Jeep Liberty (2012 year). Instruction

Turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.

Tip Start Feature
Turn the ignition switch to START position and release it
as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, but will automatically disengage itself
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.

Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into

the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly. Refer to “Jump Starting” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.

320

STARTING AND OPERATING

With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater cord is found under the hood
clipped to the heater line on the left side of the engine.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC
electrical cord could cause electrocution.

STARTING AND OPERATING

321

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to

a complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-

TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

WARNING!

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is
removed, the shift lever is locked in the PARK
position, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key

fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

(Continued)

322

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• 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.

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
before the ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/
OFF position. The key can only be removed from the
ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position.
Once the key is removed, the shift lever is locked in
PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the PARK
position unless the brakes are applied. To move the shift
lever out of the PARK position, the ignition switch must
be turned to the ON/RUN or START position (engine
running or not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.

STARTING AND OPERATING

323

Four–Speed Automatic Transmission

The shift lever position display (located in the instrument
panel cluster) indicates the transmission gear range. You
must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever out of
the PARK position (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).

Shifting from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE should be
done only after the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when moving the shift lever between these gears.

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

Shift Lever

324

STARTING AND OPERATING

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may place the shift
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.

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

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others

if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever rearward (with the brake
pedal released) after you have placed it in PARK.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

325

WARNING! (Continued)

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key

fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

(Continued)

326

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:

• When shifting into PARK, move the shift lever all the

way forward and to the left until it stops and is fully
seated.

• Look at the shift lever position display and verify that

it indicates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever

will not move out of PARK.

STARTING AND OPERATING

327

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.

DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.

328

STARTING AND OPERATING

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the TOW/HAUL mode,
or select the

⬙2⬙ range at lower speeds. Under these

conditions, using TOW/HAUL mode or the

⬙2⬙ range

will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

If the transmission operating temperature exceeds nor-
mal operating limits, the powertrain controller will
modify the transmission shift schedule and expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to overheat-
ing.

If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until
the transmission cools down.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to second gear only. Normal operation will re-
sume once the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.

2 (Second)
This range is used for moderate grades and to assist
braking on dry pavement or in mud and snow. Begins at
a stop in low gear with automatic upshift into second
gear. Will not shift into third gear.

STARTING AND OPERATING

329

1 (First)
This range is used for hard pulling at low speeds in mud,
sand, snow, or on steep grades. Begins and stays in low
gear with no upshift. Provides engine compression brak-
ing at low speeds.

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in second gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.

330

STARTING AND OPERATING

If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (fourth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into the Overdrive gear if the follow-
ing conditions are present:

• the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-

perature,

• the engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-

ture,

• vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator, and
• the TOW/HAUL button has not been activated.

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, the transmission will downshift into third gear.

STARTING AND OPERATING

331

NOTE:

TOW/HAUL mode locks out Overdrive.

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode
has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time
restores normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pressed each time the engine
is started.

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE:

The torque converter clutch will not engage

until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) of driving].
Because the engine speed is higher when the torque
converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive when cold.
This is normal. Pressing the TOW/HAUL switch, when
the transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate
that the transmission is able to shift into and out of
Overdrive.

Tow/Haul Button

332

STARTING AND OPERATING

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

Command-Trac II

姞

Transfer Case – If Equipped

Operating Information And Precautions
The Command-Trac II

威 transfer case provides four posi-

tions:

• Two–wheel drive (2WD) high range
• Four-wheel drive (4WD LOCK) high range
• Four-wheel drive (4WD LOW) low range
• Neutral (N)

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

When additional traction is required, select the transfer
case 4WD LOCK position or 4WD LOW position. This

position locks the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft
together and forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed.

Use the transfer case NEUTRAL position for recreational
towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
and Operating” for further information.

CAUTION!

• Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front

wheels or rear wheels are spinning. The MP1522
Command-Trac

威 transfer case is not equipped

with a synchronizer and therefore the speed of the
front driveshaft and rear driveshaft must be equal
for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front wheels or rear wheels are spinning can cause
damage to the transfer case.

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

333

CAUTION! (Continued)

• The 4WD LOCK position and 4WD LOW position

are intended for loose or slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in these positions on dry hard-
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and
damage to the driveline components.

• When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the

engine speed is approximately three times that of
the 2WD position or 4WD LOCK position at a
given road speed. Take care not to over-speed the
engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

• Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles de-

pends on tires of equal size, type, and circumfer-
ence 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.

WARNING!

• You or others could be injured if you leave the

vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL
position disengages both the front driveshaft and
rear driveshaft from the powertrain and it will
allow the vehicle to move even if the transmission
is in PARK. The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

• Always engage the parking brake when powering

down the vehicle if the “SERV 4WD Warning
Light” is illuminated. Not engaging the parking
brake may allow the vehicle to roll, which may
cause personal injury.

(Continued)

334

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

• Since four-wheel drive provides improved trac-

tion, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and
stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road con-
ditions permit. You or others could be injured.

Shift Positions
The transfer case switch is located on the center console
next to the shift lever.

2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - This range is used for
normal street and highway driving on dry hard-surfaced
roads.

Transfer Case Switch

STARTING AND OPERATING

335

Jeep Liberty (2012 year). Instruction - part 21