Online Manual Jeep > Jeep Wrangler > Jeep Wrangler TJ (1996-2006) > 2004 TJ > STARTING AND OPERATING part3

STARTING AND OPERATING

EXAMPLE:

Service Description:

95 = Load Index

—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.

H = Speed Symbol

—A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding

to its load index under certain operating conditions.

—The maximum speed corresponding to the Speed Symbol should only be achieved un­der specified operating conditions, (ie. tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions and

posted speed limits).

Load Identification:

"....blank...." = Absence of any text on sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire

Extra Load (XL) = Extra Load (or Reinforced) Tire

Light Load = Light Load Tire

C,D,E = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure

Maximum Load — Maximum Load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry.

Maximum Pressure — Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this
tire.

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Tire Identification Number (TIN) Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall

The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on

however the date code may only be on one side. Tires the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side

with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including of the tire,
date code located on the white sidewall side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT = Department of Transportation _

—This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire I

safety standards, and is approved for highway use.

MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location.(2 digits)

L9 = Code representing the tire size. (2 digits)

ABCD = Code used by tire manufacturer.(1 to 4 digits)

03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)

—03 means the 3rd week.

01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)

—01 means the year 2001.

—Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have 1 number to represent the year in
 which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.

188 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Loading and Tire Pressure Tire Placard Location

NOTE: The tire placard is located on the lower driver’s side instrument panel.

Tire and Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the,

  1. number of people that can be carried in the vehicle

  2. the total weight your vehicle can carry


  1. the tire size designed for your vehicle

  2. the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear
    and spare tires.

Loading

The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of this manual.

NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the Vehicle Loading section of this manual.

To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The

STARTING AND OPERATING 189

combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced here.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

  1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occu­
    pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds" on
    your vehicle’s placard.

  2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
    passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

  3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas­
    sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.

  4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
    cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if "XXX"
    amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
    passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
    and luggage load capacity is     650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 15) =
    650 lb.)


  1. determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
    being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
    exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
    calculated in step 4.

  2. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
    trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
    manual to determine how this reduces the available
    cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE: The following table shows examples on how to calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra­tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.

NOTE: For the following example the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392 Kg).

190 STARTING AND OPERATING

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WARNING!

1. Safety—


Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle-never overload them.

TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION

Tire Pressure

Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure:

WARNING!

Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents.

  1. Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
    result in tire failure.

  2. Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
    shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
    damage that results in tire failure.

  3. Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob­
    lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.

  4. Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect
    vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
    loss of vehicle control.

Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom­mended pressure.

192 STARTING AND OPERATING

2. Economy—

Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump­tion.

3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—

Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride. Both under inflation and over inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish response or over-responsiveness in the steering.

Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict­able steering response.

Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to drift left or right.

Tire Inflation Pressures

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is located on the lower driver’s side instrument panel.

The tire pressure should be checked and adjusted at least once every month. Check more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.

Inflation pressures specified on the label are always "Cold Inflation Pressure." Cold inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has been idle for at least 3 hours, or driven less than a mile after a 3 hour period. The cold inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum values molded into the tire sidewall.

Tire pressures may increase from 13 to 40 kPa (2 to 6 psi) [0.138 to 0.414 bar] during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure buildup.

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High Speed Operation

Radial-Ply Tires


WARNING!

WARNING!


High speed driving with your vehicle under load is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).

Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al­ways use radial tires in sets of four. Never combine them with other types of tires.


The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi­tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your dealer for radial tire repairs.

Tire Spinning

When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).

194 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener­ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam­age or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

These indicators are narrow strips 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick and are found in the tread pattern grooves.

When the tread pattern is worn down to these treadwear indicators, the tires should be replaced.

Overloading your vehicle, long trips in very hot weather, and driving on bad roads may result in greater wear.

Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the originals in quality and performance when replacement is needed (see section on tread wear indicators). Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, handling and ride of your vehicle. We recom­mend that you contact your original equipment tire dealer on any questions you may have on tire specifica­tions or capability.

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WARNING!

CAUTION!


  1. 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 suspen­
    sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
    resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak­
    ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
    handling and stress to steering and suspension com­
    ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
    resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
    and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
    vehicle.

  2. Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire size
    listed on your vehicle’s tire label. Using a smaller tire
    could result in tire overloading and failure. You
    could lose control and have an accident.

  3. Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
    adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
    failure and loss of vehicle control.

  4. Overloading your tires is dangerous. Overloading
    can cause tire failure. Use tires of the recommended
    load capacity for your vehicle - never overload them.

Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in false speedometer and odometer read­ings. Check with your dealer before replacing tires with a different size.

Alignment And Balance

Tire suspension components of your vehicle should be inspected and aligned when needed, to obtain maximum tire tread life.

Poor suspension alignment may result in:

  1. reduced tread life;

  2. uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
    wear,

  3. vehicle pull to the right or to the left.

Tires may also cause your vehicle to pull to the left or right. Alignment won’t correct this condition. See your dealer for proper diagnosis.

196 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration, which may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.

TIRE CHAINS

Install chains on rear tires only. Tire chains may be installed on all models except Sahara. Follow these recommendations to guard against damage and exces­sive tire and chain wear:

  1. Use chains on P205/75R15 or P215/75R15 tires only.
    P225/75R15, LT30 x 9.50R15, and LT245/75R16 tires
    do not provide adequate clearance.

  2. Use SAE class "S" tire chains or traction devices only.

  3. Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as
    recommended by the chain manufacturer.

  4. Follow tire chain manufacturer’s instructions for
    mounting chains.

  5. Install chains snugly and tighten after.6 mile (1 km) of
    driving.


  1. Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).

  2. Drive cautiously, avoiding large bumps, potholes and
    extreme driving maneuvers.

  3. Do not use chains or traction devices on the Poly-spare
    tire.

TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at different loads and perform different steering, handling, and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns.

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 main­tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.

STARTING AND OPERATING 197

Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your type of driving found in the "Maintenance Schedules" Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis­sible if desired. 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.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

„«Doc™,-™.! Your engine is designed to meet all emis-ìòìïê» sions regulations and provide excellent fg fuel economy and performance when us-^^ ■ ing high quality unleaded gasoline having 8îî<èàüá an octane rating of 87. The use of premium gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium gasoline will provide no benefit over high quality regular gasoline, and in some circumstances may result in poorer performance.

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. Engine damage resulting from operation with a heavy spark knock may not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consid­ering service for the vehicle.

198 STARTING AND OPERATING

Over 40 auto manufacturer’s world wide have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World­wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance, and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom­mends the use of gasoline that meets the WWFC speci­fications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning gasoline referred to as Reformulated Gasoline. Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates, and is spe­cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im­prove air quality.

The manufacturer strongly supports the use of reformu­lated gasoline. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will provide excellent performance and durability for the engine and fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy­genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen­ates are required in some areas of the country during the

winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasoline containing METHANOL. Gasoline containing methanol may damage critical fuel system components.

MMT In Gasoline

MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT provides no performance advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug life and reduces emission system performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump, therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.

STARTING AND OPERATING 199

It is even more important to look for gasoline without MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at levels higher than allowed in the United States. MMT is pro­hibited in Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

Sulfur In Gasoline

If you live in the northeast United States, your vehicle may have been designed to meet California low emission standards with clean burning, low sulfur, California gasoline. Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels which may affect the perfor­mance of the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the "Malfunction Indicator Light" to illuminate.

Illumination of this light while operating on high sulfur gasoline does not necessarily mean your emission control system is malfunctioning. The manufacturer recom­mends that you try a different brand of unleaded gaso­line having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related prior to returning your vehicle to an autho­rized dealer for service.

CAUTION!

If the "Malfunction Indicator Light" is flashing, immediate service is required. See "Onboard Diag­nostic System" in Section 7 of this manual.

Materials Added To Fuel

All gasoline sold in the United States is required to contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents or other additives is not needed under normal conditions.

200 STARTING AND OPERATING



FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)

The fuel cap is located on the left side of the vehicle. If the fuel cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control system could result from using an improper fuel cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting after-market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indica­tor Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping from the system.

Turn the engine off.

Rotate the fuel cap to the left to remove.

To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is properly tightened.

Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught under the fuel cap.

STARTING AND OPERATING 201

CAUTION!

WARNING!


To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not "top off" the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE: When the fuel nozzle "clicks" or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.


  1. Remove the fuel cap (gas cap) slowly to prevent
    fuel spray from the filler neck which may cause
    injury.

  2. The volatility of some gasoline may cause a
    buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
    increase while you drive. This pressure can result
    in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
    is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
    slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
    fuel spray.

