Jeep Liberty (2012 year). Instruction — part 20

NOTE:

• The air conditioning compressor operates in Mix,

Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the Air
Conditioning (A/C) button is not pressed. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.

• For information on operating the Rear Defrost, refer to

“Rear Window Features” in “Understanding The Fea-
tures Of Your Vehicle”.

Recirculation Control

Pressing the Recirculation Control button will
put the system in recirculation mode. This can
be used when outside conditions such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are pres-

ent. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the
control button to illuminate. After ten minutes, the sys-
tem will return to normal mode function and the LED
will turn off.

NOTE:

• Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may make

the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur.
Extended use of this mode is not recommended.

• The use of the Recirculation mode in cold or damp

weather will cause windows to fog on the inside,
because of moisture buildup inside the vehicle. Select
the outside air position for maximum defogging.

• The A/C will engage automatically to prevent fogging

when the recirculation button is pressed and the mode
control is set to panel or panel / floor.

• The A/C can be deselected manually without disturb-

ing the mode control selection.

• When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK

position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

304

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Conditioning Control

Press this button to engage the Air
Conditioning. A light will illuminate
when the Air Conditioning system is
engaged. Rotating the dial left into the
blue area of the scale indicates cooler
temperatures, while rotating right into
the red area indicates warmer tem-
peratures.

NOTE:

The air conditioning compressor will not engage

until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.

• MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recirculation
buttons at the same time.

• ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, press the A/C button to turn
OFF the indicator light and the A/C compressor. Then,
move the temperature control to the desired temperature.

Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) — If
Equipped

Automatic Operation
The Automatic Temperature Control system automati-
cally maintains the climate in the cabin of the vehicle at
the comfort levels desired by the driver and passenger.

Automatic Temperature Control

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

305

Operation of the system is quite simple.

1. Turn the Mode Control knob (on the right) and the
Blower Control knob (on the left) to AUTO.

NOTE:

The AUTO position performs best for front seat

occupants only.

2. Dial in the temperature you would
like the system to maintain by rotating
the Temperature Control knob. Once
the comfort level is selected, the sys-
tem will maintain that level automati-
cally using the heating system. Should
the desired comfort level require air

conditioning, the system will automatically make the
adjustment.

You will experience the greatest efficiency by simply
allowing the system to function automatically. Selecting
the “O” (OFF) position on the blower control stops the
system completely and closes the outside air intake.

The recommended setting for maximum comfort is 72°F
(22°C) for the average person; however, this may vary.

NOTE:

• The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytime

without affecting automatic operation.

• Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button while in

AUTO mode will cause the LED in the control button
to flash three times and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is in AUTO mode and requesting the
air conditioning is not necessary.

306

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than

expected, check the front of the A/C condenser located
in front of the radiator for an accumulation of dirt or
insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind
the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front
fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the condenser,
reducing air conditioning performance.

Blower Control

For full automatic operation or for
automatic blower operation, turn the
knob to the AUTO position. In manual
mode there are six blower speeds that
can be individual selected. In off posi-
tion the blower will shut off.

Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features, which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic,
Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode Pre-
ferred Automatic. This means the operator can override
the blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.
The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the Blower Control knob (on the left).

NOTE:

Please read the Automatic Temperature Control

Operation Chart that follows for details.

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

307

308

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.

• Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

NOTE:

The center instrument panel outlets can be

aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.

• Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE:

For all settings, except full cold or full hot, there

is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.

• Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side

window demist outlets.

• Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to

the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

• Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-

mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

309

• Air Conditioner Control

Press this button to turn on the air
conditioning during manual operation
only. When the air conditioning is
turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Press this but-
ton a second time to turn OFF the air

conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.
• Recirculation Control

The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the Recirculation
Control button will temporarily put the system
in recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can

be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the LED in the control button to illumi-
nate. After ten minutes, the system will return to normal
AUTO mode function and the LED will turn off.

NOTE:

• When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK

position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

• In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may

lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or defrost/
floor mode in order to improve window clearing.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected.

• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows

to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, or
defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the recircula-
tion while in these modes will cause the LED in the
control button to blink and then turn off.

310

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you

can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.

Operating Tips

NOTE:

Refer to the chart at the end of this section for

suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.

Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

311

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.

NOTE:

Recirculate without A/C should not be used for

long periods as fogging may occur.

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.

A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.

312

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions

4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

313

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
▫ Extreme Cold Weather

(Below –20°F Or –29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321

䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 321
䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 323
▫ Four–Speed Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . 324
▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

䡵 Four-Wheel Drive Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

▫ Command-Trac II威 Transfer Case – If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

▫ Selec-Trac威 II Transfer Case – If Equipped . . . 339

䡵 On-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344

5

䡵 Off-Road Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range . . . . . . . . . . 345
▫ Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand . . . . . . . . . 346
▫ Hill Climbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
▫ Traction Downhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
▫ After Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
䡵 Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 355

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 356

▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 356
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 361
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . 363
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

And ESC Off Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 371
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 372
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 373

316

STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 380
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire

And Wheel – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380

▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 382
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384

▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 388
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 389

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
▫ Premium System – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 394
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 401
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

317

▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . 406

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414
▫ Trailer Towing Weights

(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . 415

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423

䡵 Recreational Towing

(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind

Another Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424

▫ Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

▫ Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426

318

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key

fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.

• Do not leave the keys in the ignition. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

Start the engine with the shift lever in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

319