Jeep 2008 Commander User manual

Commander
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Commander
81-326-0810 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................11
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................75
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 189
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................283
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................377
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................391
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................453
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................461
10
INDEX ....................................................................471
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mRollover Warning ........................5
mHow To Use This Manual ..................6
mWarnings And Cautions ...................8
mVehicle Identification Number ...............8
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............9
1

INTRODUCTION
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 enclosed
vehicles were not intended. It handles and maneuvers
differently from many passenger cars both on-road and
off-road, 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 for a four-wheel
drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s
Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, transmis-
sion, 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 the vehicle or expect
the vehicle to overcome the natural laws of physics.
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. Refer to “On-Road/Off-Road Driving Tips” in
Section 5 of this manual.
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your 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.
4 INTRODUCTION

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 your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine MOPARtparts, and is inter-
ested in your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because
of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of
control it may roll over when some other vehicles may
not.
Do not attempt sharp turns, 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, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
Rollover Warning Label
INTRODUCTION 5
1

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 two
million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed Index at the back of this manual contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual.
6 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 7
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that 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 found on a
label located on the left front corner of the instrument
panel pad, visible from outside of the vehicle through the
windshield. 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 label.
VIN Location
8 INTRODUCTION

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.
INTRODUCTION 9
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................14
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) .............14
▫FOB With Integrated Key (FOBIK) ..........15
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................16
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................17
mSentry KeytImmobilizer System .............17
▫Replacement Keys ......................18
▫Customer Sentry Keyt(FOB) Programming ....19
▫General Information ....................20
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........20
▫To Set The Alarm ......................21
▫To Disarm The System ...................21
mIlluminated Entry ........................21
mRemote Keyless Entry .....................22
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................22
▫To Lock The Doors .....................24
▫To Release The Liftgate Flipper Glass ........24
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................24
2

▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........25
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............25
▫General Information ....................26
mRemote Starting System — If Equipped ........27
▫How To Use Remote Start ................27
mDoor Locks ............................29
▫Manual Door Locks .....................29
▫Power Door Locks .....................30
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............31
mWindows .............................32
▫Power Windows .......................32
▫Wind Buffeting ........................35
mLiftgate ...............................35
▫Liftgate Flipper Glass ...................36
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped .............37
mOccupant Restraints ......................40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .....42
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....45
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....46
▫Energy Management Feature ..............46
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................47
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................48
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............49
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................49
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) ..................50
▫Child Restraint ........................61
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........71
mSafety Tips ............................72
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................72
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................73
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................73
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Fob with Integrated Key (FOBIK) and a
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) with integral ignition
switch. You can insert the double-sided integrated key
into the ignition switch with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three of
which are detented and one spring-loaded. The detented
positions are LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati-
cally returns to the detented ON position.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Fob with Integrated Key (FOBIK)
The Fob with Integrated Key operates the ignition switch.
It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter and a valet key, which stores in the rear of the Fob.
The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the Fob go dead. You can keep
the valet key with you when valet parking.
To remove the valet key from the Fob, slide the mechani-
cal latch at the top of the Fob sideways with your thumb
and then pull the key out of the Fob with your other
hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinders with either side up.
Three-Button FOBIK
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.
NOTE:
• If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, it may become trapped temporarily in
the ignition switch. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition switch to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped, but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 60 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
The time for this feature is programmable. For details,
refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEYTIMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Fob with Integrated
Key and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) to prevent unau-
thorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only fobs that are
programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in
two seconds if an invalid fob is used to start the engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for
three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on
after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to
flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

an invalid fob to start the engine. Either of these condi-
tions will result in the engine being shut off after two
seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry KeytImmobilizer system is not compatible
with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and
loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil SpeedPass™, additional fobs, or any
other transponder-equipped components on the same
key chain will not cause a fault unless the additional
part is physically held against the fob being used to
start the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the fobs provided with your new vehicle have been
programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keytfrom the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of fobs. Du-
plication of fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by using the Customer Key Programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank fob is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry KeytImmobilizer
system serviced, bring all vehicle fobs with you to the
authorized dealer.
Customer Sentry KeyT(Fob) Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keyst, you can program
new Sentry Keystto the system by performing the
following steps:
1.
Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position and remove the first key.
2. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch to the ON position within 15 seconds. After 10
seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle Security
Alarm Indicator Light will begin to flash. Turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the
second key.
3. Insert a blank Sentry Keytinto the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn on again for three seconds, and then turn
off.
The new Sentry Keytis programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Keyt, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2