2023 JEEP GLADIATOR light

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.
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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.

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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.
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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)

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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.

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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).

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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

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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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