUL mode locks out Overdrive.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode
has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time
restores normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pressed each time the engine
is started.Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold.
This is normal. Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch, when
the transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate
that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.
Tow/Haul Button
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•The 4WD LOCK position and 4WD LOW position
are intended for loose or slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in these positions on dry hard-
surfaced roads may cause increased 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 LOCK 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.
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 even if the transmission
is in PARK. 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)
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
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.
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•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.
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)
340 STARTING AND OPERATING