2023 JEEP GLADIATOR ECU

110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
TAILGATE
OPENING

Tailgate Release Handle

To open the tailgate, pull the release handle
located on the center of the tailgate and guide it to
the lowered position.
The tailgate is dampened to provide a slower, more
controlled lowering.
THREE-POSITION TAILGATE
The vehicle’s tailgate can be set to three positions:
open, mid, or closed. The mid position can be used
to provide a loading surface for transporting sheet
goods.
To use the mid position, open the tailgate and
lower it to near mid position.
Tailgate In Mid Position

Secure the tailgate in this position by looping the
tailgate straps behind the circular retainer on both
sides.

Loop Tailgate Strap Behind Circular Retainer

Ensure the tailgate strap is properly seated behind
the circular retainer against the sides of the sheet
metal.
Correctly Seated Tailgate Strap
Incorrectly Seated Tailgate Strap

When hauling cargo using the mid position and the
tailgate, you must support the load at two forward
locations:
At the top of the rear wheelhouse (1)
Between the wheelhouse and the tailgate (2)

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE111

Chamfered Boards In Pickup Box

NOTE:Failure to support the load at these two forward
locations could result in damage.
Three 2x4 boards are needed to provide support at
locations (1) and (2). Each board will need to be cut
to fit inside the pickup box.
The support at location (1) should be seated in the
dedicated formation on top of the wheelhouses.
The support at location (2) should use the
remaining two 2x4s. Stack the boards and place
them into the formation in the side wall of the
pickup box. The corners of the bottom board will
need to be chamfered to fit.
NOTE:
All cargo transported in the pickup box must be
secured.
The maximum payload for the mid position is
300 lb (136 kg).
CLOSING
To close the tailgate, lift upward until both sides
latch into place.
NOTE:
If the Tonneau Cover is installed, make sure the
Tonneau Cover is fully closed before closing the
tailgate.
Due to the presence of the Center
High-Mounted Stop Lamp, removal of the tail -
gate is not recommended.
BED RAIL TIE DOWN SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED
The Bed Rail Tie Down system allows you to
properly secure cargo in the truck bed.

Bed Rail Tie Down Locations

1 — Support Location 1
2 — Support Location 2
CAUTION!
After closing, pull back on the tailgate firmly to
ensure it is securely latched. Failure to securely
latch the tailgate could result in damage to the
vehicle or cargo.
CAUTION!
The maximum load per cleat should not exceed
250 lb (113 kg) and the angle of the load on
each cleat should not exceed 45 degrees above
horizontal, or damage to the cleat or cleat rail
may occur.2

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112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
There are two adjustable utility rail cleats on each
side of the bed that can be used to assist in
securing cargo.

Adjustable Cleat Assembly

Each utility rail cleat must be tightened down in
one of the detents along either utility rail in order to
keep cargo properly secured.
To move the utility rail cleat to any position on the
utility rail, turn the cleat retainer nut counter-
clockwise several times. Then, pull out on the
utility rail cleat and slide it to the detent nearest
the desired location. Make sure the utility rail cleat
is seated in the detent, and tighten the nut. To remove the utility rail cleats from the side utility
rails, slide the cleat to the rectangular cutout
located at the end of the rail toward the front of the
vehicle.
To remove the utility rail cleat from the front utility
rail, slide the cleat to the rectangular cutout
located on the left side of the rail.
TONNEAU COVER — IF EQUIPPED
The Tonneau Cover can be installed on the truck
bed to keep cargo out of view, and protect from
inclement weather.
The Tonneau Cover consists of the following
features:
Easy roll up cover
Tonneau fore/aft locator
Crossbar inside bed locator
Rear latches
Stowage straps
NOTE:The Tonneau Cover can be rolled up and secured
at the front of the truck bed without removing it
completely.
TONNEAU COVER INSTALLATION
To install the Tonneau Cover, proceed as follows:

1. Position the rolled up Tonneau Cover on the
truck bed and align it to the two fastener
locations at the front of the bed.

Fastener Locations

2. Using a #T50 Torx head driver, secure the fasteners to the bed.
3. Lower the tailgate to the fully open position before unrolling the Tonneau Cover.
1 — Utility Rail Detent
2 — Cleat Retainer Nut
3 — Utility Rail Cleat

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE113
4. Release the stowage straps used to secure the Tonneau Cover in the rolled up position.

Release Stowage Strap

5. Roll the Tonneau Cover rearward toward the back of the truck bed.

Roll Tonneau Cover Rearward
6. Position both Tonneau Cover latches over the
locking mechanisms (one on each side of the
truck bed), making sure the plastic retainer is
correctly seated in the forward part of the
latch.

Correctly Seated Retainer
Incorrectly Seated Retainer
7. Once the rear Tonneau Cover bar is positioned
over the locking mechanism, grab the back of
the Tonneau Cover and push downward on the
center to engage the locking mechanisms.
Make sure an audible “click” from both sides
of the Tonneau Cover is heard to confirm that
the latch is completely engaged.

