2023 JEEP GLADIATOR traction control

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL123
and release the OK button. To reset the oil change
indicator system (after performing the scheduled
maintenance), refer to the following procedure.
Oil Life Reset

1. Without pushing the brake pedal, place the ignition in the ON/RUN mode (do not start the
engine).

2. Navigate to "Oil Life" submenu in "Vehicle Info" in the instrument cluster display.
3. Push and hold the OK button until the gauge
resets to 100%.
Secondary Method For Oil Change Reset
Procedure

1. Without pushing the brake pedal, place the ignition in the ON/RUN position (do not start
the engine).

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within ten seconds.
3. Without pushing the brake pedal, place the ignition in the OFF position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you start
the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
OFF ROAD+ DISPLAY — IF EQUIPPED
When the Off Road+ button is pushed in the switch
bank, the Instrument Cluster Display will begin to
show messages related to the feature. Depending
on the Four Wheel Drive mode in use, the
messages will differ, and after five seconds, all
messages will clear from the display. The
messages are as follows:
2H: Off Road+ Unavailable, Shift to 4WD
4H: 4WD High Off Road+ Active
4L: 4WD Low Off Road+ Active
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Cruise Control
are not available when using Off Road+. If either
option is selected, a dedicated message will
display indicating that the features are not usable
concurrently. Messages are as follows:
4H: Cruise Control — Cruise Control Unavailable
in Off Road+
4H: Adaptive Cruise Control — Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Unavailable in Off Road+
4L: Cruise Control — Cruise Control Unavailable
in 4WD Low
4L: Adaptive Cruise Control — Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Unavailable in 4WD Low
NOTE:The behavior of Electronic Stability Control while in
Off Road+ varies depending on the 4WD status. If
the vehicle is in 4WD High, Traction Control is auto -
matically turned off. Also, holding the ESC OFF
button for five seconds will turn off ESC. In 4WD
Low, Electronic Stability Control automatically
shuts off regardless of the Off Road Status.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
S
ELECTABLE ITEMS
The instrument cluster display can be used to view
the following main menu items:
NOTE:Depending on the vehicles options, feature
settings may vary.
Speedometer Driver Assist —
If EquippedMessages
Vehicle Info Trip Info Screen Setup
Fuel Economy Stop/Start Audio
Off Road —
If Equipped
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL139
Forward Collision Warning OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate
that Forward Collision Warning is off
Úpage 291.
Neutral Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle
is in the neutral mode Ú page 155.
Sway Bar Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when
the front sway bar is disconnected.
Off Road+ Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when
Off Road+ has been activated.
Cargo Light On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when
the Bed Lamp has been activated.
Wait To Start Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate for
approximately two seconds when the
ignition is turned to the ON/RUN position. Its duration may be longer based on colder
operating conditions. Vehicle will not initiate start
until telltale is no longer displayed.
NOTE:The Wait To Start Light may not illuminate if the
intake manifold temperature is warm enough.
Low Diesel Exhaust Emissions Additive
AdBlue® (UREA) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
The Low Diesel Exhaust Emissions
Additive AdBlue® (UREA) indicator light
illuminates when the AdBlue® (UREA)
level is low.
Fill the AdBlue® (UREA) tank as soon as possible
with at least 1.3 gallons (5 liters) of AdBlue®
(UREA).
If filling the tank is done with a remaining range of
AdBlue® (UREA) in the tank equal to zero, you may
need to wait two minutes before starting the
vehicle.
Water In Fuel Indicator Light — If Equipped
The Water In Fuel Indicator Light will
illuminate when there is water detected
in the fuel filter. If this light remains on,
DO NOT start the vehicle before you drain
the water from the fuel filter to prevent engine
damage, and please see an authorized dealer.
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
4WD Auto Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in the four-wheel drive auto
mode. The system will provide power to
all four wheels and shift the power
between the front and rear axles as needed. This
will provide maximum traction in dry and slippery
conditions.
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light —
If Equipped With A Premium Instrument
Cluster
This indicator light will illuminate when
the cruise control is set to the desired
speed Ú page 173.
CAUTION!
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit
may cause severe damage to the injection
system and irregular engine operation. If the
indicator light is illuminated, contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible to bleed
the system. If the previously mentioned
indicators come on immediately after refueling,
water or AdBlue® (UREA) have probably been
poured into the tank: switch the engine off
immediately and contact an authorized dealer.
3

