2023 JEEP WRANGLER ESC

154STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read “Adaptive
Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has
not been selected, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise
Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed, the
display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the instrument
cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of the
following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
 Driver Override
 System Off
 ACC Proximity Warning
 ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC display
activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:
 When in 4WD Low
 When the brakes are applied
 When the parking brake is applied
 When the automatic transmission is in PARK, REVERSE
or NEUTRAL
 When the manual transmission is in FIRST gear
 When the vehicle speed is below 20 mph (32 km/h)
(manual transmission)
 When the vehicle speed is below the minimum speed
range
 When the brakes are overheated
 When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
 When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
 When ESC Full Off mode is active
 When Off Road+ (if equipped) is active
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster display
will read “ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the
system will turn off and the instrument cluster display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
To Set A Desired Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired, push the
SET (+) button or the SET (-) button and release. The
instrument cluster display will show the set speed.
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without ACC
enabled. To change between the different modes, push
the ACC on/off button which turns the ACC and the Fixed
Speed Cruise Control off. Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise
Control on/off button will result in turning on (changing to)
Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode.
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have a collision. Always leave
the system off when you are not using it.
WARNING!
In Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode, 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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING155
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.
On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the
ACC system cannot be set when the vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h) or when the vehicle is in FIRST gear.
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 accelerator pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed Speed
Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
 The CANC button is pushed
 The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) activates
 The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position
 The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
System (ESC/TCS) activates 
The vehicle parking brake is applied
 The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over -
heated)
 The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) activates
 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 transmission
only)
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 erase 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 the memory, push the RES button
and then remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The
instrument cluster display will show the last set speed. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed Cruise Control is being
used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph (0 km/h)
when ACC is active.
NOTE:

While in ACC mode, when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop longer than two seconds, the system will
cancel. The driver will have to apply the brakes to keep
the vehicle at a standstill.
 ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle
in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set speed by
pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing
the SET (-) button.
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if traffic and
road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that is
too high or too low for prevailing traffic and road condi -
tions could cause the vehicle to accelerate or deceler -
ate too sharply for safe operation. Failure to follow
these warnings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 155

156STARTING AND OPERATING
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 mph.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 5 mph increments until the button
is released. The new set speed is reflected in the instru -
ment cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
 Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 10 km/h increments until the
button is released. The new set speed is reflected in
the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:When you override and push the SET (+) button or SET (-)
buttons, the new set speed will be the current speed of the
vehicle.
When ACC Is Active
 When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if the
engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle suffi -
ciently to reach the set speed, the brake system will
automatically slow the vehicle.
 The ACC system applies the brake down to a full stop
when following the vehicle in front. If your vehicle
follows the vehicle in front to a standstill, your vehicle
will release the brakes two seconds after coming to a
full stop.
 The ACC system maintains set speed when driving
uphill and downhill. However, a slight speed change on moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may
occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill. This
is normal operation and necessary to maintain set
speed. When driving uphill and downhill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds
normal range (overheated).
Setting The Following Distance In ACC
The specified following distance for ACC can be set by
varying the distance setting between four bars (longest),
three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one bar (short).
Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed, ACC
calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead. This
distance setting displays in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Settings

To increase the distance setting, push the Distance
Setting Increase button and release. Each time the button
is pushed, the distance setting increases by one bar
(longer).
To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance
Setting Decrease button and release. Each time the
button is pushed, the distance setting decreases by one
bar (shorter).
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the
set speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the
same lane, the instrument cluster displays the ACC Set
With Target Light. The system will then adjust vehicle
speed automatically to maintain the distance setting,
regardless of the set speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:

The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the
set speed
 The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the
sensor
 The distance setting is changed
 The system disengages
Úpage 154
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,
the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system
applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts that
its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain the
set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE!” will
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)

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166STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
4. Fill the vehicle with fuel.
NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
 Wait five seconds before removing the fuel nozzle
to allow excess fuel to drain from the nozzle.
5. Remove the fuel nozzle, reinstall fuel cap and close fuel filler door.
NOTE:
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
 Tighten the fuel filler cap about a quarter turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is prop -
erly tightened.
 If the fuel filler cap is not tightened properly, the MIL
will come on. Be sure the cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
After fuel has been added, the vehicle diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose,
improperly installed, or damaged. If the system detects a
malfunction, the “gASCAP” message will display in the
odometer display. Tighten the gas cap until a "clicking"
sound is heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is
properly tightened. Push the odometer reset button to turn
the message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. This might
indicate a damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice
in a row, the system will turn on the MIL. Resolving the
problem will turn the MIL off.
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED)
The fuel filler cap is located on the driver's side of the
vehicle. If the fuel filler cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is the correct one for this vehicle.

1. Open the fuel filler door.

Fuel Filler Door

WARNING!

Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the fuel door is open or the tank is being
filled.
 Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations and
may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to turn on.
 A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a portable
container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be
burned. Always place fuel containers on the ground
while filling.

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel filler
cap. A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the
fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting aftermarket cap can
cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to illumi -
nate, due to fuel vapors escaping from the system.
 To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off”
the fuel tank after filling.
CAUTION!

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STARTING AND OPERATING171
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR
Úpage 169.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by
the trailer. You must consider this as part of the load on
your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) – If Equipped
The TSC is a telescoping link that can be installed between
the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue. It typically
provides adjustable friction associated with the
telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are commonly used to tow small and medium
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A Weight-Distributing Hitch works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle's front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and a Weight-Distributing (load equalizing) Hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded.
WARNING!

An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
 Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult with
your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable
Recreational Vehicle dealer for additional informa -
tion.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING179
(Continued)
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 and the
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (if equipped) 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
additional low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle
speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided
when in 4L.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simultaneous
use of the brake and throttle (two-footed driving). When
climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects, using light
brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from
jerking or lurching. This technique is also used when you
need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
SNOW
In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at
slower speeds, shift the transmission into a low gear and
the transfer case into 4L if necessary. Do not shift to a
lower gear than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction
will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your
steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and
forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow the tires to
get fresh traction and help maintain your momentum.
MUD
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use DRIVE,
with the transfer case in the 4L position to maintain your
momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your
steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and
forth for additional traction. Mud holes pose an increased
threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are
normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting
stuck. As a good practice before entering any mud hole,
get out and determine how deep it is, if there are any
hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely
recovered if stuck.
WARNING!
 Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
A malfunctioning catalytic converter 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!
Do not use 4L when operating the vehicle on dry
pavement. Driveline hardware damage can result.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high engine
RPM or vehicle speeds, because engine braking may
cause skidding and loss of control.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING181
GETTING HIGH-CENTERED
If you get hung up or high-centered on an object, get out of
the vehicle and try to determine what the vehicle is hung
up on, where it is contacting the underbody and what is
the best direction to recover the vehicle. Depending on
what you are in contact with, jack the vehicle up and place
a few rocks under the tires so the weight is off of the high
point when you let the vehicle down. You can also try
rocking the vehicle or winching the vehicle off the object.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good
understanding of your abilities and your vehicle's
limitations. Hills can cause serious problems. Some are
just too steep to climb and should not be attempted. You
should always feel confident with the vehicle and your
abilities. You should always climb hills straight up and
down. Never attempt to climb a hill on an angle.
BEFORE CLIMBING A STEEP HILL
As you approach a hill, consider its grade or steepness.
Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction
is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down?
What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,
branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything
looks good and you feel confident, shift the transmission
into a lower gear with 4L engaged, and proceed with
caution, maintaining your momentum as you climb the hill.
DRIVING UP HILL
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle up
for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an easy
constant throttle and apply more power as you start up the
hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade; the abrupt
change of grade could cause you to lose control. If the
front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle slightly to
bring all four tires back on the ground. As you approach
the crest of the hill, ease off the throttle and slowly
proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as you
approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and
maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no more
than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will provide a
fresh "bite" into the surface and will usually provide
enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not make
it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and back
straight down the grade using engine resistance along
with the vehicle brakes.
DRIVING DOWNHILL
Before driving down a steep hill, you need to determine if
it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow,
controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight
descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill
to regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel
confident in your ability to proceed, then make sure you
are in 4L and proceed with caution. Allow engine braking
to control the descent and apply your brakes, if necessary,
but do not allow the tires to lock.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter
than the running ground clearance or the vehicle will
become high-centered.
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn around
on a steep grade. Driving across an incline increases
the risk of a rollover, which may result in severe injury.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use vehicle
brakes in conjunction with engine braking. Descending
a grade too fast could cause you to lose control and be
seriously injured or killed.
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182STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVING ACROSS AN INCLINE
If at all possible, avoid driving across an incline. If it is
necessary, know your vehicle's abilities. Driving across an
incline places more weight on the downhill wheels, which
increases the possibilities of a downhill slide or rollover.
Make sure the surface has good traction with firm and
stable soils. If possible, transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
IF YOU STALL OR BEGIN TO LOSE HEADWAY
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift into
REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing engine
braking to control the descent and apply your brakes, if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided, if possible, and only
be attempted when necessary in a safe, responsible
manner. Only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. Tread lightly and avoid damage to the
environment. Know your vehicle's abilities and be able to
recover it if something goes wrong. Never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do not
attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water
first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. Shift into
FIRST gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic
transmission), with the transfer case in the 4L position
and proceed very slowly with a constant slow speed of {3
to 5 mph (5 to 8 km/h) maximum} and light throttle. Keep
the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate through the
crossing. After crossing any water higher than the bottom
of the axle differentials, inspect all of the vehicle fluids for
signs of water ingestion.
BEFORE YOU CROSS ANY TYPE OF WATER
As you approach any type of water, you need to determine
if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick. You
need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current and
bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters;
check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be
intruding on any wildlife, and you can recover the vehicle
if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the water depth,
current and bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the
vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing the water level on
the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when determining the
depth and the ability to safely cross.
CROSSING PUDDLES, POOLS, FLOODED
AREAS OR OTHER STANDING WATER
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas
normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water
types normally contain hidden obstacles and make it
difficult to determine an accurate water depth, approach
angle, and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes
are where you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering.
This makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle
recovery. If you are able to determine you can safely cross,
than proceed using the low and slow method.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover,
which may result in severe injury.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to
turn around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling
the vehicle, which may result in severe injury. Always
back carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle
brakes. Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive
straight up or down.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can
cause permanent damage to engine, driveline or
other vehicle components, and your brakes will be
less effective once wet and/or muddy.
 When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering
as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward.
Driving through water may cause damage that may
not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.

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