Jeep Commander (2010 year). Manual — part 16

▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Four-Wheel Drive

Models With NV245 Two–Speed Transfer
Case Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – Four-Wheel

Drive Models With NV245 Two–Speed
Transfer Case Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS

Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 289
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 290

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 297

▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped . . . . . . . 297
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 302
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 303

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
▫ Premium System — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 308
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

241

▫ 3.7 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ 5.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 315
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

▫ Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

䡵 Snow Plow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
䡵 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . 336

▫ Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . 336
▫ Towing — Quadra-Trac I威 (Single-Speed

Transfer Case) Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . 337

▫ Towing — Quadra–Trac II威 /Quadra–Drive威

II Four-Wheel Drive Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

242

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving

unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Do not leave animals or children inside parked

vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.

Normal Starting

Tip Start

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.

Do not

press the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated

Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically 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.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

243

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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

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

it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission 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 dis-
charged 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 dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 for
proper jump-starting procedures and follow them
carefully.

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, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and

244

STARTING AND OPERATING

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 is controlled automatically and it will
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 heater cord to
a ground-fault interrupter protected 110-115 Volt AC

electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.

Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.

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

The engine block heater cord is located:

• 3.7L Engine — coiled and strapped to the engine oil

dipstick tube.

• 5.7L Engine — bundled and fastened to the injector

harness.

WARNING!

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

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

245

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 from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL

into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot

is firmly on the brake pedal.

WARNING!

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 on 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 on 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
prior to rotating the key to the LOCK position. The key
can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever
is locked in PARK.

246

STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other
switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.

Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override

Your vehicle may be equipped with a shift lock manual
override. The manual override may be used in the event
that the shift lever should fail to move from PARK with
the key in the ON position and the brake pedal pressed.
To operate the shift lock manual override, perform the
following steps:

1. Turn the key to the ON position without starting the
engine.

2. Firmly set the parking brake.

3. Using a flat blade screwdriver, carefully remove the
shift lock manual override cover, which is located on the
PRNDL bezel.

4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.

5. Using the screwdriver, reach into the manual override
opening. Press and hold the shift lock lever down.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

247

6. Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.

7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

Have your vehicle inspected by your local authorized
dealer, if the shift lock manual override has been used.

Five–Speed Automatic Transmission

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.

Gear Ranges

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. If
there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the
engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first.

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.

Interlock Manual Override

248

STARTING AND OPERATING

Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever into the PARK position.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

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

• 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 on 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 right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.

NOTE:

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any

other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in
Section 6 of this manual.
DRIVE
This range is used only when the vehicle is at a complete
stop and the brakes are firmly applied. The transmission
automatically upshifts through fifth gear. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

249

Electronic Range Select (ERS)Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the shift lever left (-) or right (+) when the
shift lever is in the DRIVE position, allowing you to limit
the highest available gear. For example, if the driver
shifts the transmission into ERS 3 (third gear), the trans-
mission will never shift above third gear, but can shift
down to 2 (second) or 1 (first), when needed.

NOTE:

• If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever to the left

(-), the transmission will downshift to the lowest gear
that can be attained without overrevving the engine.
The display will show the gear the vehicle is in and
will limit the top gear to the one displayed.

• If you pull and hold (not tap) the shift lever to the right

(+), the transmission will exit the gear limiting mode
and shift to the appropriate gear. The display will read

⬙D⬙.

3.7L Engine
When in the DRIVE position, the first tap to the left (-),
will shift down one gear and will display that gear. For
example, if you are in DRIVE and are in 5th gear, when
you tap the shift lever one time to the left (-), the
transmission will downshift to 4th gear and the display
will show 4. Another tap to the left (-) will shift the
transmission into 3rd gear.

5.7L Engine
On vehicles equipped with 5.7L engines, use of ERS (or
TOW/HAUL mode) also enables an additional underdrive
gear which is not normally used during through-gear
accelerations. This additional gear improves vehicle perfor-
mance and cooling capability when towing a trailer on
certain grades. ERS 1,2, and 3 are underdrive gears; ERS 4
is direct drive. ERS 5 (Overdrive) is the same as the normal
4th gear. When in the DRIVE position in 1st through 4th
gear, the first tap to the left (-), will display the ERS
designation for the current gear (the transmission will not

250

STARTING AND OPERATING

downshift). For example, if you are in DRIVE and are in
3rd (direct) gear, when you tap the shift lever one time to
the left (-), the display will show 4 (ERS 4 is direct gear).
Another tap to the left (-) will shift the transmission down
to ERS 3 (the added underdrive gear). When in the DRIVE
position in 5th gear, the first tap to the left (-) will
downshift the transmission and display 5 (ERS 5 is the
same as normal 4th gear). Another tap to the left (-) will
shift the transmission down to ERS 4 (direct gear).

