Jeep TJ (2006 year). Manual — part 13

WARNING!

Never use P (Park) position with an automatic trans-
mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Al-
ways apply parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and possible injury
or damage.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you

must turn the ignition from LOCK so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise,
damage to steering column or shifter could result.

• Never race the engine with the brakes on and the

vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can overheat and damage the transmission.

• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-

tween D (Drive) and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.

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NOTE:

The transmission electronics constantly monitor

the transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets
too hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to
help control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough, the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.

FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
(COMMAND-TRAC™ OR ROCK-TRAC™) — IF
EQUIPPED

4WD Shift Controls

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Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode positions — two
(rear) wheel drive high range, four wheel drive high
range, neutral, and four wheel drive low range.

This transfer case is intended to be driven in the two
wheel drive (2H) position for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.

In the events when additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the
front and rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by simply moving the shift lever to these
positions. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.

The 4WD indicator light, located in the instrument panel,
alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four wheel drive
and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked to-
gether. This light illuminates when the transfer case is
shifted to either the 4H or 4L positions.

NOTE:

Do not attempt to make a shift while only the

front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not
equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and
rear driveshafts speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer case.

When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

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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:

2H Position
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.

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4H Position
Four Wheel Drive High Range — Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces.

NOTE:

This range should not be used during dry

pavement operation.

N (Neutral) Position
Neutral — Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual. (See page 248 for more
information.)

4L Position
Four Wheel Drive Low Range — Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to

rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maxi-
mum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

Shifting Procedure

2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion,
shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.

4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle

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is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).

NOTE:

Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles

equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the auto-
matic transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake,
and turn the engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.

NOTE:

Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the

vehicle completely stopped, however, difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth align-
ment and shift completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with
the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

WARNING!

Failure to engage a position completely can cause
transfer case damage or loss of power and vehicle
control. You could have an injury accident. Do not
drive the vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.

TRAC-LOK™ REAR AXLE
The Trac-Lok™ rear axle provides a constant driving
force to both rear wheels and reduces wheel spin caused
by the loss of traction at one driving wheel. If traction
differs between the two rear wheels, the differential
automatically proportions the usable torque by providing
more torque to the wheel that has traction.

Trac-Lok™ is especially helpful during slippery driving
conditions. With both rear wheels on a slippery surface, a

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slight application of the accelerator will supply maxi-
mum traction. When starting with only one rear wheel on
an excessively slippery surface, slight application of the
parking brake may be necessary to gain maximum trac-
tion.

WARNING!

On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to
lose control of your vehicle.

AXLE LOCK (TRU–LOK™) — IF EQUIPPED
The Axle Lock switch is located on the lower center of the
instrument panel.

This feature will only activate when the following con-
ditions are met:

• Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.

Axle Lock Switch

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• Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

To activate the system, press the switch once to lock the
rear axle only (the REAR LOCK indicator light will
illuminate), press the switch again to lock the front axle
(the FRONT LOCK indicator light will illuminate). Once
the rear axle is locked, pressing the switch again will lock
or unlock the front axle.

NOTE:

The indicator lights will flash until the axles are

fully locked or unlocked. A chime will sound three times
and the indicator lights will continue to flash at a
different rate if the key is removed while the axles are still
in the locked position.

To unlock the axles, pull up on the switch.

Axle lock will disengage if vehicle is taken out of 4L
(Low) range.

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 instrument
cluster will light.

NOTE:

The BRAKE warning light indicates only that

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

NOTE:

If the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is

in motion, the BRAKE warning light will flash and a
chime will sound.

To release the parking brake, pull up slightly, press center
button, then lower lever completely.

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If the parking brake is not completely released, the
BRAKE warning light will remain on.

NOTE:

Your vehicle has automatically adjusting rear

brakes and we do not recommend any adjustment other
than the maintenance performed by your authorized
dealer.

Before leaving the vehicle parked on a hill, you must
make sure the parking brake is fully applied and place
the gear selector in the P (Park) position (automatic
transmission) or first gear (manual transmission). Make
certain the transfer case is in gear. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.

Parking Brake Release

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WARNING!

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-

ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave a
automatic transmission in P (Park), or a manual
transmission in 1st gear. Make certain the transfer
case is in gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.

• If the parking brake is released, and the BRAKE

warning light glows while the ignition switch is
ON or the engine is running, there may be a brake
system problem. Brake pedal travel, effort and
stopping distances may increase, and you should
obtain corrective service immediately.

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in P (Park), other-
wise the load on the transmission locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of P (Park).

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

WARNING!

• Leaving children unattended 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 gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate controls or move the vehicle.

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ABOUT YOUR BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The
effort required to brake the vehicle will be much greater
than that required with the power system operating.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

If either of two hydraulic systems lose normal capability,
the remaining system will still function with some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop.

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WARNING!

To use your brakes and decelerate more safely, follow these tips:

•

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 distances, or brake damage.

•

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

•

Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because engine braking
may cause skidding and loss of control.

•

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
maneuvering, parking or stopping. Remember, always engage
4-wheel drive when driving on slippery roads.

•

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. Under such conditions, engage 4-wheel drive.

•

After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may become
wet, resulting in poor performance and unpredictable braking action.
Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at
very slow speeds.

WARNING!

The weight and position of cargo and passengers can change
the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle handling. To avoid
loss of control resulting in personal injury, follow these
guidelines:

•

Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor, and locate
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.

•

Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear axle. Too
much weight or improperly placed weight over or behind
the rear axle can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway.

•

Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a danger-
ous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.

•

The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and use
seat belts.

•

On hardtop models, do not drive with the lift glass up. On
fabric top models, do not drive with the rear window curtain
up unless the side curtains are also open. This will prevent
dangerous exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.

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WARNING!

To help avoid personal injury, follow these tips:
• Never reach through the steering wheel to operate

steering column controls. Injury to your hands or
loss of vehicle control may result.

• If the engine stalls or power assist fails due to a

malfunction, vehicle steering and braking will
require greater effort.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Anti-Lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter 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 Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If for any reason, your
foot is on the brake when the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20
km/h), this check will be delayed until 25 mph (40
km/h).

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The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test and during an ABS stop to provide the
regulated hydraulic pressure. The motor pump makes a
low humming noise during operation, this is normal.

During off-road use, loss of traction can temporarily
defeat the system and cause the warning light to illumi-
nate. Turn the ignition OFF and ON again to restore
Anti-Lock Brake System function.

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.

WARNING!

• Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-

ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded 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.

• 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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CAUTION!

The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused
by improperly installed aftermarket radios or tele-
phones.

NOTE:

During severe braking conditions, a pulsing

sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.

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 does 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 period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and 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!

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

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 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily 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.

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