WARNING!
• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on
the driver’s side floor area. To check for
interference, with the vehicle properly
parked with the engine off, fully depress
the accelerator, the brake, and the
clutch pedal (if present) to check for
interference. If your floor mat interferes
with the operation of any pedal, or is not
secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat
in your trunk.
• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area
when the vehicle is moving. Objects can
become trapped under accelerator,
brake, or clutch pedals and could cause
a loss of vehicle control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These ob-
jects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference
WARNING!
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor
mat fasteners are secure to the vehicle
carpet. Fully depress each pedal to
check for interference with the accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals then re-
install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat
has been properly installed and is se-
cured to your vehicle using the floor mat
fasteners by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones,
nails, glass, or other objects lodged in thetread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts,
cracks, and bulges. Check the wheel nuts for
tightness. Check the tires (including spare)
for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and lock-
ing.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or
if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The
cause should be located and corrected imme-
diately.
SAFETY
114
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
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically,
and it will decrease as the engine warms up.
Normal Starting — Diesel Engine
1. The gear selector must be in the NEU-
TRAL or PARK position before you can
start the engine.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
3. Watch for the “Wait To Start Light” in the
instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster” in “Getting To Know Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further review. It will glow
for two to ten seconds or more, depending
on engine temperature. When the “Wait
To Start Light” goes out, the engine is
ready to start.
4. Tip Start Feature (Automatic Transmission
Only)
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the
ignition key to the START position and
then release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will automatically
disengage when the engine is running. If
the engine fails to start, the starter willdisengage automatically in 25 seconds.
If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, wait 25 to 30 sec-
onds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
NOTE:
The starter motor may run up to 30 sec-
onds in very cold conditions until the
engine is started. The starter can be dis-
engaged by turning the ignition key to
the OFF position, if required.
5. Without Tip Start Feature (Manual Trans-
mission Only)
Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release when the engine
starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.
6. After the engine starts, allow it to idle for
approximately 30 seconds before driving.
This allows oil to circulate and lubricate
the turbocharger.
Diesel Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine
is cold. When starting a cold engine, bring the
engine up to operating speed slowly to allow
the oil pressure to stabilize as the engine
warms up.
NOTE:
High-speed, no-load running of a cold engine
can result in excessive white smoke and poor
engine performance. No-load engine speeds
should be kept under 1,200 rpm during the
warm-up period, especially in cold, ambient
temperature conditions.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), oper-
ate the engine at moderate speeds for five
minutes before full loads are applied.
Diesel Engine Idling — In Cold Weather
Avoid prolonged idling in ambient tempera-
tures below 0°F (-18°C). Long periods of
idling may be harmful to your engine because
combustion chamber temperatures can drop
so low that the fuel may not burn completely.
Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings and injector
119
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle)
in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servic-
ing And Maintenance”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem.
PARKING BRAKE
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be cer-
tain to leave an automatic transmission in
PARK, or manual transmission in REVERSE
or FIRST gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the
center console. To apply the parking brake,
pull the lever up as firmly as possible. To
release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, push the center button, then lower
the lever completely.When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light”
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the
automatic transmission is placed in gear,
the “Brake Warning Light” will flash. If
vehicle speed is detected, a chime will
sound to alert the driver. Fully release the
parking brake before attempting to move
the vehicle.
Parking Brake Lever
121
• 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
MANUAL TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended without having the
parking brake fully applied. The parking
brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.
CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the ve-
hicle on a hill with the clutch pedal par-
CAUTION!
tially engaged, as this will cause abnormal
wear on the clutch.
NOTE:
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transmis-
sion fluid warms up. This is normal.
Shifting
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting
gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly
press the accelerator pedal.
You should always use first gear when starting
from a standing position.
NOTE:
A certain amount of noise from the transmis-
sion is normal. This noise can be most notice-
able when the vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL
with the clutch engaged (clutch pedal re-
leased), but it may also be heard when driv-
ing. The noise may also be more noticeable
when the transmission is warm. This noise is
normal and is not an indication of a problem
with your clutch or transmission.
Shift Pattern
123
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