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.

Screen Display

1

2

3

4

5*

D

Actual Gear(s)
Allowed

1

1-2

1-3

1-4

1-5

1-5

* Applies to vehicles equipped with 5.7L engines only.

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to the
left “D(-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.

Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (5th gear for 3.7L engine, 4th and
5th gears for 5.7L engines). The transmission will auto-
matically shift to Overdrive, if the following conditions
are present:

• the shift lever is in DRIVE;
• the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-

perature;

• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph

(48 km/h);

• the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

251

• transmission

has

reached

normal

operating

temperature.

NOTE:

If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-

peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” later in this section.

During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts, depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warmup time of
the engine and transmission.

If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the “TRANSMISSION

OVER TEMP” message may display, and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cool down, the transmission will
resume normal operation.

In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift, followed shortly thereafter by
a downshift, may occur. The “TOW/HAUL Indicator
Light” will turn off. This is a normal part of the overheat
protection strategy when operating in the “TOW/
HAUL” mode.

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive, to the
most desirable gear, if the accelerator pedal is fully
pressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode — If Equipped
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” switch. This will improve

252

STARTING AND OPERATING

performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in “TOW/HAUL” mode, the transmission will
shift into direct gear and Overdrive will be enabled
under steady cruise conditions.

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch 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.

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the transmission limp home mode
will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission will
remain in the current gear (3.7L engine) or in direct gear
(5.7L engine) until the vehicle is brought to a stop.

To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.

TOW/HAUL Switch

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

253

3. Turn the engine off, and be sure to turn the key to the
LOCK position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.

5. Move the shift lever to the desired gear range.

If the problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation. If the problem persists,
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. Only 2nd gear (3.7L engine) or 3rd gear (5.7L engine)
will be available in the DRIVE position. Have the trans-
mission checked at your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.

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 a calibrated speed, at light throttle. It engages at

higher speeds under heavier acceleration. This may re-
sult in a slightly different feeling or response during
normal operation in high gear. When the vehicle speed
drops below a calibrated speed, or during acceleration,
the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages. The
feature is operational in Overdrive and in DRIVE.

NOTE:

• The torque converter clutch will not engage until the

transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally 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. Manually shifting (using the ERS shift
control) between 4 (direct gear) and 5/D (Overdrive
gear) positions will demonstrate that the transmission
is able to shift into and out of Overdrive. For vehicles
with 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive gears),

254

STARTING AND OPERATING

the transmission may not shift into the top Overdrive
gear (normal 5th gear) until the transmission fluid and
engine coolant are warm.

• If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the

first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds of shifting from
PARK into any other gear position.

Rocking The Vehicle

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
between DRIVE and REVERSE, while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator.

NOTE:

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and

Traction Control (if equipped) should be turned OFF

before attempting to rock the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Brake Control System” in Section 3 of this manual.

The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine, is most effective. Racing the engine or
spinning the wheels, due to the frustration of not freeing
the vehicle, may lead to transmission overheating and
failure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in
NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five
rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating
and reduce the risk of transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.

CAUTION!

When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between
“First” and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

255

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

Quadra-Trac I

姞

Operating Instructions/

Precautions — If Equipped

The Quadra-Trac I

威 is a single-speed (HI range only)

transfer case, which provides convenient full-time four–
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.

NOTE:

The Quadra-Trac I

威 system is not appropriate

for conditions where 4WD LOW range is recommended.
Refer to “Off-Road Driving Tips” in this section.

Quadra-Trac II

姞

Operating Instructions/

Precautions — If Equipped

The Quadra-Trac II

威 transfer case is fully automatic in the

normal driving 4WD HI mode. The Quadra-Trac II

威

transfer case provides three mode positions:

• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW

This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD HI mode.

When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOW
position can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts
together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. The 4WD LOW position is intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOW position on dry, hard-surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to driveline components.

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

256

STARTING AND OPERATING