2023 JEEP GLADIATOR brake

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.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 155

156STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock system which requires the transmission
to be in PARK before the ignition can be turned to
the OFF position. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without placing
the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is
in the OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the
ignition is in the ACC position (even though the
engine will be off). Ensure that the transmission is
in PARK, and the ignition is OFF (not in ACC
position) before exiting the vehicle.
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 transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi -
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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 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.
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 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 position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, 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 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 transmis -
sion 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
position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
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.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156

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.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

158STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK. As an
added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb
on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
Apply the parking brake
Shift the transmission into PARK
Turn the ignition off
Remove the key fob from the vehicle
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles, be sure that the
transfer case is in a drive position.
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.
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 transmission is in PARK before
exiting the vehicle.
The transmission may not engage PARK if the
vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a
complete stop before shifting to PARK, and
verify that the transmission gear position indi
-
cator solidly indicates PARK (P) without
blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely
stopped, and the PARK position is properly
indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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 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.
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 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 position, the transmis -
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, 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 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 transmis -
sion 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
position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING159
The following indicators should be used to ensure
that you have properly engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button
on the gear selector and firmly move the gear
selector all the way forward until it stops and is
fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position display
and verify that it indicates the PARK position (P),
and is not blinking.
With the brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop. NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. Apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts
and downshifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts through all
forward gears. The DRIVE position should be used
for all normal operating conditions.When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such
as when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use
the AutoStick shift control to select a lower gear
Ú
page 160. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F
[-30°C] or below), transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
MANUAL (M)
The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position) enables full manual control of
transmission shifting also known as AutoStick
mode. Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or
rearward (+) while in the MANUAL (AutoStick)
position will manually select the transmission gear,
and will display the current gear in the instrument
cluster Ú page 160.
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
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must start the engine, and
also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.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 cause severe transmission damage.

For Recreational Towing Ú page 205.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 350.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 159

STARTING AND OPERATING161
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.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
FOUR-POSITION TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector

The transfer case provides four positions:
2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
N (Neutral)
4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)
For additional information on the appropriate use
of each transfer case position, see the information
below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for
normal street and highway driving on dry, hard
surfaced roads. 4H
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces only.
N (Neutral)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front
and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be
used for flat towing behind another vehicle.
See Recreational Towing for further information
Ú
page 205.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position
completely can cause transfer case damage or
loss of power and vehicle control. You could have
a collision. Do not drive the vehicle unless the
transfer case is fully engaged.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed 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 roll, even if the automatic
transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission
is in gear). The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

STARTING AND OPERATING163
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transfer case
fluid warms up. This is normal.
FIVE-POSITION TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
The transfer case provides five positions:
2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
4H AUTO (Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range)
4H PART TIME (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 position, see the information
below:
2H
Two-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. This range
provides additional traction for varying road
conditions.
4H PART TIME
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 provides additional
traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only. N (Neutral)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used
for flat towing behind another vehicle
Úpage 205.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides
low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to
the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
This transfer case is designed to be driven in the
two-wheel drive position (2H) or four-wheel drive
position (4H AUTO) for normal street and highway
conditions on dry hard surfaced roads.
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position
completely can cause transfer case damage or
loss of power and vehicle control. You could have
a collision. Do not drive the vehicle unless the
transfer case is fully engaged.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed 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 roll, even if the automatic
transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission
is in gear). The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

168STARTING AND OPERATING
OFF ROAD+ — IF EQUIPPED

OFF ROAD+ Switch

When activated, OFF ROAD+ is designed to
improve the user experience when using specific
Off Road driving modes. To activate Off Road+,
push the OFF ROAD+ switch in the switch bank.
The vehicle’s performance will improve depending
on which Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) mode is
activated.
NOTE:OFF ROAD+ will not function in Two-Wheel Drive
High (2H) mode. If the button is pushed while in 2H
mode, the cluster display will show the message
“OFF ROAD+ Unavailable Shift to 4WD”.
When OFF ROAD+ is active, the following features
will activate:
The OFF ROAD+ telltale will illuminate in the
Instrument Cluster Display
A mode specific message will display the Instru -
ment Cluster Display
Off Road pages will launch on the radio
head-unit (if equipped)
The Off Road Camera will launch (if equipped)
Once in OFF ROAD+, the vehicle will begin to
behave in different ways depending on the 4WD
mode in use. The following enhancements will
occur when using OFF ROAD+.
4L
Engine/Transmission Calibration: Rock Crawl
and controllability focus, change in shifting
schedule when rock crawling, pedal calibration
shifted to de-gain and low range, operates at
lower vehicle speeds
Traction Control: Aggressive brake lock differen -
tial tuning at slower speed or FIRST gear
OFF ROAD+: Recall the last status between igni -
tion cycles
4H
Engine/Transmission Calibration: Improved
sand performance/wheel slip focus, change in
shift schedule for sport mode, pedal calibration
set to aggressive, operates at elevated vehicle
speeds
Traction Control: High wheel speed, slip tuning
brake lock differential with no engine manage -
ment
Electronic Stability Control: ESC Off with unlim -
ited speed
OFF ROAD+: Will default to OFF between ignition
cycles
Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
will not function while using OFF ROAD+. A
dedicated cluster message will display indicating
this if either feature is activated while in OFF
ROAD+.
If the ESC OFF button is pushed while in OFF
ROAD+, the following will occur on the vehicle:
Push of the ESC OFF Button: Traction Control
will turn off, but Stability Control will remain
active.
Hold the ESC OFF Button for five seconds: Trac -
tion Control and Stability Control will turn off.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electro-Hydraulic
Power Steering system that will provide increased
vehicle response and ease of maneuverability. If
the Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering system
experiences a fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system will provide
mechanical steering capability.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 168