Jeep 2004 Liberty User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................71
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...................................145
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................207
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................271
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................283
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................329
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................347
10
INDEX ....................................................................357
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
▫Roll Over Warning .....................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................6
mWarnings And Cautions ...................7
mVehicle Identification Number ...............7
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........8
1

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a JeeptLiberty and welcome to
our worldwide family.
This is a specialized utility vehicle designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform
tasks for which conventional two-wheel drive vehicles
were not intended. However, on-road ride and handling
will have a different feel from what drivers experience
with other vehicles, so take time to become familiar with
your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive utility vehicle was designed for
on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving
or use in other severe conditions suited to a four-wheel
drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read this manual. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls, particu-
larly those used for braking, steering and transmission
and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Your driving skills
will improve with experience. When driving off-road or
working the vehicle, don’t overload it or expect it to
overcome the laws of nature. Always observe federal,
state, provincial, and local laws wherever you drive.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an
accident. Be sure to read “On-Road/Off-Road Driving
Tips” in Section 5 of this manual.
Roll Over Warning
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher roll over rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance, higher center of gravity, and narrower
track than many passenger cars. It is capable of perform-
ing better in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Driven in an unsafe manner, all vehicles can be caused to
go out of control. Because of the higher center of gravity
4 INTRODUCTION

and the narrower track, if this vehicle is out of control it
may roll over when some other vehicles may not.
Do not attempt sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, roll over of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
Failure to use driver and passenger seat belts provided
is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.
government notes that the universal use of existing seat
belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year, and could reduce disabling injuries by 2
million annually. In a roll over crash an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
INTRODUCTION 5
1

NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that the manufac-
turer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of the manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located on a
stamped plate on the bottom of the left front A-Pillar,
visible from outside of the vehicle through the wind-
shield. This number also appears on the Automobile
Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on
your vehicle. Save this label for a convenient record of
your vehicle identification number and optional equip-
ment.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN plate.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key ..........................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
mSentry Key Immobilizer System — If Equipped . .14
▫Important Note About Service .............15
▫Replacement Keys ......................15
▫Customer Key Programming ..............16
▫General Information ....................16
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........17
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......17
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........17
mIlluminated Entry ........................17
mDoors And Door Locks ....................18
▫Manual Door Locks .....................19
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........21
▫Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped .......21
▫Child Protection Locks ..................22
mRemote Keyless Entry .....................23
2

▫To Unlock The Doors ...................23
▫To Lock The Doors .....................24
▫To Unlatch The Swing Gate Flip-Up Window . .24
▫Panic Alarm ..........................25
▫To Use The Panic Alarm .................25
▫To Program Additional Transmitters .........26
▫General Information ....................26
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............27
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........28
▫To Set The Alarm ......................28
▫To Disarm The System ...................28
mRear Swing Gate ........................29
mWindows .............................32
▫Power Windows — If Equipped ............32
▫Wind Buffeting ........................34
mOccupant Restraints ......................34
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................35
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .....36
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....40
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....41
▫Energy Management Feature ..............42
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................43
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ...........................44
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............45
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................45
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) — Airbags ..........46
▫Child Restraint ........................58
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........68
mSafety Tips ............................68
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................68
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................69
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................70
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The keys for your new vehicle are enclosed in a plastic
bag with the key code number on it. If you received your
keys without the bag, ask your dealer to give you the
number. The key code can also be obtained by the dealer
from your vehicle invoice.
Ignition Key
Insert the key fully, then turn the switch to one of the four
illustrated positions. The key can be inserted or with-
drawn only in the LOCK position. The automatic trans-
mission gear selector must be in the P (Park) position.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To remove the ignition key on models with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn
the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.
To remove the ignition key on models with a manual
transmission, depress and hold the key release button,
turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.
WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal, or the gear selector
lever. Do not leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is fully inserted
in the ignition switch, a chime will sound to remind you
to remove the key.
SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System (SKIS) prevents
unauthorized operation of the vehicle by disabling the
engine. The system will shut the engine down after 2
seconds of running if an invalid key is used to start the
vehicle. This system utilizes ignition keys which have an
electronic chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only
keys that have been programmed to the vehicle can be
used to start and operate the vehicle for longer than the
2 second validation time period.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the SKIS indicator
light will come on for 3 seconds immediately after the
ignition switch is turned on for a bulb check. Afterwards,
if the bulb remains on, this indicates a malfunction in the
electronics. If the bulb begins to flash immediately after
the ignition switch is turned on, this indicates that an
invalid key is being used to start the vehicle. Both of
these conditions will result in the engine being shut
down after 2 seconds of running. Keep in mind that a key
which has not been programmed is also considered an
invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition for that
vehicle.
If the SKIS indicator light comes on during normal
vehicle operation (it has been running for longer than 10
seconds) a fault has been detected in the electronics and
the vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
• Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keys, or any
other transponder equipped components on the same
keychain will not cause a key-related (Transponder)
fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Also, cell phones, pagers, or other RF electron-
ics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Important Note About Service
A four digit PIN number is needed to service the Sentry
Key Immobilizer System. This number can be obtained
from your authorized dealer. However, this number can
also be found on your customer invoice that you were
given upon receipt of your vehicle.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key System serviced,
bring all vehicle keys to the dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid keys by doing the following:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime
will sound and the SKIS indicator light will begin to
flash. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the
second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds, a single chime will sound. The SKIS indicator
light will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn
off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed. Repeat this
process to program up to a total of 8 keys.
General Information
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System complies with FCC
rules part 15 and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock pre-
vents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the
steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will
lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering wheel 1/2
revolution from straight ahead position, turn off the
engine and remove the key. Rotate the steering wheel
slightly in both directions until the lock engages.
To Release the Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition and turn the wheel slightly
to the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The interior lights come on when you open any door.
They will remain on for about 30 seconds after all doors
are closed then fade to off.
The lights also will fade to off if you turn on the ignition
after you close all the doors.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

DOORS AND DOOR LOCKS
The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display located in the
odometer area displays the word “door” as an indication
of a door ajar or door not completely closed. When the
vehicle is not moving and the door is ajar or not
completely closed, the VF display will show the word
“door” and then show the odometer/trip odometer
mileage (each for 2 seconds). The display will continue to
cycle.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with the optional Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the overhead
console, all warnings including “door”, “GATE”,
“GLASS”, and “LOWASH” will only be displayed in the
EVIC display (not in the instrument cluster). For addi-
tional information, refer to “Overhead Console — If
Equipped” in Section 3.
If any other active warnings including “GATE”,
“GLASS”, or “LOWASH” are present, they will be shown
in the VF display and will also continue to cycle. If the
vehicle is moving, three single chimes will occur (One
chime for each complete display cycle (three cycles total).
After this, the display will continue to cycle only (no
chimes).
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the trip/reset button is pressed while the VF warnings
are being displayed, the VF display will revert back to
only displaying the odometer/trip odometer mileage.
Manual Door Locks
Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from
inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door
is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the
keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

WARNING!
• For personal security, and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
• When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment may cause severe per-
sonal injuries and death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock
all of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE