2012 JEEP LIBERTY Owners Manual

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid in the master cylinder should be checked when
performing under hood services or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is illuminated.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. Brake fluid levelshould be checked when pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
(Continued)
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WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will require
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transmission. The only
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Your vehicle is equipped with a capped transmission oil
fill tube that is sealed and it should not be tampered with.
Your authorized dealer has the proper tools to ensure that
the fluid level is set properly.
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CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than that
recommended by the manufacturer will require more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
Transfer Case
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level should be to the bottom edge of the fill
hole (1) when the vehicle is in a level position.
1 — Fill Plug
2 — Drain Plug
482 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Fluid
Fluid should be added only to fill hole until fluid begins
to run out of the hole.
Draining Fluid
First remove the fill plug (1), then the drain plug (2).
Recommended tightening torque for the drain and fill
plugs is 15–25 ft lbs (20–34 N·m).
CAUTION!
Do not over-tighten the plugs. You could damage
them and cause a leak.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
fluid becomes contaminated with water. Change the fluid
immediately if contaminated with water.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
For normal service, periodic fluid level checks are not
required. When the vehicle is serviced for other reasons
the exterior surfaces of the axle assembly should be
inspected. If gear oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
Fluid Level Check
•
Front axle lubricant should be at the bottom edge of
the oil fill hole when the vehicle is in a level position.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 483

•Rear axle lubricant should be 0.5 in (11 mm) below the
bottom edge of the oil fill hole when the vehicle is in a
level position.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturer’s recommended lubricant. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the lubricant in-
stalled at the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for
the life of the vehicle. Lubricant changes are not neces-
sary unless the lubricant becomes contaminated with
water. Change the lubricant immediately if contaminated
with water.
Sky Slider™ Top Care
Immediate removal of any contaminant is recommended.
Regular washing of the top will enhance its life and
appearance, and make successive cleaning easier. Do not
subject the top to excessive heat. Frequently vacuum the
top and tracks. Periodically wipe dust and dirt from the
top and inside of the tracks by hand with an alcohol
dampened cloth.
Washing
Hand washing or an automatic car wash with a soft cloth
system is preferred.
CAUTION!
Avoid pointing a high-pressure hand held spray
wand directly at the sides of the top, as this can
damage the seal and force water past the weather
strips.
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

General Cleaning
Careful vacuuming of the top before washing is helpful
in removing dust and other foreign particles.
If Hand Washing:
•Wash in partial shade instead of direct sun.
•Wet the entire vehicle before washing the top.
•Wash the top with a soft, natural bristle scrub brush,
and a mild soap solution such as liquid dish washing
soap. Do not use detergent.
•Scrub in all directions, covering an area of about two
square feet at a time. Avoid heavy scrubbing.
•Rinse the entire vehicle with water to remove all soap
and dirt from the top fabric and to prevent streaking
on painted and chrome surfaces.
•Allow the top to dry before opening. Vacuuming the
top with a wet/dry shop vacuum will decrease the
tops drying time, ensure removal of all dirt, and delete
streaks in the material.
•Multiple cleanings may be necessary to remove stub-
born stains. If stains persist, contact your local autho-
rized dealership for further suggestions.
CAUTION!
Never use an abrasive type cleaner or bleaches.
Cleaners should not contain silicones, organic sol-
vents, petroleum distillates, or plasticizers. Always
wait until the top is thoroughly dry before opening
it.
Additional Cleaning Procedure
For additional cleaning assistance in removing stubborn
stains, apply MOPARConvertible Cloth Top Cleaner or
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 485

equivalent to the complete stain, extending 2 in (50 mm)
beyond the stain. With a soft bristle brush, scrub in all
directions over the stain. Avoid heavy scrubbing. Rinse
the area with warm water. If the stain is still apparent,
repeat the cleaning procedure. When the stain is no
longer showing, rinse the complete top with warm water.
Let the top dry before opening it.
Protection
For appearance purposes, you may wish to protect the
acrylic (cloth) top periodically. A fabric protectant such as
Scotchguardis suggested. The top should be clean and
dry before application of the protectant.
CAUTION!
Avoid getting Scotchguard on the surrounding
weather strips, moldings, paint, or glass. Damage to
these items might occur.
Weather Strip Care
Lubricate the weather strips periodically with MOPAR 
Weather Strip Lubricant or equivalent, to keep them soft
and pliable.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
486 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE