Jeep Wrangler JK (2018 year). Instruction

DRIVE position. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick mode will
downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, while
using (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the current
gear. When AutoStick is active, the current transmission
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.

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 down-
shift is chosen, except as described below.
• The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-

essary to prevent engine over-speed.

• Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal will generate an

automatic downshift (for improved acceleration) when
reasonable.

• 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 transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.

• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.

Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear.
Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy or
icy conditions.

• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of

a vehicle speed.

• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is engaged.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick is enabled.

NOTE:

When the transfer case is in the 4L (Low) range, the

transmission will shift automatically (but no higher than
the displayed gear).

To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the gear selector to the
right (+) until

⬙D⬙ is once again displayed in the instrument

cluster. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick mode at any
time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.

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.

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291

FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (COMMAND-
TRAC I OR ROCK-TRAC)

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.

Operating Instructions/Precautions

The transfer case provides four mode positions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)

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

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector

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wear and damage to the driveline components. Refer to
“Shifting Procedures” in this section for further informa-
tion on shifting into 4H or 4L.

The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel
drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are locked to-
gether. The light will illuminate when the transfer case is
shifted into the 4H position.

NOTE:

Do not attempt to shift when only the front or rear

wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with
a synchronizer, and the front and rear driveshaft speeds
must be equal for a shift to take place. Shifting while the
front or rear wheels are spinning at different speeds can
cause damage to the transfer case.

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.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEU-
TRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi-
tion 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.

Shift Positions

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
4WD system mode position, see the information below:

2H Position

This range is used for normal street and highway driving
on hard-surfaced roads.

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293

4H Position

This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4H) provides additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces and should not be used on dry
pavement.

The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4H position.

N (Neutral) Position

This range disengages the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Start-
ing And Operating” for further information.

4L Position

This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

CAUTION!

Exceeding 25 mph (40 km/h) while the transfer case is
engaged in 4L may result in an engine overspeed
condition and engine damage.

The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4L position.

NOTE:

When in 4L, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will

display in the instrument cluster.

Shifting Procedures

2H to 4H or 4H to 2H

Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle
stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion, the
transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momen-
tarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the
shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case
lever.

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4H to 4L or 4L to 4H

With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 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 2 to 3 mph (3 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 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid
attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle
moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).

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.

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 propor-
tions 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.

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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295

Axle Lock (Tru-Lok) — Rubicon Models

The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument panel
(to the left of the steering column).

This feature will only activate when the following condi-
tions are met:
• Key in ignition, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.
• Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
To activate the system, push the bottom of the AXLE LOCK
switch once to lock the rear axle only (the “Rear Axle Lock
Indicator Light” will illuminate), push the bottom of the

switch again to lock the front axle (the “Front Axle Lock
Indicator Light” will illuminate). When the rear axle is
locked, pushing the bottom of switch again will lock or
unlock the front axle.

NOTE:

The indicator lights will flash until the axles are

fully locked or unlocked.

To unlock the axles, push the top of the AXLE LOCK
switch.

Axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L
(Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF
position.

Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If Equipped

Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic discon-
necting stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater
front suspension travel in off-road situations.

This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch located
on the instrument panel (to the left of the steering column).

Axle Lock Switch

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Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Push
the switch again to deactivate the system. The “Sway Bar
Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will
illuminate when the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar
Indicator Light” will flash during activation transition, or
when activation conditions are not met. The stabilizer/
sway bar should remain in on-road mode during normal
driving conditions.

WARNING!

Do not disconnect the stabilizer bar and drive on
hardsurfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph (29
km/h); you may lose control of the vehicle, which could
result in serious injury. The front stabilizer bar en-
hances vehicle stability and is necessary for maintain-
ing control of the vehicle. The system monitors vehicle
speed and will attempt to reconnect the stabilizer bar
at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a
flashing or solid “Sway Bar Indicator Light.” Once
vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the
system will once again attempt to return to off-road
mode.

To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4H or
4L and push the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the off-road
position. Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this
section for further information. The “Sway Bar Indicator
Light” will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been
fully disconnected.

Sway Bar Switch

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297

NOTE:

The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due

to left and right suspension height differences. This condi-
tion is due to driving surface differences or vehicle loading.
In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/
reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar must be
aligned. This alignment may require that the vehicle be
driven onto level ground or rocked from side to side.

To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR switch
again.

WARNING!

If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road
mode, the “Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash in the
instrument cluster and vehicle stability is greatly re-
duced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over 18 mph
(29 km/h). Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/ h) may
cause loss of control of the vehicle, which could result
in serious injury. Contact your local authorized dealer
for assistance.

POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.

NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel

travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.

• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering

pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.

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CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through your authorized dealer.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).

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299

The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel.

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed

Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control ON/OFF button and resetting
the desired vehicle set speed.

WARNING!

Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control and have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered or slippery.

To Activate

Push the ON/OFF button. The Cruise Indicator Light in
the instrument cluster display will illuminate. To turn the
system off, push the ON/OFF button a second time. The
Cruise Indicator Light will turn off. The system should be
turned off when not in use.

WARNING!

Leaving the Speed Control 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 an accident. Always leave the system
off when you are not using it.

Speed Control Buttons

1 — ON/OFF

3 — SET -

2 — RES +

4 — CANCEL

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To Set A Desired Speed

Turn the Speed Control on. When the vehicle has reached
the desired speed, push the SET (-) button and release.
Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the
selected speed.

NOTE:

The vehicle should be traveling at a steady speed

and on level ground before pushing the SET (-) button.

To Vary The Speed Setting

To Increase Speed

When the Speed Control is set, you can increase speed by
pushing the RES (+) button.

The driver’s preferred units can be selected through the
instrument panel settings if equipped. Refer to “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for more information. The
speed increment shown is dependent on the chosen speed
unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 mph

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 mph.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the RES (+) button once will result in a 1 km/h

increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in an increase of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to increase until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

To Decrease Speed

When the Speed Control is set, you can decrease speed by
pushing the SET (-) button.

U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 mph

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 mph.

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301

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET (-) button once will result in a 1 km/h

decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the button
results in a decrease of 1 km/h.

• If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will

continue to decrease until the button is released, then the
new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

Press the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

To Resume Speed

To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+) button
and release. Resume can be used at any speed above
20 mph (32 km/h).

To Deactivate

A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANCEL
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle
will deactivate the Speed Control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

Pushing the ON/OFF button or turning the ignition switch
OFF erases the set speed from memory.

Using Speed Control On Hills

The transmission may downshift on hills to maintain the
vehicle set speed.

NOTE:

The Speed Control system maintains speed up and

down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills is
normal.

On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may occur so it
may be preferable to drive without Speed Control.

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WARNING!

REFUELING THE VEHICLE

Fuel Filler Cap

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.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the

vehicle when the gas cap is removed 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 MIL to turn on.

(Continued)

Fuel Filler Cap

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303

WARNING! (Continued)

• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a

portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

CAUTION!

• Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-

tem 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
illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping from the
system.

• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top

off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank

is full.

• Tighten the fuel filler cap about 1/4 turn until you hear

one click. This is an indication that the cap is properly
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.

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VEHICLE LOADING

Certification Label

As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.

This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.

Payload

The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.

Tire Size

The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must
be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.

Rim Size

This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.

Inflation Pressure

This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.

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Curb Weight

The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.

Loading

The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.

The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the
vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to
rear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified
weight limitations are met. Store the heavier items down
low and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow
all loose items securely before driving.

Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.

CAUTION!

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts
on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with
your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.

To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.

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Jeep Wrangler JK (2018 year). Instruction - part 19