2012 JEEP LIBERTY tow

• This transfer case is intended to be driven in either the two-wheel driveposition (2WD) or the four-wheel drive Auto position (4WD AUTO) for
normal street and highway 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.
• When operating in 4WD LOW, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 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).
• Use the transfer case NEUTRAL position for recreational towing only.
2WD To 4WD AUTO
• Move transfer case lever to the desired position.
• Shifts between 2WD and 4WD AUTO can be done with the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will
engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator
pedal after moving the transfer case lever.
• If the vehicle is stopped, the key must be in the ON/RUN position.
• Shifts can not be completed if the key is in the ACC position.
4WD AUTO To 4WD LOW
• With the engine running, slow the vehicle speed to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• While still rolling, move the transfer case lever to the 4WD LOW position.
• After the indicator light is ON (not flashing) shift the transmission into gear.
• If the indicator light in the instrument cluster is flashing, the shift did not occur and the current transfer case position will be maintained.
WARNING!
• You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattendedwith 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.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine/
Transmission Model
Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
3.7L/Automatic 4x2 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/Automatic 4x4 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
When Towing Trailers With Gross Trailer Weight (Gtw) Between 3,500 Lbs (1 588 Kg) And 5,000 Lbs
(2 268 Kg)• The following chart provides maximum trailer weight ratings towable for the following engine/transmission combinations, ONLY if using a weight distributing hitch.
Engine/
Transmission Model
Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.) Tongue Wt.
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package 4x2 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow package 4x4 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
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TOW/HAUL MODE
• When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc.,and frequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL button.
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 shift into third gear.
NOTE:The TOW/HAUL mode locks
out Overdrive.
• The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light”will illuminate in the instrument
cluster to indicate when the
switch 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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models
• Recreational towing is allowed if the rear wheels are OFFthe ground.
This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a
tow dolly, follow this procedure:
• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
• Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly, firmly set the parking brake and place the transmission in PARK.
• Turn the ignition switch to the unlocked OFF position.
• Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable and secure it away from the battery post.
• Flat towing (with all four wheels on the ground) is allowed ONLY if the
driveshaft is removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground while
the driveshaft is connected will result in severe transmission damage.
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• The parking brakemustbe firmly engaged and the wheels chocked
during driveshaft removal and installation. The parking brake must
remain engaged unless the vehicle is securely and properly connected to
the tow vehicle, or the driveshaft is completely reinstalled. See your
authorized dealer for proper driveshaft removal and reinstallation
procedures, including flange orientation/alignment, use of thread-locking
compound, proper bolt torque specifications, etc.
Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
• Depress the brake pedal and turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN
with the engine shut off.
• Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• Shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL by holding down the
NEUTRAL Pin switch for four
seconds until the LED starts to
blink. The LED will stop blinking
and remain on when the shift is
complete.
• Start the engine and shift into DRIVE to ensure there is no vehicle movement.
• Shut the engine off and shift the transmission into PARK.
• Place the ignition switch in the OFF position and remove the key.
• Apply the parking brake, attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle with a tow bar and release the parking brake.
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground (while the driveshaft is
connected) will cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
WARNING!
• If the driveshaft is removed, the vehicle can roll even if the transmission is in PARK, which could cause serious injury or death.
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license platenumber.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know.
With your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/MalfunctionIndicator Light
• If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle as
possible. While driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. To improve the vehicle's
traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be
desirable to switch the ESC system off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 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 has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION,
THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE
THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
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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 service center for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a systemmalfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the
parking brake is not applied, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic
malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System
problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the
brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control OFF Warning Light
• If the ESC OFF warning light comes on continuously with the enginerunning, a malfunction has been detected.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and
have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If thecharging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on whiledriving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control(ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and
the shift lever is placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center i mmediately. If the
light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required
and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or
engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- SERV (Service) 4WD Indicator Light
• If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WDsystem is not functioning properly and that service is required. We
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperaturethat might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light
turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the
transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light turns
off, you may continue to drive normally.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas capuntil a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The scissor-type jack and tire changing tools are located in the cargocompartment behind a trim cover on the left rear trim panel. The latch is
located at the bottom of the trim cover.
Spare Tire Stowage
• The spare tire is stowedunderneath the rear of the vehicle
and is held in place by a cable
winch mechanism.
Spare Tire Removal
• Fit the jack handle extension over the drive nut located in the rear cargoarea inside the vehicle. Use the lug wrench to rotate the nut
counterclockwise until the spare is on the ground with enough slack in
the cable to allow you to pull the tire out from under the vehicle.
• When the spare is clear, tilt theretainer at the end of the cable,
and pull it through the center of
the wheel.
Lowering/Raising Spare Tire
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