2017 JEEP WRANGLER traction control

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
Snow
In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at
slower speeds, shift the transmission into a low gear and
the transfer case into 4L (Low) if necessary. Do not shift to
a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway. Over-
revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will be
lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering
wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth,
while still applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get
a freshbiteand help maintain your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM or vehicle speeds, because engine braking
may cause skidding and loss of control.
Mud
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires and
is very difficult to get through. You should use second gear
(manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic transmission),
with the transfer case in the 4L (Low) position to maintain
your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning
your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud holes pose an in-
creased threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are
normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting stuck.
As a good practice before entering any mud hole, get out and
determine how deep it is, if there are any hidden obstacles
and if the vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck.
Sand
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft, sandy spots in a trail, main-
tain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The key to
driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire pressure,
accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers and main-
taining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are going to be
driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire
pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a
greater tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure will drasti-
cally improve your traction and handling while driving on
the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal air
pressure before driving on pavement or other hard sur-
faces. Be sure you have a way to reinflate the tires prior to
reducing the pressure.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 333

Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle’s limitations.
Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steep to
climb and should not be attempted. You should always feel
confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You should
always climb hills straight up and down. Never attempt to
climb a hill on an angle.
Before Climbing A Steep Hill
As you approach a hill, consider its grade or steepness.
Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction is
on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down?
What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,
branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything
looks good and you feel confident, shift the transmission
into a lower gear with 4L (Low) engaged, and proceed with
caution, maintaining your momentum as you climb the
hill.
Driving Up Hill
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle up
for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an easyconstant throttle and apply more power as you start up the
hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade; the abrupt
change of grade could cause you to lose control. If the front
end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle slightly to bring
all four tires back on the ground. As you approach the crest
of the hill, ease off the throttle and slowly proceed over the
top. If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of
a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by
turning the steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly
back and forth. This will provide a fresh
biteinto the
surface and will usually provide enough traction to com-
plete the climb. If you do not make it to the top, place the
vehicle in REVERSE and back straight down the grade
using engine resistance along with the vehicle brakes.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn around
on a steep grade. Driving across an incline increases
the risk of a rollover, which may result in severe injury.
Driving Downhill
Before driving down a steep hill, you need to determine if
it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow, con-
trolled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight descent?
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill to regain
control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident
in your ability to proceed, then make sure you are in 4L
(Low) and proceed with caution. Allow engine braking to
control the descent and apply your brakes, if necessary, but
do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking.
Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured or killed.
Driving Across An Incline
If at all possible, avoid driving across an incline. If it is
necessary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an
incline places more weight on the downhill wheels, which
increases the possibilities of a downhill slide or rollover.
Make sure the surface has good traction with firm and
stable soils. If possible, transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a roll-
over, which may result in severe injury.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift into RE-
VERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing engine braking
to control the descent and apply your brakes, if necessary,
but do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt
to turn around. To do so may result in tipping and
rolling the vehicle, which may result in severe injury.
Always back carefully straight down a hill in RE-
VERSE. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using
only the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally across
a hill, always drive straight up or down.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 337

WARNING!(Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Fall, and Winter). Traction levels may vary be-
tween different all season tires. All season tires can be
identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the
tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four; failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry condi-
tions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be aware
these tires are not designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle when am-
bient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more information, contact an
authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
Summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury or
death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 419

•Install on Rear Tires Only.
• P225/75R16 or a P235/65R17 tire with the use of a
traction device that meets the SAE type “Class S”
specification is recommended.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
• Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs
that could indicate device breakage. Remove the
damaged parts of the device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for use. Always use the suggested
operating speed of the device manufacturer ’s if it is
less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The
benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggres-
sive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth,
quiet ride.
424 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel.Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Ex-
cessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
STORING THE VEHICLE
If the vehicle should remain stationary for more than a
month, observe the following precautions:
•
Park your vehicle in a covered, dry and possibly airy
location the windows open slightly.
• Check that the Electric Park Brake is not engaged.
426 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Driving................................. .330
Dual Top .............................. .72, 76
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) .........176
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .176
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................51
Electronic Brake Control System ................215
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................214
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................224
Traction Control System ....................218
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........309
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............218
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........200
Emergency Brake .......................... .288
Emergency, In Case Of Jacking ........................... .353, 405
Jump Starting .......................... .358
Tow Hooks ............................ .367
Emission Control System Maintenance ............211
Engine ................................. .377
Air Cleaner ............................ .381
Block Heater ........................... .287
Break-In Recommendations .................288
Compartment .......................... .377
Compartment Identification .................377 Coolant (Antifreeze)
..................... .443
Cooling .............................. .395
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................279, 441
Fails To Start ........................... .286
Flooded, Starting ........................ .286
Fuel Requirements ....................... .442
Jump Starting .......................... .358
Oil ........................... .380, 442, 443
Oil Change Interval ...................... .195
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .377
Oil Filter .............................. .381
Oil Selection ........................ .380,
442
Oil Synthetic ........................... .381
Overheating ........................... .361
Starting .............................. .285
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .380
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................380
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........256, 368
Ethanol ................................. .439
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................279, 441
Exhaust System ....................... .279, 394
Exterior Lights ......................... .52, 282
Fabric Care .............................. .429
Fabric Top .............................. .429
12
INDEX 513

Security Alarm......................... .201
Service ............................... .343
Side Marker ........................... .345
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .............204
Traction Control ........................ .223
Turn Signal ....................54, 282, 344, 345
Loading Vehicle ........................... .313
Tires................................. .409
Locking Axle ............................. .305
Locks Child Protection ..........................31
Door ..................................28
Power Door .............................30
Lubrication, Body ......................... .389
Lug Nuts ............................... .436
Maintenance Free Battery .....................378
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .371
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .203, 212
Manual, Service ........................... .506
Manual Transmission ....................290, 405
Fluid Level Check ....................... .405
Lubricant Selection ....................405, 445
Shift Speeds ........................... .291
Methanol ............................... .439Mirrors
..................................49
Automatic Dimming .......................50
Electric Powered ..........................51
Electric Remote ...........................51
Heated .................................51
Outside ................................50
Rearview ...............................49
Vanity .................................52
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Modular Hard Top ..........................83
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................227
MOPAR Parts ............................ .505
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................288
Occupant Restraints ........................ .236
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ..............438, 443
Oil Change Indicator ....................... .195
Oil

Change Indicator, Reset ...................195
Oil, Engine ........................... .380, 443
Capacity .............................. .442
Change Interval ..................... .195, 380
Dipstick .............................. .378
Disposal .............................. .381
Filter ............................. .381, 443
12
INDEX 517