Jeep Liberty (2012 year). Instruction — part 25

Tread Wear Indicators

Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.

CAUTION!

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type and circumference
on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause
damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation schedule
should be followed to balance tire wear.

Life Of Tire

The service life of a tire is dependent upon various
factors including but not limited to:

• Driving style
• Tire pressure

1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire

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• Distance driven

WARNING!

Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.

Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance

when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The Load Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire sidewall. See the
Tire Sizing Chart example found in the Tire Safety
Information section of this manual for more information
relating to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.

It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two
rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a
wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels.

It is recommended you contact your original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer with any questions you may
have on tire specifications or capability. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.

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WARNING!

• Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than

that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.

• Never use a tire with a smaller load index or

capacity than what was originally equipped on
your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have a collision.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having

adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.

CAUTION!

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.

TIRE CHAINS

Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “Class S” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer. In addition, only install tire chains of the
rear tires with P225/75R16 or smaller tires.

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CAUTION!

To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires, or chains,
observe the following precautions:
• Do not use tire chains on vehicles equipped with

tires other than P225/75R16 or smaller tires. There
may not be adequate clearance for the chains and
you are risking structural or body damage to your
vehicle.

• Because of limited chain clearance between tires

and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Install chains on the rear wheels as tightly as

possible and then retighten after driving about

1

⁄

2

mile (0.8 km).

• Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).

• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large

bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.

• Use on Rear Wheels only.

• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-

ment.

• Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions

on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the lower sug-
gested operating speed of the chain manufacturer
if different from the speed recommended by the
manufacturer.

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These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, includ-
ing link and cable (radial) chains.

TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates.

These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals. The reasons for any rapid or
unusual wear should be corrected prior to rotation being
performed.

The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram. This rotation pattern
does not apply to some directional tires that must not be
reversed.

Tire Rotation

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CAUTION!

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-
pends on tires of equal size, type and circumference
on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause
damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation schedule
should be followed to balance tire wear.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recom-
mended cold placard pressure.

The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
1 psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that
when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure
will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set based
on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after a

three hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded into
the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires – General Information”
in “Starting and Operating” for information on how to
properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will
also increase as the vehicle is driven. This is normal and
there should be no adjustment for this increased pres-
sure.

The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if
the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low temperature effects
and natural pressure loss through the tire.

The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not turn
off until the tire pressure is at or above the recommended
cold placard pressure. Once the low tire pressure warn-
ing (Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light) illuminates,
you must increase the tire pressure to the recommended

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cold placard pressure in order for the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” to turn off. The system will
automatically update and the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” will turn off once the system receives the
updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need to be
driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in
order for the TPMS to receive this information.

For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) placard pressure
of 33 psi (227 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F
(20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 28 psi (193 kPa),
a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire
pressure to approximately 24 psi (165 kPa). This tire
pressure is low enough to turn ON the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light.” Driving the vehicle may cause
the tire pressure to rise to approximately 28 psi (193 kPa),
but the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will still
be on. In this situation, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring

Telltale Light” will turn off only after the tires are inflated
to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure
value.

CAUTION!

• The TPMS has been optimized for the original

equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire
sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.

(Continued)

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CAUTION! (Continued)

• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,

always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.

NOTE:

• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care

and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.

• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge

while adjusting your tire pressure.

• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes

the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.

• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-

nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light.”

• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,

and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.

Base System

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.

NOTE:

It is particularly important for you to check the

tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.

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The TPMS consists of the following components:

• Receiver Module
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light

The matching full-size spare wheel and tire assembly (if
equipped) has a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The
matching full-size spare can be used in place of any of the
four road tires. The TPMS will only monitor the pressure
in the full-size spare when it is used in place of a road
tire. Otherwise, a spare with a pressure below the low-
pressure limit will not cause the “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing Telltale Light” to illuminate or the chime to sound.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings

The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, a “LOW TIRE
PRESSURE” message will display in the instru-

ment cluster, and a chime will sound when tire pressure
is low in one or more of the four active road tires. Should
this occur, you should stop as soon as possible, check the
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate
each tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard
pressure value. Once the system receives the updated tire
pressures, the system will automatically update and the
“Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will turn off.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes
above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive
this information.