Push Downward To Lock

NOTE:If desired, the Tonneau Cover can be left in this
position (rear panel folded forward) while the
tailgate is closed, or the tailgate can be raised to
the mid-position Ú page 110.
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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Tonneau Cover With Tailgate In Mid-Position

8. Fold the rear panel down; the tailgate can now be raised and secured in place.
NOTE:If not leaving the tailgate in the mid-position, the
Tonneau Cover must be closed completely prior to
fully closing the tailgate.
TONNEAU COVER REMOVAL
To remove the Tonneau Cover, proceed as follows:

1. Open the tailgate.

2. Fold the rear panel of the Tonneau Cover forward to reveal the red release straps.

Release Strap Location

3. Pull one of the red release straps to release the Tonneau Cover latch.
NOTE:Pulling either strap will release the latches to roll
the Tonneau Cover up; there is no need to pull both
at the same time. 4. Roll the Tonneau Cover forward, starting with
the rear bar and continue to roll toward the
front of the truck bed.

Roll Tonneau Cover Forward

5. Using the stowage straps, secure the Tonneau Cover in the rolled up position.

Secured Tonneau Cover

CAUTION!
Do not sit on the Tonneau Cover; damage to the
cover and/or cargo will occur.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE115
6. Using a #T50 Torx head driver, remove the two fasteners securing the Tonneau Cover to the
front of the truck bed.

Fastener Locations

7. Utilizing two people, lift the Tonneau Cover up and away from the truck bed.
NOTE:Be sure the Tonneau Cover has been completely
rolled up, and straps are secure, before removing.
8. Store in a safe location.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:Roof rack applications are for Hard Top models
ONLY. The Roof Luggage Rack is designed to allow for
carrying an additional cargo load on vehicles
equipped with a Hard Top. The load carried on the
roof, when equipped with a luggage rack, must not
exceed 100 lb (45 kg), this includes the weight of
the crossbars, and it should be uniformly
distributed over the cargo area.
Crossbars should always be used whenever cargo
is placed on the roof rack. Check the straps
frequently to be sure that the load remains
securely attached.
NOTE:Crossbars can be purchased at an authorized
dealer through Mopar® parts.
External racks do not increase the total load
carrying capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the
total occupant and luggage load inside the vehicle,
plus the load on the luggage rack, do not exceed
the maximum vehicle load capacity.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied down before driving
your vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off
the vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting
in personal injury or property damage. Follow
the roof rack cautions when carrying cargo on
your roof rack.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle,
do not exceed the maximum roof rack load
capacity. Always distribute heavy loads as
evenly as possible and secure the load appro
-
priately.
Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
should be secured to both the front and rear of
the vehicle.
Place a blanket or other protection between
the surface of the roof and the load.
Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners
carefully when carrying large or heavy loads
on the roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural
causes or nearby truck traffic, can add sudden
upward lift. It is recommended to not carry
large flat loads, such as wood panels or surf -
boards, which may result in damage to the
cargo or your vehicle.
Load should always be secured to crossbars
first, with tie down loops used as additional
securing points if needed. Tie loops are
intended as supplementary tie down points
only. Do not use ratcheting mechanisms with
the tie loops. Check the straps frequently to be
sure that the load remains securely attached.
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128GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
What to do when an electrical load reduction
action message is present (“Battery Saver On” or
“Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
Turn off redundant lights (interior or exte -
rior)
Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volt, 115 Volts AC, USB ports
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and review
specifications if any (load and ignition off draw
currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecutive
trips and the evaluation of the vehicle and
driving pattern did not help to identify the cause.
DIESEL DISPLAYS
When the appropriate conditions exist, the
following messages display in the instrument
cluster display:
Exhaust Filter Nearing Full Safely Drive at
Consistent Speeds to Clear
Exhaust Filter Full – Power Reduced See Dealer
Exhaust System Service Required – See Dealer
Exhaust System – Filter XX% Full Service
Required See Dealer
Exhaust System Regeneration in Process
Continue Driving
Exhaust System – Regeneration Completed
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
M
ESSAGES
This engine meets all required diesel engine
emissions standards. To achieve these emissions
standards, your vehicle is equipped with a
state-of-the-art engine and exhaust system. These
systems are seamlessly integrated into your
vehicle and managed by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The PCM manages engine combustion to allow the exhaust system’s catalyst
to trap and burn Particulate Matter (PM)
pollutants, with no input or interaction on your part.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
previously referenced, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
CAUTION!
The engine may be switched off even if the
warning light is on: repeated interruptions of the
regeneration process could cause an early
deterioration of engine oil. For this reason it is
always advisable to wait for the symbol to go off
before turning off the engine, following the
previously mentioned instructions. Do not
complete the DPF regeneration process when
the vehicle is stopped.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL135
Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security system is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is
disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This warning light monitors the ABS. The
light will turn on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is required as
soon as possible. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally,
assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position,
have the brake system inspected by an authorized
dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the
Electronic Stability Control system is
Active. The ESC Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position, and when ESC is activated. It should go
out with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator
Light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the
ESC system. If this warning light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer
as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi -
cator Light come on momentarily each time the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/
RUN position.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in an
ESC event.
WARNING!

If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi -
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come
in contact with hot engine or exhaust components
and cause a fire. If you continue to operate the
vehicle when the CLUTCH HOT message is dis -
played or Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated, you could cause the clutch to
overheat and cause a fire.

CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tem -
perature Warning Light illuminated will eventu -
ally cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure. If you continue to operate
the vehicle when the CLUTCH HOT message is
displayed or Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated, you could cause the clutch
to overheat and cause severe clutch damage,
transmission damage or failure.
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