Jeep 2009 Commander User manual

COMMANDER
2009 COMMANDER
Chrysler LLC
81-326-0915 Second Edition Printed in U.S.A.
2009 owner’s manual
150354 09 EN Commander.indd 1 9/8/08 3:44:26 PM

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

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 ................................... 179
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................277
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................371
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................385
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................439
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................455
10
INDEX ....................................................................465
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ..........................4
䡵Rollover Warning ......................5
䡵How To Use This Manual .................6
䡵Warnings And Cautions ..................8
䡵Vehicle Identification Number .............8
䡵Vehicle 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 MOPAR威parts, 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 Owner’s 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
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................ 14
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) ........... 14
▫Integrated Ignition Key ................ 15
▫Ignition Key Removal ................. 15
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder .............. 17
䡵Sentry Key威......................... 17
▫Replacement Keys ................... 18
▫Customer Key Programming ............ 19
▫General Information .................. 20
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm .................. 20
▫Rearming The System ................. 20
▫To Set The Alarm .................... 20
▫To Disarm The System ................ 21
䡵Illuminated Entry ..................... 21
䡵Remote Keyless Entry .................. 22
▫To Unlock The Doors ................. 22
▫To Lock The Doors ................... 24
▫To Release The Liftgate Flipper Glass ...... 24
2

▫Express Down Window Feature —
If Equipped ......................... 24
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 25
▫Transmitter Battery Service .............. 25
▫General Information ................... 26
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ....... 27
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 27
䡵Door Locks ........................... 29
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 29
▫Power Door Locks .................... 29
▫Child Protection Door Lock .............. 30
䡵Windows ............................ 31
▫Power Windows ...................... 31
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 34
䡵Liftgate ............................. 34
▫Liftgate Flipper Glass .................. 35
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped ............ 36
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 39
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions .... 41
▫
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ... 45
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .... 45
▫Energy Management Feature ............. 46
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ................. 47
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 47
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 48
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 48
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint Systems (SRS) ................. 49
▫Child Restraints ...................... 61
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 71
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 71
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 71
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 72
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 73
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 74
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 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
with integrated ignition key and a Wireless Ignition
Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You can insert
the double-sided 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)
1 — LOCK
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY)
3—ON
4 — START
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Integrated Ignition Key
The integrated ignition 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 RKE
transmitter.
The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the RKE transmitter go dead. The
valet key is also for locking the glove box. You can keep
the valet key with you when valet parking.
To remove the valet key from the RKE transmitter, slide
the mechanical latch at the top of the RKE transmitter
sideways with your thumb and then pull the key out
with your other hand. NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinders with either side up.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition key to the
LOCK position, and remove the key.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

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 10 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 “Key Off Power Delay,” 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.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door with the integrated ignition
key in the ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to
remove the key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the integrated ignition key is placed in the LOCK
or ACC position.
SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer 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 Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter with integrated key and Wireless Igni-
tion Node (WIN) to prevent unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion. Therefore, only RKE transmitters that are pro-
grammed 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 RKE transmitter is used to start the
engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security 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 RKE transmitter
to start the engine. Either of these conditions will result in
the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer 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 RKE transmit-
ters, 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 RKE
transmitter being used to start the vehicle. Cell
phones, pagers, or other RF electronics will not cause
interference with this system.
All of the RKE transmitters provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only RKE transmitters that are programmed to
the vehicle electronics can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. Once an RKE transmitter is programmed to a
vehicle, it cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the keys from 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 RKE trans-
mitters. Duplication of RKE transmitters may be per-
formed at an authorized dealer or by using the Customer
Key Programming procedure. This procedure consists of
programming a blank transmitter to the vehicle electron-
ics. A blank transmitter is one that has never been
programmed.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE