2023 JEEP GLADIATOR automatic transmission

146STARTING AND OPERATING
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Ignition is switched from ON/RUN to OFF
NOTE:For Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ equipped vehicles, the
engine will turn off and the ignition will change to
ACC position. After 30 minutes the ignition
switches to OFF automatically, unless the driver
turns the ignition OFF.
If the vehicle is not in PARK and the driver exits the
vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle may
AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage when all of these conditions
are met:
Vehicle is equipped with an 8-speed transmis -
sion
Driver door is ajar or if the driver door is
removed and the driver is not on the seat (seat
pad sensor detects driver missing)
Vehicle is not in PARK
Vehicle speed is 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less
Driver seat belt is unbuckled
Brake pedal is not pressed
The message “ AutoPark Engaged Shift To P Then
Shift To Gear ” will display in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:In some cases the ParkSense graphic will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. In these cases,
the gear selector must be returned to “P” to select
desired gear.
If the driver shifts into PARK while moving, the
vehicle may AutoPark.
AutoPark will engage ONLY when vehicle speed is
1.2 mph (1.9 km/h) or less.
The message “ Vehicle Speed Is Too High To Shift
To P ” will be displayed in the instrument cluster if
vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h).
4WD LOW
AutoPark will be disabled when operating the
vehicle in 4WD LOW.
The message “ AutoPark Disabled ” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Additional customer warnings will be given when
both of these conditions are met:
Vehicle is not in PARK
Driver’s door is ajar
The message “ AutoPark Not Engaged” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. A warning
chime will continue until you shift the vehicle into
PARK or the driver’s door is closed.
ALWAYS DO A VISUAL CHECK
that your vehicle is in
PARK by looking for the “P” in the instrument
cluster display and on the gear selector. As an
added precaution, always apply the parking brake
when exiting the vehicle.
EXTREME COLD WEATHER
(B
ELOW –22°F OR −30°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine block
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is
recommended.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
NOTE:Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle
has not been started or driven for at least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to
the battery to ensure a full battery charge
during the crank cycle.

WARNING!

If vehicle speed is above 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h), the
transmission will default to NEUTRAL until the
vehicle speed drops below 1.2 mph (1.9 km/h). A
vehicle left in the NEUTRAL position can roll. As
an added precaution, always apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle.

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STARTING AND OPERATING147
(Continued)
2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing
the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, place the ignition in the OFF position, wait
10 to 15 seconds to allow the starter to cool,
then repeat the “Extended Park Starting”
procedure.
4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the starter to cool for at least
10 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If the engine fails to start after you have followed
the “Normal Starting” procedure and the vehicle
has not experienced an extended park condition
as defined previously, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold
it there. Crank the engine for no more than 10
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case
the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the
ON/ RUN position, release the accelerator pedal
and repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically and will
decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED)
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat
belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 25-second
intervals. Waiting two minutes between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
continuously for more than 10 seconds at a
time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic 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 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 improperly Ú page 343.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds
before trying again.
WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then shift the automatic trans -
mission into PARK and apply the parking
brake.
Always make sure the keyless ignition node is
in the OFF position, key fob is removed from
the vehicle and vehicle is locked.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving chil -
dren 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 gear selector.
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148STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:Engine start-up in very low ambient temperature
could result in evident white smoke. This condition
will disappear as the engine warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission gear
selector in the PARK (P) position. Apply the brake
before shifting to any driving range.
EXTREME COLD WEATHER
The cartridge block heater clips into the engine
block near the water jacket and transfers heat to
the coolant. It requires a 110–115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire
extension cord. Its use is recommended for
environments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has not
been running overnight or longer periods and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its
use is required for cold starts with temperatures
under -20°F (-28°C).
NOTE:The engine block heater and heater cord are
factory installed options. If your vehicle is not
equipped, engine block heaters and heater cords
are available from an authorized Mopar® dealer.
A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housing
aids in preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by
a built-in thermostat.
A Diesel Pre-Heat system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white
smoke generated by a warming engine.
NORMAL STARTING
Observe the instrument cluster lights when
starting the engine.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accel -
erator pedal.

1. Always apply the parking brake.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
NOTE:A delay of the start of up to five seconds is possible
under very cold conditions. The “Wait to Start”
telltale will be illuminated during the preheat
process. When the engine “Wait To Start” telltale
turns off the engine will automatically crank.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children, and do
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
The engine is allowed to crank as long as
25 seconds. If the engine fails to start during
this period, please wait at least two minutes
for the starter to cool before repeating start
procedure.
If the Water in Fuel Indicator Light remains on,
DO NOT START engine before you drain the
water from the fuel filters to avoid engine
damage Ú page 368.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
If the Water in Fuel Indicator Light remains on,
DO NOT START the engine before you drain the
water from the fuel filters to avoid engine
damage Úpage 368.

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STARTING AND OPERATING151
NOTE:Under certain conditions the Stop/Start system
may be temporarily disabled and the engine fan
will run after the engine is turned off to protect the
engine. These conditions are under high load and
high temperature conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM TIPS — AUTOMATIC
T
RANSMISSION
To reduce the potential for engine and
transmission overheating in high ambient
temperature conditions, take the following actions:
City Driving — When stopped, shift the transmis -
sion into NEUTRAL (N) and increase engine idle
speed.
Highway Driving — Reduce your speed.
Up Steep Hills — Select a lower transmission
gear.
Air Conditioning — Turn it off temporarily.
NOTE:If the coolant temperature is too high, the A/C will
automatically turn off.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the Low Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut down the engine
as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely
stopped, restart the engine and monitor the lamp. If the lamp is still illuminated, shut the engine off,
contact an authorized dealer, and do not operate
the vehicle until the cause is corrected. If the lamp
is no longer illuminated, the engine can be
operated, but should be taken to an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for further inspection.
NOTE:Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not show how much oil is
in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
under the hood.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed
Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the
parts fail. Be on the alert for changes in
performance, sounds, and visual evidence that the
engine requires service. Some important clues are:
Engine misfiring or vibrating severely
Sudden loss of power
Unusual engine noises
Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
Sudden change, outside the normal operating
range, in the engine operating temperature
Excessive smoke
Oil pressure drop
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE (IF EQUIPPED)
A long break-in period is not required for the engine
and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your
vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within
the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good
break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low
gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory
is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant.
Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations
will occur.
For the recommended viscosity and quality grades
see Ú page 424.
CAUTION!
If oil pressure falls to less than normal readings,
shut the engine off immediately. Failure to do so
could result in immediate and severe engine
damage.
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152STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during its first
few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in
and not interpreted as a problem.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
DIESEL ENGINE (IF EQUIPPED)
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal operation is
allowed, providing the following recommendations
are followed:
Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
Use the appropriate transmission gear to
prevent engine lugging.
Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature
indicators.
Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when
carrying or towing significant weight.
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or
no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy
and power may be seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory
is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant.
Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations
will occur. For recommended viscosity and quality
grades Úpage 424. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
PARKING BRAKE
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave an automatic transmission in PARK, or
manual transmission in REVERSE or FIRST gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center
console. To apply the parking brake, pull the lever
up as firmly as possible. To release the parking
brake, pull the lever up slightly, push the center
button, then lower the lever completely.
Parking Brake Lever

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the Brake Warning Light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the auto -
matic transmission is placed in gear, the Brake
Warning Light will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the driver.
Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral
Oil in the engine or damage may result.

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STARTING AND OPERATING153
(Continued)
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade. For
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission,
apply the parking brake before placing the gear
selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position on an automatic
transmission as a substitute for the parking
brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
When exiting the vehicle, always remove the
key fob from the vehicle and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil
-
dren 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 gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children. A child
could operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to
brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, a manual
transmission in REVERSE or FIRST gear.
Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake system
serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should
always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on or
partially pressing the clutch pedal. Never
attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch pedal partially engaged. Operating
vehicle in this manner may cause the clutch to
overheat and cause permanent damage to
the clutch. If you continue to operate the
vehicle in this manner, the “CLUTCH HOT”
message or Transmission Temperature
Warning Light will be displayed in the instru -
ment cluster. For more information
Ú page 132.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear
selector as the force exerted, even if slight,
could lead over time to premature wear of the
gearbox internal components.
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STARTING AND OPERATING155
(Continued)
(Continued)
DOWNSHIFTING
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving
down steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the
right time provides better acceleration when you
desire to resume speed. Downshift progressively.
Do not skip gears to avoid overspeeding the engine
and clutch.
NOTE:Above certain speeds, downshifts may be blocked
and not available.
Maximum Recommended Downshift
Speeds
NOTE:Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for
2H and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L would be
significantly less.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip, and the vehicle could skid.
CAUTION!
Skipping gears and downshifting into lower
gears at higher vehicle speeds can damage
the engine and clutch systems. Any attempt to
shift into lower gear with clutch pedal pressed
may result in damage to the clutch system.
Shifting into lower gear and releasing the
clutch may result in engine damage.
When descending a hill, be very careful to
downshift one gear at a time to prevent over -
speeding the engine which can cause engine
damage, and/or clutch damage, even if the
clutch pedal is pressed. If transfer case is in
low range the vehicle speeds to cause engine
and clutch damage are significantly lower.
Failure to follow the maximum recommended
downshifting speeds may cause engine
damage and/or damage the clutch, even if the
clutch pedal is pressed.
Descending a hill in low range with clutch
pedal pressed could result in clutch damage.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow the maximum recommended
downshifting speeds may cause the engine to
overspeed and/or damage the clutch disc, even
if the clutch pedal is pressed.
CAUTION!Manual Transmission Downshift Speeds in
MPH (KM/H)

Gear
Selection 6 to 5 5 to 4 4 to 3 3 to 2 2 to 1
Maximum Speed 80
(129) 70
(113) 50
(81) 30
(48) 15
(24)

WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting the vehicle to
guard against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
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STARTING AND OPERATING157
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system 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.
8–SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range (PRNDM) is displayed
both beside the gear selector and in the
instrument cluster. To select a gear range, push
the lock button on the gear selector and move the
selector rearward or forward. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle
is stopped or moving at low speeds. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear
selector position and the actual transmission gear
(for example, driver selects PARK while driving),
the position indicator will blink continuously until
the selector is returned to the proper position, or
the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts
its shift schedule based on driver inputs, along
with environmental and road conditions. 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).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when
the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on the brake
pedal when shifting between these gears.
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 position) will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display the current gear
in the instrument cluster Ú page 160.
Gear Selector

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 transmission 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.
GEAR RANGES
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
out of PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler
-
ating. This is especially important when the engine
is cold.
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