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STARTING AND OPERATING161
NOTE:When Hill Descent Control is enabled, AutoStick is
not active.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE position. You can shift in or
out of the AutoStick position at any time without
taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
FOUR-POSITION TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector

The transfer case provides four positions:
2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
4H (Four-Wheel Drive 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
Four-Wheel Drive 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)
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front
and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be
used for flat towing behind another vehicle.
See Recreational Towing for further information
Ú
page 205.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.
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

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

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

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163

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.
4

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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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178STARTING AND OPERATING
Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off
button will result in turning on (changing to) Fixed
Speed Cruise Control mode.
If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed will default to
20 mph (32 km/h).
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control cannot be set below
20 mph (32 km/h).
If either system is set when the vehicle speed is
above 20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be
the current speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:
Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can
cause the vehicle to continue to accelerate
beyond the set speed. If this occurs, the message “DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the
instrument cluster display.
If you continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed while ACC is enabled, the system will not
be controlling the distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will
only be determined by the position of the accel-
erator pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed
Speed Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
The Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) activates
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position
The braking temperature exceeds normal range
(overheated)
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
system (ESC/TCS) activates
The vehicle parking brake is applied
A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs
The driver switches ESC to Full Off mode

The vehicle speed is less than 15 mph (24 km/h)
(manual transmission only)

The clutch is pressed for more than 10 seconds
(manual transmission only)
The vehicle is placed in NEUTRAL for more than
10 seconds (manual transmission only)
The driver shifts to FIRST gear (manual trans
-
mission only)
Vehicle is operating at a low RPM (manual trans -
mission only)
When Off Road+ (if equipped) is enabled
The following conditions will only cancel the ACC
system:
Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
Driver door is opened at low speeds
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed in
memory if:
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button
is pushed
The Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button is
pushed
The ignition is placed in the OFF position
4WD Low is engaged
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory push the RES
(resume) button and then remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster
display will display the last set speed.
WARNING!
In Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode (ACC not
enabled), the system will not react to vehicles
ahead. In addition, the proximity warning does
not activate and no alarm will sound even if you
are too close to the vehicle ahead since neither
the presence of the vehicle ahead nor the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance is detected. Be sure
to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead. Always be aware which
mode is selected.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 178

208STARTING AND OPERATING
3. After all bolts and nuts have been removed, pull the side step assembly off of the vehicle.
4. To reinstall the side steps align the studs to the body side holes and fasten all nuts on all four
brackets. Then secure all four bolts to the
underbody. Repeat the reassembly procedure
for the other side.
Bumper End Cap Removal — If Equipped
The end caps on your vehicle’s front bumper can
be removed by following the steps below:
NOTE:Bumper end caps are removable on steel bumpers
only.

1. Loosen the two bolts that retain the GAWR bracket (Bolts #1 and #2) to the end cap
using a T45 Torx bit screw driver. Do not
remove the bolts.

Bolt #1 Bolt #2

2. Remove the remaining eight bolts.
3. Gently remove the end cap from the vehicle and store it where it will not get damaged.
4. Repeat this procedure on the other side.
The Basics Of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving
off-road. You should be familiar with the terrain
and area before proceeding. There are many types
of surface conditions: hard-packed dirt, gravel,
rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and ice. Every
surface has a different effect on your vehicle's
steering, handling and traction. Controlling your
vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering
wheel and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid
sudden accelerations, turns or braking. In most
cases, there are no road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore, you will need to use your
own good judgment on what is safe and what is
not. When on a trail, you should always be looking
ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route
while remembering what you are currently driving
over.
NOTE:It is recommended that the Stop/Start system be
disabled during off-road use.
When To Use 4L Range
When off-road driving, shift into 4L for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain,
ascending or descending steep hills, and to
increase low speed pulling power. This range
should be limited to extreme situations such as
deep snow, mud, steep inclines, or sand where
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles
in an off-road situation.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your
vehicle exhaust system could cause a fire.

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