2012 JEEP LIBERTY Owners Manual

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 311

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
312 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 313

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 319
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 319
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) ................ 320
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 320
▫ After Starting ....................... 321
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 321
 Automatic Transmission ................. 322
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 323▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 323
▫ Four–Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 324
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 324
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation ............. 333
▫ Command-Trac II Transfer Case – If
Equipped .......................... 333
▫ Selec-Trac II Transfer Case – If Equipped . . . 339
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 344
5

Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 345
▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range .......... 345
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 345
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 346
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 347
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 348
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 348
 Power Steering ....................... 349
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 350
 Parking Brake ........................ 351
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 353
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 355
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 356▫
Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 356
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 357
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 358
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 358
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 361
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 363
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 366
 Tire Safety Information ................. 368
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 368
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 371
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 372
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 373
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tires — General Information ............. 377
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 377
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 378
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 380
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 380
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 380
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 381
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 382
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 382
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 383
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 384
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 384 ▫
Replacement Tires .................... 385
 Tire Chains .......................... 386
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 388
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 389
▫ Base System ........................ 391
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 394
▫ General Information .................. 399
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 399
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 400
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 400
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 401
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 401
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 402
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STARTING AND OPERATING 317

▫Fuel System Cautions ................. 402
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 403
 Adding Fuel ......................... 404
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 404
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 406
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 406
▫ Certification Label ................... 406
 Trailer Towing ........................ 409
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 409
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 414
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 415▫
Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 417
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 418
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 423
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 424
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind
Another Vehicle ..................... 424
▫ Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 425
▫ Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 426
318 STARTING AND OPERATING