2023 JEEP GLADIATOR instrument cluster

154STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transmission
fluid warms up. This is normal.

Manual Transmission Shifter
To shift the gears, fully press the clutch pedal and
place the gear selector into the desired gear
position (the diagram for the engagement of the
gears is displayed on the handle of the selector).
The gear position will be displayed in the
instrument cluster.
To engage REVERSE gear from the NEUTRAL
position, lift the REVERSE ring, located below the
knob and move the gear selector all the way left
and then forward.
SHIFTING
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears.
As you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the
accelerator pedal.
You should always use FIRST gear when starting
from a standing position.
NOTE:A certain amount of noise from the transmission is
normal. This noise can be most noticeable when
the vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL with the clutch
engaged (clutch pedal released), but it may also be
heard when driving. The noise may also be more
noticeable when the transmission is warm. This
noise is normal and is not an indication of a
problem with your clutch or transmission.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for
both fuel economy and performance, it should be
upshifted as listed in the recommended shift
speed chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for
acceleration. When heavily loaded or pulling a
trailer, these recommended up shift speeds may
not apply.
NOTE:Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for 2H and 4H only. Vehicle speeds in 4L would be significantly less.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
Engine
Speeds 1 to 22 to 33 to 44 to 55 to 6
3.6L Accel.
15 (24) 24 (39)50 (80)65 (104) 70 (112)
Cruise 10 (16) 19 (31)40 (64)55 (88)65 (105)

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154

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

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

160STARTING AND OPERATING
mode, the transmission may operate only in
certain gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely degraded and the
engine may stall. In some situations, the
transmission may not re-engage if the engine is
turned off and restarted. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. A message in the
instrument cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate what actions
may be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
NOTE:
In cases where the instrument cluster message
indicates the transmission may not re-engage
after engine shutdown, perform this procedure
only in a desired location (preferably, at an
authorized dealer).
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom -
mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized
dealer service is required.

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL. 3. Push and hold the ENGINE START/STOP
button until the engine turns off.
4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal operation.
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, eliminate undesirable
upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall
vehicle performance. This feature can also provide
you with more control during passing, city driving,
cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear
selector into the MANUAL (M) position (beside the
DRIVE position). The current transmission gear will
be displayed in the instrument 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 selected 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 downshift
as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
The transmission will automatically downshift to
FIRST gear when coming to a stop. After a stop,
the driver should manually upshift (+) the trans
-
mission as the vehicle is accelerated.
You can start out, from a stop, in FIRST or
SECOND gear (or THIRD gear, in 4L 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 conditions.
If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to overspeed, 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 lowest gear
possible at the current speed.
Transmission shifting will be more noticeable
when AutoStick is enabled.
The system may revert to automatic shift mode
if a fault or overheat condition is detected.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 160

162STARTING AND OPERATING
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).
The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions,
such as hard-surfaced roads.
In the event that additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to
lock the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only and not intended
for normal driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L
positions on hard-surfaced roads will cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components. For further information on shifting
into 4H or 4L Ú page 162.
The instrument cluster alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the front and
rear driveshafts are locked together. The light will
illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into
the 4H position.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed will be approximately three times (four times
for Rubicon models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed
the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect shifting and cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning
and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road
conditions permit.
Shifting Procedures
2H TO 4H OR 4H TO 2H

Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. The preferred shifting
speed would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the
accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Do not
accelerate while shifting the transfer case. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.

NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the
shift to take place. Shifting while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage
to the transfer case.
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or
uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle
loading, or cold temperatures.
Shifting effort will increase with speed, this is
normal.
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transfer case
fluid warms up. This is normal.
4H TO 4L OR 4L TO 4H

With the vehicle rolling at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h),
shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N), or
press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
While the vehicle is coasting at 1 to 3 mph (2 to
5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the
desired position. Do not pause with the transfer case
in N (Neutral). Once the shift is completed, place the
automatic transmission into DRIVE or release the
clutch pedal on a manual transmission.

NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle
completely stopped; however, difficulty may occur
due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth
alignment and shift completion to occur. The
preferred method is with the vehicle rolling at 1 to
3 mph (2 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage
or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster
than 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h).

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162

164STARTING AND OPERATING
For variable driving conditions, the 4H AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is
engaged, but the vehicle's power is sent to the rear
wheels. Four-wheel drive will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Because the front axle is engaged, this
mode will result in lower fuel economy than the 2H
mode.
In the event that additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to
lock the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only and not intended
for normal driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L
positions on hard-surfaced roads will cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components. For further information on shifting
into 4H or 4L Ú page 164.
The instrument cluster alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the front and
rear driveshafts are locked together. The light will
illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into
the 4H position.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed will be approximately three times (four times
for Rubicon models) that of the 2H or 4H positions
at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed
the engine. Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect shifting and cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning
and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road
conditions permit.
Shifting Procedures
2H TO 4H AUTO OR 4H AUTO TO 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H AUTO can be made
with the vehicle stopped or in motion. The
preferred shifting speed would be 0 to 45 mph
(72 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the transfer
case will engage/disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after
completing the shift. Do not accelerate while
shifting the transfer case. Apply a constant force
when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H/4H AUTO TO 4H PART TIME OR 4H PART
TIME TO 2H/4H AUTO
Shifting between 2H/4H AUTO to 4H PART TIME
can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion.
The preferred shifting speed would be 0 to 45 mph
(72 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the transfer
case will engage/disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Do not accelerate while
shifting the transfer case. Apply a constant force
when shifting the transfer case lever.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The front and
rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the
shift to take place. Shifting while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage
to the transfer case.
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or
uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle
loading, or cold temperatures.
Shifting effort will increase with speed, this is
normal.
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transfer case
fluid warms up. This is normal.
4H PART TIME/4H AUTO TO 4L OR 4L TO 4H
PART TIME/4H AUTO
With the vehicle rolling at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h),
shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N),
or press the clutch pedal on a manual
transmission. While the vehicle is coasting at 1 to
3 mph (2 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever
firmly to the desired position. Do not pause with
the transfer case in N (Neutral). Once the shift is

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 164

STARTING AND OPERATING167
This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch
located on the instrument panel (to the right of the
steering column).

SWAY BAR Switch

Push the SWAY BAR switch to disconnect or
connect the sway bar. The Sway Bar Indicator Light
(located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate
when the bar is disconnected. The Sway Bar
Indicator Light will flash during activation
transition, or when activation conditions are not
met. The stabilizer/sway bar should remain in
on-road mode during normal driving conditions. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to
either 4H or 4L and push the SWAY BAR switch to
obtain the off-road position
Úpage 161. 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 differences.
This condition is due to driving surface 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!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected
before driving on hard surfaced roads or at
speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h); a discon -
nected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the
loss of vehicle control, which could result in seri -
ous injury. Under certain circumstances, the
front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle sta -
bility and assists with vehicle control. The sys-
tem 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 flash -
ing or solid Sway Bar Indicator Light. Once vehi -
cle speed is reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h),
the system will once again attempt to return to
off-road mode.
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.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 167

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