Jeep 2008 Liberty User manual

Liberty
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Liberty
81-326-0841 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................85
4
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS ......................................... 193
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................285
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................399
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................413
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................467
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................475
10
INDEX ....................................................................485
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mRollover Warning ........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................5
mWarnings And Cautions ...................7
mVehicle Identification Number ...............7
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............8
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance 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
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
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 interested
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.
4 INTRODUCTION

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.
Rollover Warning Label
INTRODUCTION 5
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6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owners 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 Owners Manual, you may miss
important information. Observe all Warnings and Cau-
tions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
left front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is
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, the vehicle registration, and the title.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
INTRODUCTION 7
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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 Removal ...................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
mSentry Keyt...........................14
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Customer Key Programming ..............16
▫General Information ....................17
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........18
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel .......18
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........18
▫Rearming Of The System .................19
▫To Arm The System .....................19
▫To Disarm The System ...................20
mIlluminated Entry System ..................20
mRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................21
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........21
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............23
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▫To Unlatch The Liftgate Flip-Up Window .....24
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........25
▫Battery Replacement ....................25
▫General Information ....................27
mRemote Starting System — If Equipped ........27
▫How To Use Remote Start ................28
mDoor Locks ............................30
▫Manual Door Locks .....................30
▫Power Door Locks .....................31
▫Child-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) 34
mWindows .............................36
▫Power Windows .......................36
▫Wind Buffeting ........................39
mLiftgate ...............................40
mOccupant Restraints ......................40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....47
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................47
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................48
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....49
▫Energy Management Feature ..............50
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............50
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................51
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............51
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Child Restraint ........................70
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........79
mSafety Tips ............................80
▫Transporting Passengers .................80
▫Lock Your Vehicle ......................80
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................81
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle
.....................................82
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle ..........................82
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has
the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the key to the ACC
position and then push the key and cylinder inward
slightly and rotate the key to the LOCK position. Then
remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Turn the key to the ACC position and then push the key
and cylinder inward slightly and rotate the key to the
LOCK position. Then remove the key.
NOTE:
• For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), features such as the power
window switches, radio, power sunroof or Sky Slidert
(if equipped), and power outlets will remain active for
45 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position. Opening either front door will cancel
this feature.
• For vehicles equipped with the EVIC, features such as
the power window switches, radio, power sunroof or
Sky Slidert(if equipped), and power outlets will
remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch is turned to the LOCK position. 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.
Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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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. Don’t leave the key 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.
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 KEYT
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 ignition keys that have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, 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 an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions 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 compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key-related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Keytis programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keystfrom 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).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry KeytImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keyst, you can program
new Sentry Keystto the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeytTransponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 15
seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi-
tion, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keytinto the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off.
The new Sentry Keytis programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Keyt, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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• 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 one-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 one-
half revolution from the 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.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) system monitors the
vehicle doors, liftgate, and liftgate flip-up window for
unauthorized entry and ignition for unauthorized opera-
tion.
If something triggers the alarm, the system will sound
the horn intermittently, flash the headlights and tail-
lights, and flash the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: The PANIC and Security Alarms are quite
different. Please take a moment to activate the PANIC
and the Security modes to hear the differences in the
horn. In case one should go off in the future, you will
need to know which mode has been activated in order to
deactivate it.
Rearming of the System:
If something triggers the Security Alarm, and no action is
taken to disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after
3 minutes, turn off all of the visual signals after 15
minutes, and then the system will rearm itself.
To Arm the System:
1. Remove the key from the ignition switch and exit the
vehicle.
2. Lock the doors and liftgate by pressing the power door
LOCK switch or the LOCK button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
NOTE: The system will not arm if you lock the doors
with the manual door lock plungers or the driver’s door
lock cylinder.
3. Close all doors. The Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will flash rapidly for
about 16 seconds to signal that the system is arming.
During this period, opening any door or the liftgate will
cancel the arming process. If the system arms success-
fully, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will flash
at a slower rate to indicate the alarm is set.
NOTE: For added security, whenever the Security
Alarm is armed, the HomeLinkt/Garage Door Opener
(if equipped) is disabled as well.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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