Jeep Wrangler JK (2018 year). Instruction

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.

CAUTION!

Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other com-
bustible materials. The heat from your vehicle exhaust
system could cause a fire.

WARNING!

Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an off-road
situation.

When To Use 4L (Low) Range

When off-road driving, shift into 4L (Low) for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascend-
ing 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 (Low) range.

CAUTION!

Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating the vehicle
on dry pavement. Driveline hardware damage can
result.

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 (Low) 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

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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
a fresh

⬙bite⬙ and help maintain your momentum.

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.

Mud

Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use second
gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic trans-
mission), with the transfer case in the 4L (Low) 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.

Sand

Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft, sandy spots in a trail, main-
tain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The key to
driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire pressure,
accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers and main-
taining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are going to be
driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire
pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a
greater tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure will drasti-
cally improve your traction and handling while driving on
the soft sand, but you must return the tires to normal air
pressure before driving on pavement or other hard sur-
faces. Be sure you have a way to reinflate the tires prior to
reducing the pressure.

CAUTION!

Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your
speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.

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Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)

While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different types
of obstacles. Before proceeding, review the path ahead to
determine the correct approach and your ability to safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong. Keeping a
firm grip on the steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a
complete stop and then inch the vehicle forward until it
makes contact with the object. Apply the throttle lightly
while holding a light brake pressure and ease the vehicle
up and over the object.

WARNING!

Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to loose control of your
vehicle.

Using A Spotter

There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle or
determine the correct path. Determining the correct path
can be extremely difficult when you are confronting many
obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you over,
through, or around the obstacle. Have the person stand a

safe distance in front of you where they can see the
obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and guide
you through.

Crossing Large Rocks

When approaching large rocks, choose a path which en-
sures you drive over the largest of them with your tires.
This will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. The
tread of the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall
and is designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and
make every effort to cross the large rocks with your tires.

CAUTION!

• Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough

to strike your axles or undercarriage.

• Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large

enough to contact the door sills.

Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch, Washout Or Rut

When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut,
the angled approach is the key to maintaining your vehicle’s
mobility. Approach these obstacles at a 45-degree angle and
let each tire go through the obstacle independently. You need
to use caution when crossing large obstacles with steep sides.
Do not attempt to cross any large obstacle with steep sides at

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an angle great enough to put the vehicle at risk of a rollover.
If you get caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the right or left
at a 45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use the removed
dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just created. You
should now be able to drive out following the trench you just
created at a 45-degree angle.

WARNING!

There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an
obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.

Crossing Logs

To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approximately
10 to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top of
the log while the other just starts to climb the log. While
climbing the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to
avoid spinning the log out from under your tires. Then
ease the vehicle off the log using your brakes.

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter than
the running ground clearance or the vehicle will become
high-centered.

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.

CAUTION!

Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects in-
creases the risk of underbody damage.

Hill Climbing

Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing 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.

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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 (Low) 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 com-
plete 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.

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.

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, con-
trolled 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
(Low) 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.

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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.

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.

WARNING!

Driving across an incline increases the risk of a roll-
over, which may result in severe injury.

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 RE-
VERSE. 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.

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 RE-
VERSE. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL using
only the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally across
a hill, always drive straight up or down.

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.
You should only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid damage

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STARTING AND OPERATING

to the environment. You should know your vehicle’s
abilities and be able to recover it if something goes wrong.
You should 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 (Low) position and proceed very
slowly with a constant slow speed {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, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for
signs of water ingestion.

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.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• 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.

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.

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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.

CAUTION!

Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effective-
ness by depositing debris onto the radiator.

Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water

Flowing water can be extremely dangerous. Never attempt
to cross a fast running stream or river even in shallow
water. Fast moving water can easily push your vehicle
downstream, sweeping it out of control. Even in very
shallow water, a high current can still wash the dirt out
from around your tires putting you and your vehicle in

jeopardy. There is still a high risk of personal injury and
vehicle damage with slower water currents in depths
greater than the vehicle’s running ground clearance. You
should never attempt to cross flowing water which is
deeper than the vehicle’s running ground clearance. Even
the slowest current can push the heaviest vehicle down-
stream and out of control if the water is deep enough to
push on the large surface area of the vehicle’s body. Before
you proceed, determine the speed of the current, the
water’s depth, approach angle, bottom condition and if
there are any obstacles. Then cross at an angle heading
slightly upstream using the low and slow technique.

