2023 JEEP GLADIATOR warning light

STARTING AND OPERATING149
(Continued)
3. The system will automatically engage the
starter to crank the engine. If the vehicle fails
to start, the starter will disengage automat-
ically after 25 seconds.
4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, push the ENGINE
START/STOP button again.
5. Check that the Oil Pressure Warning Light has turned off.
6. Release the parking brake.
STARTING FLUIDS
The engine is equipped with a glow plug preheating
system. If the instructions in this manual are
followed, the engine should start in all conditions
and no type of starting fluid should be used.
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE
Observe the following when the diesel engine is
operating:
All message center lights are off.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
Engine Oil Pressure telltale is not illuminated.
Voltmeter operation.
The voltmeter may show a gauge fluctuation at
various engine temperatures. This is caused by the
glow plug heating system. The number of cycles
and the length of the cycling operation is controlled by the engine control module. Glow plug heater
operation can run for several minutes. Once the
heater operation is complete the voltmeter needle
will stabilize.
COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
Operation in ambient temperature below 32°F
(0°C) may require special considerations. The
following charts suggest these options:
Fuel Operating Range
NOTE:Use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuels
ONLY.

Fuel Operating Range Chart

*Number 1 ULSD Fuel should only be used where
extended arctic conditions 0°F (-18°C) exist.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the keyless ignition node is in the OFF posi -
tion, 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 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 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.
WARNING!
4

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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.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 151

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.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152

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.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING165
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).
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transfer case
fluid warms up. This is normal.
TRAC-LOK REAR AXLE — IF EQUIPPED
The Trac-Lok rear axle provides a constant driving
force to both rear wheels and reduces wheel spin
caused by the loss of traction at one driving wheel.
If traction differs between the two rear wheels, the
differential automatically proportions the usable
torque by providing more torque to the wheel that
has traction.
Trac-Lok is especially helpful during slippery
driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the
accelerator will supply maximum traction.
AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) FRONT AND
R
EAR — IF EQUIPPED
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument
panel (to the right of the steering column).

Axle Lock Switch Panel

This feature will only activate when the following
conditions are met:
Ignition in ON/RUN position, vehicle in 4L
(Four-Wheel Drive Low Range).
Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or
less.
Both right and left wheels on axle are at the
same speed.
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!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip
differential, never run the engine with one rear
wheel off the ground. The vehicle may drive
through the rear wheel remaining on the ground
and cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
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166STARTING AND OPERATING
To activate the system, push the AXLE LOCK switch
down to lock the rear axle only (the “REAR ONLY”
will illuminate), push the switch up to lock the front
axle and rear axle (the “FRONT + REAR” will
illuminate). When the rear axle is locked, pushing
the bottom of switch again will lock or unlock the
front axle.
NOTE:The indicator lights will flash until the axles are fully
locked or unlocked.
To unlock the axles, push the AXLE LOCK OFF
button.
Axle Lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out
of 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range), or the ignition
switch is turned to the OFF position.
The Axle Lock disengages at speeds above 30 mph
(48 km/h), and will automatically re-lock once
vehicle speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h).
AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) REAR ONLY —
I
F EQUIPPED
The rear axle may be locked in 4H if the proper
conditions are met. The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument
panel (to the right of the steering column).

Axle Lock Switch Panel

This feature will only activate when the following
conditions are met:
Ignition in RUN position, vehicle in 4H
(Four-Wheel Drive High Range).
The vehicle must be in OFF ROAD+ active
Ú page 168.
Vehicle must be in ESC “Full Off” mode
Úpage 282.
Vehicle must not be actively in a high wheel slip
or tight cornering condition.
To activate the system, push the AXLE LOCK switch
down to lock the rear axle only (“REAR ONLY” will
illuminate). To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE LOCK OFF
button.
Axle Lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out
of 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range), OFF ROAD+
is turned off by the driver, ESC “Full Off” is exited,
or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
NOTE:The indicator lights will flash until the rear axle is
fully locked or unlocked.
The rear Axle Lock system may temporarily
disengage the rear locker under some conditions.
If this occurs, the rear axle will automatically
re-lock as soon as the system allows.
If an Axle Lock request cannot be completed by the
system within 5 seconds due to vehicle operating
conditions not being correct, the request will be
canceled and the driver may need to re-request the
locker to be activated.
ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT —
I
F EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system
allows greater front suspension travel in off-road
situations.
WARNING!
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road
use only and should not be used on any public
roadways.

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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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING169
If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING”
message and a flashing icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster
screen, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to an authorized dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power
steering assistance Ú page 121.
If the “POWER STEERING HOT” message and an
icon are displayed on the instrument cluster
screen, it indicates that extreme steering
maneuvers may have occurred, which caused an
over temperature condition in the power steering
system. You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condition
no longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe,
pull over and let vehicle idle for a few moments
until the light turns off Ú page 121.
NOTE:
Even if power steering assistance is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -cially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
STOP/START SYSTEM — AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
The Engine Stop/Start (ESS) function is developed
to reduce fuel consumption. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle stop if
the required conditions are met. Releasing the
brake pedal or pressing the accelerator pedal will
automatically restart the engine.
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 Stop/Start system be
disabled during off-road use.
Secondary Battery
Your vehicle may be equipped with a secondary
battery used to power the Stop/Start system and
the 12 Volt vehicle electrical system. The
secondary battery is located behind the wheel well
for the front passenger wheel.

Battery Locations

AUTOSTOP MODE
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the
electrically driven pump to reduce or stop power
steering assistance in order to prevent damage
to the system. Normal operation will resume
once the system is allowed to cool.
1 — Primary Battery
2 — Secondary Battery
WARNING!
Vehicles with the Stop/Start system will be
equipped with two batteries. Both the main
and the supplemental batteries must be
disconnected to completely de-energize the
12 Volt electrical system.
Serious injury or death could result if you do
not disconnect both batteries. To learn how to
properly disconnect, see an authorized dealer.
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