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Service TPMS Warning
When a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault
will also sound a chime. If the ignition key is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still
exists. The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
turn off when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur due to any of the following:

1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.

2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.

3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings.

4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.

5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.

Vehicles With Full-Size Spare

1. The matching full-size spare wheel and tire assembly
has a tire pressure monitoring sensor that can be moni-
tored by the TPMS.

2. If you install the full-size spare in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Light” and
“LOW TIRE PRESSURE” message will turn on upon the
next ignition key cycle.

3. Driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) will turn off the “TPMS Telltale Light,” as long
as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure warning
limit in any of the four active road tires.

Vehicles With Compact Spare

1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pressure
monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor
the pressure in the compact spare tire.

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2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Light”
and “LOW TIRE PRESSURE” message will turn on upon
the next ignition key cycle.

3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h), the “TPMS Telltale Light” will flash
on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.

4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the “TPMS Telltale Light” will flash on and off
for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically and the “TPMS
Telltale Light” will turn off, as long as no tire pressure is
below the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four

active road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for
up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.

Premium System – If Equipped

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.

NOTE:

It is particularly important for you to check the

tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.

The TPMS consists of the following components:

• Receiver Module
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors

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• Three Trigger Modules (mounted in three of the four

wheel-wells)

• Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System messages,

which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)

• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light

The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly (if
equipped) has a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The full
size spare can be used in place of any of the four road
tires. A spare with a pressure below the low-pressure
limit will not cause the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” to illuminate or the chime to sound. However, it
will cause a “SPARE LOW PRESSURE” message to
display in the EVIC.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings

The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and a chime

will sound when tire pressure is low in one or more of the
four active road tires. In addition, the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) will display a “LOW TIRE
PRESSURE” message for a minimum of five seconds and
a graphic showing the pressure values of each tire with
the low tire pressure values flashing.

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Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires with low pressure (those flashing in
the EVIC graphic) to the vehicle’s recommended cold
placard pressure value. Once the system receives the
updated tire pressures, the system will automatically
update, the graphic display in the EVIC will stop flash-
ing, and the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light”
will turn off. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.

SERVICE TPMS Warning
When a system fault is detected, the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. The system fault
will also sound a chime. In addition, the EVIC will
display a

⬙SERVICE TPM SYSTEM⬙ message for three

seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value to indicate which sensor is not being
received.

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If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light” will no longer flash, and the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM message will no longer display, and a pressure
value will display in place of the dashes. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following:

1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.

2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.

3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings.

4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.

5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.

Vehicles With Full-Size Spare

1. The matching full size spare wheel and tire assembly
has a tire pressure monitoring sensor that can be moni-
tored by the TPMS.

2. If you install the full size spare in place of a road tire
that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
a chime will sound and the “TPMS Telltale Light” will
turn on upon the next ignition key cycle. In addition, the
EVIC will display a Low Pressure message and a graphic
showing the low tire pressure value flashing.

3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) the “TPMS Telltale Light” will turn
OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires.

4. The EVIC will display a graphic showing the tire
pressure value in place of the flashing low tire pressure
value. The EVIC will also display a “SPARE LOW PRES-
SURE” message to remind you to service the flat tire.

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Vehicles With Compact Spare

1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pressure
monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor
the pressure in the compact spare tire.

2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, the “TPMS Telltale
Light” will remain on and a chime will sound. In
addition, the graphic in the EVIC will still display a
flashing pressure value.

3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h), the “TPMS Telltale Light” will flash
on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In
addition, the EVIC will display a “SERVICE TPM SYS-
TEM” message for five seconds and then display dashes
(- -) in place of the pressure value.

4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound, the “TPMS Telltale Light” will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the EVIC will
display a “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message for five
seconds and then display dashes (- -) in place of the
pressure value.

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
“TPMS Telltale Light” will turn off and the graphic in the
EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes
(- -), as long as no tire pressure is below the low-pressure
warning limit in any of the four active road tires. The
vehicle may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.

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General Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MRXC4N3MF9
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2546A-C4N3MF9

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

All engines are designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high quality unleaded “regular” gaso-
line having an octane rating of 87. The use
of premium gasoline is not recommended,

as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in
these engines.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.

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