2018 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED automatic transmission

The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if
the following precautions are not ob-
served:
• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE
only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
• Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
NOTE:
You must press and hold the brake pedal
while shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a sub-
stitute for the parking brake. Always ap-
WARNING!
ply the parking brake fully when exiting
the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or dam-
age.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the transmission gear
selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmis-
sion is in PARK before exiting the ve-
hicle.
• The transmission may not engage PARK
if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the
vehicle to a complete stop before shift-
ing to PARK, and verify that the trans-
mission gear position indicator solidly
indicates PARK (P) without blinking. En-
sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is prop-
erly indicated, before exiting the ve-
hicle.
• It is dangerous to shift 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
147

WARNING!
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 your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• 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 run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF.
When the ignition is in the OFF mode,
the transmission is locked in PARK, se-
curing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
• When exiting the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
WARNING!
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission
gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to
be in PARK before the ignition can be turned
to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This sys-
tem also locks the transmission in PARK
whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK
when the ignition is in the ACC mode (even
though the engine will be off). Ensure that
the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
isOFF(not in ACC mode) before exiting the
vehicle.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Trans-
mission Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must
be running and the brake pedal must be
pressed. The brake pedal must also be
pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds.
Eight–Speed Automatic Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel efficient
8 speed transmission. The gear selector is
located in the center console.
STARTING AND OPERATING
148

The transmission gear selector provides
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE and
MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions. Manual
shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Toggling the gear selector forward (-)
or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL
(AutoStick) position (beside the DRIVE posi-
tion) will manually select the transmission
gear, and will display the current gear in the
instrument cluster. Refer to "AutoStick" in
this section for further information.NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position
(when pushed forward), it is probably in the
AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position). In AutoStick mode, the transmis-
sion gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the
instrument cluster. Move the gear selector to
the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for
access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
AutoStick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking, elimi-
nate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more
control during passing, city driving, cold slip-
pery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear
selector into the MANUAL (M) position (be-
side the DRIVE position). The current trans-mission gear will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster. In AutoStick mode, you can use
the gear selector (in the MANUAL position) to
manually shift the transmission. Tapping the
gear selector forward (-) while in the
MANUAL (M) position will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear. Tapping
the selector rearward (+) will command an
upshift.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will
shift up or down when (+/-) is manually se-
lected by the driver, unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result. It will
remain in the selected gear until another
upshift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below.
• The transmission will automatically down-
shift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine
lugging) and will display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically down-
shift to first gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle
is accelerated.
Transmission Gear Selector
149

• You can start out, from a stop, in first or
second gear (or third gear, in 4LO range).
Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in
second gear. Starting out in second or third
gear can be helpful in snowy or icy condi-
tions.
• If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not
occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift
at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Holding the gear selector in the (-) position
will downshift the transmission to the low-
est gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more notice-
able when AutoStick is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift
mode if a fault or overheat condition is
detected.
NOTE:
When Hill Descent Control is enabled,
AutoStick is not active.To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE position. You can shift
in or out of the AutoStick position at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position
completely can cause transfer case dam-
age or loss of power and vehicle control.
You could have a collision. Do not drive the
vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
Four-Position Transfer Case
The transfer case provides four mode posi-
tions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)
Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
STARTING AND OPERATING
150

Five-Position Transfer Case
The transfer case provides five mode posi-
tions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
•
4H Auto (Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range)
• 4H PT (Four-Wheel Drive Part Time High
Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2H
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — This range is
for normal street and highway driving on dry,
hard surfaced roads.
4H AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This
range sends power to the front wheels. The
four-wheel drive system will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.
4H P-T
Four-Wheel Drive Part Time High Range —
This range maximizes torque to the front
driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This range pro-
vides additional traction for loose, slippery
road surfaces only.NEUTRAL (N)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
matic transmission is in PARK. The park-
ing brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
153

Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the
system. Push the switch again to deactivate
the system. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light”
(located in the instrument cluster) will illumi-
nate when the bar is disconnected. The
“Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash during
activation transition, or when activation con-
ditions are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar
should remain in on-road mode during nor-
mal driving conditions.
WARNING!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is recon-
nected before driving on hard surfaced
roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h); a disconnected stabilizer/sway
bar may contribute to the loss of vehicle
control, which could result in serious in-
jury. Under certain circumstances, the
front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle
stability and assists with vehicle control.
The system monitors vehicle speed and
will attempt to reconnect the stabilizer/
sway bar at speeds over 18 mph
(29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing
or solid “Sway Bar Indicator Light.” Once
WARNING!
vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph
(22 km/h), the system will once again
attempt to return to off-road mode.
To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to
either 4H or 4L and push the SWAY BAR
switch to obtain the off-road position. Refer
to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this sec-
tion for further information. The “Sway Bar
Indicator Light” will flash until the stabilizer/
sway bar has been fully disconnected.
NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differ-
ences. This condition is due to driving sur-
face differences or vehicle loading. In order
for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/
reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require
that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or
rocked from side to side.
To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY
BAR switch again.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to
on-road mode, the “Sway Bar Indicator
Light” will flash in the instrument cluster
and vehicle stability may be reduced. Do
not attempt to drive the vehicle over
18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than
18 mph (29 km/h) with a disconnected
stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the
loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury.
STOP/START SYSTEM —
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (IF
EQUIPPED)
The Stop/Start function is developed to re-
duce fuel consumption. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle
stop if the required conditions are met. Re-
leasing the brake pedal or pressing the accel-
erator pedal will automatically re-start the
engine.
157

ESS vehicles have been upgraded with a
heavy duty starter, enhanced battery, and
other upgraded engine parts, to handle the
additional engine starts.
NOTE:
It is recommended that the Start/Stop Sys-
tem be disabled during off-road use.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled
after every normal customer en-
gine start. At that time, the sys-
tem will go into STOP/START
READY and if all other conditions are met,
can go into a STOP/START AUTOSTOP AC-
TIVE “Autostop” mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:
• The system must be in STOP/START
READY state. A STOP/START READY mes-
sage will be displayed in the instrument
cluster display within the Stop/Start sec-tion. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” in
your Owner’s Manual for further informa-
tion.
• The vehicle must be completely stopped.
• The shifter must be in a forward gear and
the brake pedal depressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer
will move to the zero position and the Stop/
Start telltale will illuminate indicating you
are in Autostop. Customer settings will be
maintained upon return to an engine running
condition.
Refer to the “Stop/Start System” in the
“Starting And Operating” section located in
your Owner’s Manual for further information.
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop
Prior to engine shut down, the system will
check many safety and comfort conditions to
see if they are fulfilled. Detailed information
about the operation of the Stop/Start system
may be viewed in the instrument clusterdisplay Stop/Start Screen. In the following
situations, the engine will not stop:
• Driver’s seat belt is not buckled.
• Driver’s door is not closed.
• Battery temperature is too warm or cold.
• Battery charge is low.
• The vehicle is on a steep grade.
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and
an acceptable cabin temperature has not
been achieved.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed.
• HVAC set to MAX A/C.
• Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature.
• Engine temperature too high.
• The transmission is not in a forward gear.
• Hood is open.
• Transfer case is in 4LO or Neutral.
• Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient
pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING
158

Other Factors Which Can Inhibit Autostop In-
clude:
• Accelerator pedal input.
• Vehicle speed threshold not achieved from
previous auto-stop.
• Steering angle beyond threshold. (ESS
Models Only)
• ACC is on and speed is set.
• Vehicle is at high altitude.
• System fault present.
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven
several times without the STOP/START sys-
tem going into a STOP/START READY state
under more extreme conditions of the items
listed above.
To Start The Engine While In Autostop
Mode
While in a forward gear, the engine will start
when the brake pedal is released or the
throttle pedal is depressed. The transmission
will automatically re-engage upon engine re-
start.Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode:
• The transmission selector is moved out of
DRIVE.
• To maintain cabin temperature comfort.
• Actual cabin temperature is significantly
different than temperature set on Auto
HVAC.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
• HVAC system temperature or fan speed is
manually adjusted.
• Battery voltage drops too low.
• Low brake vacuum (e.g. after several brake
pedal applications).
• STOP/START OFF switch is pushed.
• A STOP/START system error occurs.
• STOP/START AUTO STOP ACTIVE time ex-
ceeds 5 minutes.
• 4WD system is put into 4LO or Neutral
mode.
• Steering wheel is turned beyond threshold.
(ESS Models Only)
To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start
System
1. Push the STOP/START OFF switch (lo-
cated on the switch bank). The light on
the switch will illuminate.
2. The “STOP/START OFF” message will ap-
pear in instrument cluster display within
the Stop/Start section. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
STOP/START Off Switch
159