Jeep Commander (2010 year). Manual — part 17

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

Shift Positions

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:

4WD HI
This range is used on surfaces such as ice, snow, gravel,
sand, and dry hard pavement.

NEUTRAL
This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing”
in Section 5 of this manual.

4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It locks the
front and rear driveshafts together and forces the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. It provides

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additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).

Shifting Procedures

4WD HI to 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and raise the transfer case T-handle. The
“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will begin to flash and remain on solid when the shift is
complete. Release the T-handle.

NOTE:

If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a

transfer case motor temperature protection condition
exists, a “CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will
flash from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to 5 km/h),
key ON or engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and raise the transfer case T-handle. The

Shifter T-Handle

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“4WD LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete. Release
the T-handle.

NOTE:

• If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or a transfer

case motor temperature protection condition exists, a
“CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will flash
from the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

• Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the

vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may
occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being prop-
erly aligned. Several attempts may be required for
clutch teeth alignment and shift completion to occur.
The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to

3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is moving faster
than 3 mph (5 km/h), the transfer case will not allow
the shift.

NEUTRAL Shift Procedure

1. Key ON, engine off.

2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.

3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.

4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with a pen,
etc.) for four seconds until the LED light by the switch
starts to blink indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is
complete. A “4WD SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will
display on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.

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5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to shift out of NEUTRAL.

NOTE:

If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a

“CHECK SHIFT PROCEDURES” message will flash from
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 4 of this manual.

Quadra-Drive

姞

II System — If Equipped

The optional Quadra-Drive

威 II System features three

torque transfer couplings. The couplings include Elec-
tronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) front and rear
axles and Quadra-Trac II

威 transfer case. The optional

ELSD axles are fully automatic and require no driver
input to operate. Under normal driving conditions, the
units function as standard axles, balancing torque evenly
between left and right wheels. With a traction difference
between left and right wheels, the coupling will sense a
speed difference. As one wheel begins to spin faster than
the other, torque will automatically transfer from the
wheel that has less traction, to the wheel that has traction.
While the transfer case and axle couplings differ in
design, their operation is similar. Follow the Quadra-Trac
II

威 transfer case shifting information, preceding this

section, for shifting this system.

Neutral Switch

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ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

NOTE:

Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air

dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is attached to
the lower front fascia with quarter turn fasteners and can
be removed by hand.

When to Use 4WD LOW Range — If Equipped

When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction. This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, or sand where additional
low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in
excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
4WD LOW range.

Driving Through Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water.

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CAUTION!

When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering,
as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driv-
ing through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.

Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle. If you must
drive through water, try to determine the depth and the
bottom condition (and location of any obstacles) prior to
entering. Proceed with caution and maintain a steady
controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water
to minimize wave effects.

Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off), avoid crossing until the water level recedes

and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing water avoid depths in excess of 9 in (23 cm). The
flowing water can erode the streambed, causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.

Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 in
(51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 20 in (51 cm) of water is
less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.

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Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand

In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW if necessary.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
forward motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.

Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.

Hill Climbing

NOTE:

Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the

conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.

Before climbing a steep hill,

shift the transmission to a

lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.

If you stall or begin to lose forward motion

while

climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine,
and shift into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill,
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.

WARNING!

If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake.

Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill always
drive straight up or down.

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If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain forward motion
by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a
fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually provide
traction to complete the climb.

Traction Downhill

Shift the transmission into a low gear, and the transfer
case into 4WD LOW range. Let the vehicle go slowly
down the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.

When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is

always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.

• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.

Check the tires, body structure, steering, suspension,
and exhaust system for damage.

• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on

the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.

• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These

things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.

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• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or

similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent an accident. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.

• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in

mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a
wheel imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will
correct the situation.

POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.

NOTE:

Increased noise levels at the end of the steering

wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.

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WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

Power Steering Fluid Check

The power steering system requires the use of MOPAR

威

Hydraulic System Power Steering Fluid or equivalent,
which meets Chrysler Material Standard MS-10838.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

WARNING!

Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), or
other types of power steering fluids, when servicing
the power steering system of this vehicle. Damage to
the power steering system can result from the use of
the wrong power steering fluid.

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are

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apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces.

PARKING BRAKE

To set the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate. To release the parking brake,
pull up slightly, press the center button, then lower the
lever completely.

NOTE:

The “Brake Warning Light” indicates only that

the parking brake is applied. It does not indicate the
degree of brake application.

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Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the shift lever is in the PARK position. When parking on
a hill, you should apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK.

WARNING!

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-

ing your vehicle, or it may roll and cause damage
or injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission
in PARK. Failure to do so may allow the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.

• Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dan-

gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the shift lever. Do
not leave the key in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
problems due to excessive heating of the rear
brakes.

Parking Brake

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When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade, and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type, and tires must be properly inflated, to produce
accurate signals for the computer.

WARNING!

Significant over or under-inflation of tires or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.

The ABS conducts a low-speed self-test at about 12 mph
(20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake
while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal
movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice
and snow. This is normal.

The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 12 mph
(20 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.

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WARNING!

• Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish

their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.

• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-

ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

CAUTION!

The ABS is subject to possible detrimental effects of
electronic interference caused by improperly in-
stalled aftermarket radios or telephones.

NOTE:

During severe braking conditions, a pulsing

sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the ABS is functioning.

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• Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the

pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.

• When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-

ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission or locking out overdrive whenever pos-
sible.

• Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up,

which could cause rear wheels to spin and result in
loss of vehicle control. Be especially careful while
driving on slippery roads, in close-quarter maneuver-
ing, parking, or stopping.

• Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially

when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can

build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.

• After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes

may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.

MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) (IF
EQUIPPED) – 5.7L ENGINE ONLY

This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.

NOTE:

The MDS system may take some time to return

to full functionality after a battery disconnect.

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ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM),
and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.

Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) and, if it has four-wheel drive with the NV245
two-speed transfer case, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill
Descent Control (HDC).

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and

help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual.

WARNING!

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety
of others.

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