
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion disengages both the front and rear drive shaft
from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll,
even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or
manual transmission is in gear). The parking brake
should always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
4WD system mode position, see the information below:
2H Position
This range is used for normal street and highway driving
on hard-surfaced roads.
4H Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4H) provides additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces and should not be used on dry
pavement.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4H position.
N (Neutral) Position
This range disengages the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Start-
ing And Operating” for further information.
4L Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 303

CAUTION!
Exceeding 25 mph (40 km/h) while the transfer case is
engaged in 4L may result in an engine overspeed
condition and engine damage.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4L position.
NOTE: When in 4L, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will
display in the instrument cluster.
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle
stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion, the
transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momen-
tarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the
shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case
lever.
4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift an
automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N), or press the
clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case
lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause with the
transfer case in N (Neutral). Once the shift is completed,
place the automatic transmission into DRIVE or release the
clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
NOTE:
Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur
due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned. Several
attempts may be required for clutch teeth alignment and
shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the
vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid
attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle
moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position completely
can cause transfer case damage or loss of power and
vehicle control. You could have a collision. Do not
drive the vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Engine/
Transmission Axle
Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door Sport Model(4WD) 6,900 lbs (3
130 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door Sport Model(4WD) 8,400 lbs (3
810 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Two–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 6,900 lbs (3
130 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 8,400 lbs (3
810 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door Sahara Model(4WD) 7,000 lbs (3
175 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door Sahara Model(4WD) 8,500 lbs (3
856 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

Engine/
Transmission Axle
Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 7,000 lbs (3
175 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 8,500 lbs (3
856 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 4.10 Two–Door Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,600 lbs (3
900 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,600 lbs (3
900 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 4.10 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,600 lbs (3
900 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Four–Door Sport Model(4WD) 7,400 lbs (3
357 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
Transmission Axle
Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Four–Door Sport Model(4WD) 8,900 lbs (4
037 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Four–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 7,400 lbs (3
357 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 8,900 lbs (4
037 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Four–Door Sahara Model(4WD) 7,500 lbs (3
402 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Four–Door Sahara Model(4WD) 9,000 lbs (4
082 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 7,500 lbs (3
402 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 321

Engine/
Transmission Axle
Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 9,000 lbs (4
082 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 4.10 Four–Door Rubicon
Model (4WD) 9,200 lbs (4
173 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Four–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 9,200 lbs (4
173 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 4.10 Four–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 9,200 lbs (4
173 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 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 (ie. the
GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight
referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for further information.
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL
(N), automatic transmission must be in PARK, and manual
transmission must be in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing with
only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear)
will cause severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the
ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK
for recreational towing.
• Manual transmissions must be placed in gear (not in
Neutral) for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under “Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)” to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL
(N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission and/or transfer
case damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•
Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on
your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position
disengages both the front and rear drive shaft from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the
automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual transmis-
sion is in gear). The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the transmis-
sion and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may
also be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in
the “Starting And Operating” section.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground4WD MODELS
Flat Tow NONESee instructions under “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating”.
• Automatic Transmission in PARK
• Manual Transmission in gear
(NOT in NEUTRAL)
• Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
• To w i n forward direction
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow FrontNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 365