  3. Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
    the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
    tank filled.

  4. Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
    running.

202 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

CAUTION!


A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be burned. Always place gas containers on the ground while filling.

Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) — If Equipped

  1. Turn the engine off.

  2. Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap, and turn the
    key to the right to unlock the fuel cap. Rotate the fuel
    cap to the left to remove.

  3. To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
    tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one click.
    This is an indication that the cap is properly tightened.

  4. Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught
    under the fuel cap.

  5. Be sure to remove the key.


’top

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not off" the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE: When the fuel nozzle "clicks" or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.

To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning ve­hicles used for trailer towing.

Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the "Maintenance Schedules" section. When your vehicle is used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.

STARTING AND OPERATING 203

• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.

Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle.

Warranty Requirements

The manufacturer’s warranty will apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for noncommercial use, however the following conditions must be met:

  1. The "D" Overdrive range can be selected when tow­
    ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs move the
    shift lever to the next lower position to eliminate
    excessive automatic transmission shifting. This action
    will also reduce the possibility of transmission over­
    heating and provide better engine braking. Refer to
    "Transmission Shifting" in this section for additional
    information.

  2. A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
    trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg).

CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

WARNING!

Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic brake lines can overload your brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident.

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are mandatory for motoring safety.

Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule "B" for changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.

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Minimum Vehicle Requirements for Trailer Towing

Trailer Type

Gross Trailer Weight

Tongue Weight

(Sec Note 1)

Towing Package

GCWR (Max.)

(See Note 2)

Engine

Trans­mission

Cooling

Axle

Fold Down and Low Profile

• 25 ft2 (2.3m2) ˆh©-^ or Less Frontal Area

• Up to 2,000 Ibs. (907 kg) (also small boats flatbed trailers, etc.)

1,000 lbs. (453 kg) (Max.)

10to 15% Of GTW 300 lbs.

(Max)

Class 1 Hitch

5,350 lbs. (2,247 kg)

2.4 L

ALL

ALL

ALL



2,000 Ibs. (907 kg) (Max}



Class 1 Hitch

6,250 Ibs. (2,835 kg)

4.0 L

ALL

ALL

ALL



3,500 Ibs. (1587 kg) (Max.)



Class 2

Hitch (Unlimited Models Only)

8,100 Ibs. (3,674 kg) (Unlimited Models Only)

4.0 L

ALL

ALL

ALL

Other Trailer Types and Weights up to Full Box Shape

• Up to 64 ft2 , ÷
(5.8m2) [ 1
Frontal Area V_©@—Ü

• Up to 5,000 Ibs. f S.
(2,268 kg) GTW 1 @@ N_

• Maximum Travel ( ) Trailer Length 25 ft. (7.6m) 1—@®—•=

NOT RECOMMENDED

  1. The towing vehicle payload should be reduced by the tongue load (for a dead weight hitch) to keep the rear axle loading below
    GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) of 2,650 Ibs. (1,204 kg).

  2. GCWR= Total combined weight of trailer and tow vehicle.

812C8573

STARTING AND OPERATING 205

NOTE: Refer to "Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts" in Section 7 for axle differential lubrication specifications for towing.

SNOW PLOW

Snow plows should not be added to the front end of your vehicle.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)

Shifting Into Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

CAUTION!

Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.

NOTE: The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neu­tral) for recreational towing.


  1. Depress brake pedal.

  2. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or de­
    press clutch pedal on manual transmission.

  3. Shift transfer case lever into N (Neutral).

  4. Start engine.

  5. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or manual
    transmission into gear.

206 STARTING AND OPERATING

  1. Release brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle
    movement.

  2. Shut the engine off and place the ignition key into the
    unlocked OFF position.

  3. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).

  4. Apply parking brake.


  1. Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.

  2. Release parking brake.

CAUTION!

Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.

  1. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or de­
    press clutch pedal on manual transmission.

  2. Shift transfer case lever into desired position.

  3. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or release
    clutch on manual transmissions.

NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral) on automatic transmission equipped vehicles, turning the engine off may be required to avoid gear clash.

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans­mission is shifted into P (Park) with the transfer case in N (Neutral) and the engine running. With the transfer case in N (Neutral) ensure that the engine is off prior to shifting the transmission into P (Park) (refer to steps 7-8 above).

STARTING AND OPERATING 

WARNING!

CAUTION!


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

• Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

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