2023 JEEP GLADIATOR wheel

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

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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 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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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.

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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.
4

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170STARTING AND OPERATING
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. At that time, the
system will go into STOP/START READY.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:
The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A STOP/START READY message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
within the Stop/Start section Ú page 121.
The vehicle must be completely stopped.
The gear selector must be in a forward gear and
the brake pedal pressed.
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.
POSSIBLE REASONS THE ENGINE DOES
N
OT 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 cluster display 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 is set to MAX A/C
Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature
Engine or exhaust temperature is too high
The transmission is not in a forward gear
Hood is open
Transfer case is in 4L or N (Neutral)
Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pres -
sure
Accelerator pedal input
Vehicle speed threshold has not been achieved
from previous Autostop
Steering angle is beyond threshold
ACC is on and speed is set
Vehicle is at high altitude
System fault is present It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven
several times without the Stop/Start system going
into a STOP/START READY state under more
extreme conditions of the items listed above.
TO START THE ENGINE WHILE IN
A
UTOSTOP MODE
While in a forward gear, the engine will start when
the brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is
pressed. The transmission will automatically
re-engage upon engine restart.
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
Stop/Start OFF switch is pushed
A Stop/Start system error occurs
Stop/Start Autostop Active time exceeds five
minutes
Transfer case is in 4L or N (Neutral)
Steering wheel is turned beyond threshold

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 170

STARTING AND OPERATING171
TO MANUALLY TURN OFF THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM

Stop/Start OFF Switch

Push the Stop/Start OFF switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will illuminate.
The “Stop/Start OFF” message will appear in
instrument cluster display within the Stop/Start
section, and the autostop function will be disabled
Ú page 121.
NOTE:The Stop/Start system will reset itself back to an
ON condition every time the ignition is turned off
and back on.
TO MANUALLY TURN ON THE STOP/
S
TART SYSTEM
Push the Stop/Start Off switch (located on the
switch bank). The light on the switch will turn off.
SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If there is a malfunction in the Stop/Start system,
the system will not shut down the engine. A
“SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message and a
yellow Stop/Start telltale will appear in the
instrument cluster display Ú page 121.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM” message
appears in the instrument cluster display, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
STOP/START SYSTEM — MANUAL
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. Pressing the
clutch pedal will automatically restart the vehicle.
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

1 — Primary Battery
2 — Secondary Battery
4

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