2023 JEEP WRANGLER automatic transmission

STARTING AND OPERATING129
(Continued)
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically and will
decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING THE ENGINE — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED)
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both inside
and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 25-second
intervals. Waiting two minutes between such intervals will
protect the starter from overheating.
NOTE:Engine start up in very low ambient temperature could
result in evident white smoke. This condition will
disappear as the engine warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Start the engine with the transmission gear selector in the
PARK (P) position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
EXTREME COLD WEATHER
The cartridge block heater clips into the engine block near
the water jacket and transfers heat to the coolant. It
requires a 110–115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord. Its use is
recommended for environments that routinely fall below
-10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the vehicle has not
been running overnight or longer periods and should be
plugged in for two hours prior to start. Its use is required
for cold starts with temperatures under -20°F (-28°C).
NOTE:The engine block heater and heater cord are
factory-installed options. If your vehicle is not equipped,
heater and heater cords are available from an authorized
Mopar® dealer.
A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter housing aids in
preventing fuel gelling. It is controlled by a built-in ther -
mostat.
 A Diesel Pre-Heat system both improves engine
starting and reduces the amount of white smoke
generated by a warming engine.
WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete
stop, then shift the automatic transmission into
PARK and apply the parking brake.
 Always make sure the ignition is in the OFF position,
key fob is removed from the vehicle and vehicle is
locked.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving children 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.
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
 The engine is allowed to crank as long as
25 seconds. If the engine fails to start during this
period, please wait at least two minutes for the
starter to cool before repeating start procedure.
 If the Water in Fuel Indicator Light remains on, DO
NOT START engine before you drain the water from
the fuel filters to avoid engine damage
Úpage 321.
WARNING!
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 129

STARTING AND OPERATING131
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.
NOTE:
Use of Climatized ULSD Fuel or Number 1 ULSD Fuel
results in a noticeable decrease in fuel economy.
 Climatized ULSD Fuel is a blend of Number 2 ULSD
Fuel and Number 1 ULSD Fuel which reduces the
temperature at which wax crystals form in fuel.
 The fuel grade should be clearly marked on the pump
at the fuel station.
 The engine requires the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel . Use of incorrect fuel could result in engine and
exhaust system damage
Úpage 371.
 If climatized or Number 1 ULSD Fuel is not available,
and you are operating below 20°F (-6°C), in sustained
arctic conditions, Mopar® Premium Diesel Fuel Treat -
ment (or equivalent) is recommended to avoid gelling
(see Fuel Operating Range Chart).
Engine Oil Usage
See Engine Fluids and Lubricants for the correct engine oil
viscosity Úpage 374.
Winter Front Cover
A Winter front or cold weather cover can be used in
ambient temperatures below 32°F (0°C), especially
during extended idle conditions. This cover is equipped
with four flaps for managing total grille opening in varying
ambient temperatures. If a Winter front or cold weather
cover is to be used, the flaps should be in the full open
position to allow air flow to the cooling module and automatic transmission oil cooler. When ambient
temperatures drop below 0°F (-17°C) the four flaps need
to be closed. A suitable cold weather cover is available
from a Mopar® dealer.
Engine Warm-Up
Avoid full throttle operation when the engine is cold. When
starting a cold engine, bring the engine up to operating
speed slowly to allow the oil pressure to stabilize as the
engine warms up.
If temperatures are below 32°F (0°C), operate the engine
at moderate speeds for five minutes before full loads are
applied.
ENGINE IDLING
Avoid prolonged idling. Long periods of idling may be
harmful to your engine because combustion chamber
temperatures can drop so low that the fuel may not burn
completely. Incomplete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings, cylinder head valves, and
injector nozzles. Also, the unburned fuel can enter the
crankcase, diluting the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

132STARTING AND OPERATING
STOPPING THE ENGINE
After full load operation, idle the engine for a few minutes before shutting it down. This idle period will allow the lubricating oil and coolant to carry excess heat away from the
turbocharger.
NOTE:Refer to the following chart for proper engine shutdown.
NOTE:Under certain conditions the engine fan will run after the
engine is turned off. 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 transmission
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 auto -
matically turn off.
Do Not Operate The Engine With Low Oil
Pressure
If the Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut down the engine as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when the light turns on. After
the vehicle is safely stopped, restart the engine and
monitor the Oil Pressure Warning Light. If the Oil Pressure
Warning Light is still illuminated, turn the engine OFF and contact an authorized dealer for further assistance. If the
lamp is no longer illuminated, the engine can be operated
but it is recommended to take the vehicle to an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
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.
Driving Condition Load Turbocharger Temperature Idle Time (min.) Before Engine Shutdown
Stop and Go EmptyCoolNone
Stop and Go Medium 0.5
Highway Speeds MediumWarm 1.0
City Traffic Maximum GCWR 1.5
Highway Speeds Maximum GCWR 2.0
Uphill Grade Maximum GCWR Hot2.5
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.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

STARTING AND OPERATING133
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
Úpage 374.
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 inter
-
preted 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 indica -
tors.
 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 see
Úpage 374. 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.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 133

134STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)

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 automatic
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.
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 trans -
mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.
 When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob
from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously 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 trans -
mission 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!
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
depressing 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 instrument cluster. For more infor -
mation
Úpage 116.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 134

STARTING AND OPERATING137
(Continued)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
 Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the trans -
mission gear selector out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before exiting the vehicle.
 The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle
is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete
stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the
transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates
PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is
completely stopped, and the PARK position is prop -
erly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
 It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is
not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could
lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or some -
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
 Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition
OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
 When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in the OFF position, 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 children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri -
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission 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 in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
WARNING!CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
4

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138STARTING AND OPERATING
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI system that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
8–SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range (PRNDM) is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. To
shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine must be
running and the brake pedal must be pressed. You must
also press the brake pedal to shift from NEUTRAL into
DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds. Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indicator
will blink continuously until the selector is returned to the
proper position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles (kilometers).
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE and MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift control.
Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while in
the MANUAL (AutoStick) position (beside the DRIVE
position) will manually select the transmission gear, and will
display the current gear in the instrument cluster


Ú
page 140.
Transmission Gear Selector

NOTE:If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward), it
is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the
DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the transmission gear (1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Move the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D]
position) for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting out of
PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is espe
-
cially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
 Apply the parking brake.
 Shift the transmission into PARK.
 Turn the ignition OFF.
 Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
NOTE:On four-wheel drive vehicles, be sure that the transfer
case is in a drive position.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 138

STARTING AND OPERATING139
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the
gear selector and firmly move the gear selector all the
way forward until it stops and is fully seated.
 Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P), and is not
blinking.
 With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear
selector will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle. DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position should be used for all normal operating
conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds, or while towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick
shift control to select a lower gear
Úpage 140. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures (-22°F [-30°C] or
below), transmission operation may be modified
depending on engine and transmission temperature as
well as vehicle speed. Normal operation will resume once
the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
MANUAL (M)
The MANUAL (M, +/-) position (beside the DRIVE position)
enables full manual control of transmission shifting also
known as AutoStick mode. Toggling the gear selector
forward (-) or rearward (+) while in the MANUAL (AutoStick)
position will manually select the transmission gear, and
will display the current gear in the instrument cluster
Úpage 140.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
mode is activated. In this 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.
CAUTION!

Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must start the engine, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
could result.
 DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the ignition
to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices that
limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
 For Recreational Towing
Úpage 176.
 For Towing A Disabled Vehicle
Úpage 303.
4

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