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 AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE.......117
Manual Transmission — If Equipped . .117
Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped...................117
Normal Starting — Gasoline Engine . . .117
Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or
−30°C)....................117
If Engine Fails To Start..........118
After Starting.................119
Normal Starting — Diesel Engine. . . .119
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDA-
TIONS....................121
PARKING BRAKE............121
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED.................123
Shifting....................123
Downshifting.................124
Reverse Shifting...............125
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED................126
Key Ignition Park Interlock........127
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System....................127
Five-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped...................127
Autostick...................128
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
(COMMAND-TRAC I OR ROCK-
TRAC)....................129
Operating Instructions/Precautions . . .129
Shift Positions................130
Shifting Procedures.............131
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped . . .132
Axle Lock (Tru-Lok) — Rubicon
Models....................132
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If
Equipped...................133
STOP/START SYSTEM — DIESEL
MODELS WITH MANUAL TRANS-
MISSION ONLY..............134
Automatic Mode...............134
SPEED CONTROL............136
To Activate..................137
To Set A Desired Speed..........137
To Vary The Speed Setting.........137
To Accelerate For Passing.........138
To Resume Speed.............138
To Deactivate................138
REFUELING THE VEHICLE.....139
Fuel Filler Cap...............139
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message......140
STARTING AND OPERATING
115
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
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
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
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION — IF
EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not ob-
served:
• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal
while shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when exiting the
vehicle to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never
WARNING!
exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and
remove the ignition key. Once the key is
removed, the transmission is locked in
PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
• When exiting the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key from the vehicle and
lock the 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 transmission
gear selector.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near
the vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children). A child could operate power
STARTING AND OPERATING
126