TRAILER TOWING...........140
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...............140
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.).........142
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle....................142
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models....................142
STARTING AND OPERATING
116
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
• When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the ignition and lock
your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to
children. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
WARNING!
heat build-up may cause serious injury
or death.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Apply the parking brake, place the gear se-
lector in NEUTRAL, and press the clutch
pedal before starting the vehicle. This vehicle
is equipped with a clutch interlocking igni-
tion system. It will not start unless the clutch
pedal is pressed to the floor.
Four-Wheel Drive Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless
of whether or not the clutch pedal is pressed
to the floor. This feature enhances off-road
performance by allowing the vehicle to start
when in 4L without having to press the clutch
pedal. The “4WD Low Indicator Light” will
illuminate when the transfer case has been
shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Start the vehicle with the gear selector in the
PARK position (vehicle can also be started in
NEUTRAL). Apply the brake before shifting
to any driving range.
Normal Starting — Gasoline Engine
NOTE:
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
Cycle the ignition switch to the START posi-
tion and release when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, cycle
the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Nor-
mal Starting” procedure.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or
−30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these tempera-
tures, use of an externally powered electric
engine block heater (available from your au-
thorized dealer) is recommended.
117
• This light only shows that the parking brake
is applied. It does not show the degree of
brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a down-
hill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. For vehicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the gear selector in PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission lock-
ing mechanism may make it difficult to move
the gear selector out of PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position on an au-
tomatic transmission as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
WARNING!
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
• When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the ignition and lock
your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to
children. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
WARNING!
• Always fully apply the parking brake
when leaving your vehicle or it may roll
and cause damage or injury. Also, be
certain to leave an automatic transmis-
sion in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on
with the parking brake released, a brake
system malfunction is indicated. Have the
brake system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING
122
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission effi-
ciently for both fuel economy and perfor-
mance, it should be upshifted as listed inrecommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When
heavily loaded or pulling a trailer these rec-
ommended up-shift speeds may not apply.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
Engine Speeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
3.6LAccel. 15 (24) 24 (39) 34 (55) 47 (76) 56 (90)
Cruise 10 (16) 19 (31) 27 (43) 37 (60) 41 (66)
NOTE:
Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are
for 2H and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L
would be significantly less.
Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear
is recommended to preserve brakes when
driving down steep hills. In addition, down-
shifting at the right time provides better ac-
celeration when you desire to resume speed.
Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to
avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip, and the ve-
hicle could skid.
CAUTION!
• Skipping gears and downshifting into
lower gears at higher vehicle speeds can
damage the engine and clutch systems,
Any attempt to shift into lower gear with
clutch pedal depressed may result dam-
age to the clutch system. Shifting into
CAUTION!
lower gear and releasing the clutch may
result in engine damage.
• When descending a hill, be very careful
to downshift one gear at a time to pre-
vent overspeeding the engine which can
cause engine damage, and/or clutch
damage, even if the clutch pedal is
pressed. If transfer case is in low range
the vehicle speeds to cause engine and
clutch damage are significantly lower.
• Failure to follow the maximum recom-
mended downshifting speeds may cause
the engine damage and/or damage the
STARTING AND OPERATING
124
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift
at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick
is engaged.
• Transmission shifting will be more notice-
able when AutoStick is enabled.
NOTE:
When the transfer case is in the 4L (Low)
range, the transmission will shift automati-
cally (but no higher than the displayed gear).
To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the gear
selector to the right (+) until "D" is once again
displayed in the instrument cluster. You can
shift in or out of the AutoStick mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelera-
tor pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION (COMMAND-
TRAC I OR ROCK-TRAC)
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position
completely can cause transfer case dam-
age or loss of power and vehicle control.
You could have a collision. Do not drive the
vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode posi-
tions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)The transfer case is intended to be driven in
the 2H position for normal street and highway
conditions, such as hard-surfaced roads.
In the event that additional traction is re-
quired, the transfer case 4H and 4L positions
can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slip-
pery road surfaces only and not intended for
normal driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L
Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
129
positions on hard-surfaced roads will cause
increased tire wear and damage to the drive-
line components. Refer to “Shifting Proce-
dures” in this section for further information
on shifting into 4H or 4L.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the
instrument cluster) alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the front
and rear driveshafts are locked together. The
light will illuminate when the transfer case is
shifted into the 4H position.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to shift when only the front or
rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is
not equipped with a synchronizer, and the
front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for a shift to take place. Shifting while
the front or rear wheels are spinning at differ-
ent speeds can cause damage to the transfer
case.When operating your vehicle in 4L, the en-
gine speed will be approximately three times
(four times for Rubicon models) that of the
2H or 4H positions at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference
will adversely affect shifting and cause dam-
age to the transfer case.
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.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.
Four-Wheel Drive Shift Pattern
STARTING AND OPERATING
130
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, slip-
pery 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 “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
WARNING!
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
matic 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.
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 sur-
faces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
CAUTION!
Exceeding 25 mph (40 km/h) while the
transfer case is engaged in 4L may result
in an engine overspeed condition and en-
gine 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 Procedures
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 momentarily
release the accelerator pedal after complet-
ing 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 posi-
tion. 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 trans-
mission.
131
NOTE:
Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, diffi-
culty 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 dam-
age or loss of power and vehicle control.
You could have a collision. Do not drive the
vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped
The Trac-Lok rear axle provides a constant
driving force to both rear wheels and reduces
wheel spin caused by the loss of traction at
one driving wheel. If traction differs between
the two rear wheels, the differential auto-
matically proportions the usable torque by
providing more torque to the wheel that has
traction.
Trac-Lok is especially helpful during slippery
driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the
accelerator will supply maximum traction.
WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip
differential, never run the engine with one
rear wheel off the ground. The vehicle may
drive through the rear wheel remaining on
the ground and cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.
Axle Lock (Tru-Lok) — Rubicon Models
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the
instrument panel (to the left of the steering
column).
This feature will only activate when the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
• Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.
• Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h)
or less.
Axle Lock Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING
132