WARNING!

Never drive through fast moving deep water. It can
push your vehicle downstream, sweeping it out of
control. This could put you and your passengers at risk
of injury or drowning.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you can
get any problems taken care of right away and have your
vehicle ready when you need it.

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• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.

Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.

• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as

required.

• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on

the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.

• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things

could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.

• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar

dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,
wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the brakes may cause
excessive wear or unpredictable braking. You might
not have full braking power when you need it to
prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.

• If you experience unusual vibration after driving in

mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
impacted material. Impacted material can cause a wheel
imbalance and freeing the wheels of it will correct the
situation.

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HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls.

Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the

switch a second time to turn off the Hazard Warning
flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and it should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.

NOTE:

With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers

may wear down your battery.

BULB REPLACEMENT
Replacement Bulbs

Interior Bulbs

Bulb Number

Automatic Transmission Indicator Lamp

658

Heater Control Lamps (2)

194

Rocker Switch Indicator Lamp (Rear Window Defogger,
and Rear Wash/Wipe)

Soundbar Dome Lamp

912

** Bulbs only available from authorized dealer.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Exterior Bulbs

Bulb Number

Headlamps (2)

H13

Premium Head Lamps

LED – (Serviced At Authorized Dealer)

Front Park/Turn Signal Lamps (2)

3157NA

Front Side Marker Lamps (2)

168

Fog Lamps

PSX24W

Rear Stop/Tail/Turn Lamps (2)

3157

Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp

LED – (Serviced At Authorized Dealer)

Backup Lamps (2)

3157

License Lamp

194

NOTE:

Numbers refer to commercial bulb types that can be purchased from your local authorized dealer.

If a bulb needs to be replaced, visit your authorized dealer or refer to the applicable Service Manual.

Bulb Replacement

NOTE:

Lens fogging can occur under certain atmospheric

conditions. This will usually clear as atmospheric condi-
tions change to allow the condensation to change back into
a vapor. Turning the lamps on will usually accelerate the
clearing process.

Headlamp

1. Open hood and support using prop rod.

2. Remove the front grille. Turn the retainers along the top

1/4 turn counterclockwise and remove.

3. Pull the bottom of the grille away starting at one side

and working toward the other.

4. Turn both park and turn signal socket assemblies 1/4

turn counterclockwise and remove.

5. Remove the four screws holding the metal retaining

ring.

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335

6. Remove the lamp from the collar.

7. Grasp the bulb and turn 1/4 turn counterclockwise.

8. Pull the bulb from the housing.

9. Push connector locking tab to the unlock position.

10. Remove connector from bulb.

11. Push connector onto new bulb base, and push the

connector locking tab to the lock position.

CAUTION!

Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life. If the
bulb comes in contact with any oily surface, clean the
bulb with rubbing alcohol.

12. Reinstall bulb housing. Rotate the bulb 1/4 turn clock-

wise.

Front Park/Turn Signal

1. Remove the front grille. Turn the retainers along the top

1/4 turn counterclockwise and remove.

2. Pull the bottom of the grille away starting at one side

and working toward the other.

3. Turn the socket assembly 1/4 turn counterclockwise and

remove from housing. Pull the bulb straight from the
socket to replace.

Front Side Marker

1. Reach under the front fender flare and locate the front

side marker socket.

2. Turn the socket assembly counterclockwise 1/3 turn and

remove it from the housing. Pull the bulb straight from
the socket to replace.

Front Fog Lamp

1. Reach under the vehicle to access the back of the front

fog lamp.

2. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the front

fog lamp connector receptacle.

3. Firmly grasp the bulb by the two latch features and

squeeze them together to unlock the bulb from the back
of the front fog lamp housing.

4. Pull the bulb straight out from the keyed opening in the

housing and then connect the replacement bulb.

336

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

CAUTION!

Do not touch the new bulb with your fingers. Oil
contamination will severely shorten bulb life. If the
bulb comes in contact with any oily surface, clean the
bulb with rubbing alcohol.

Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, And Backup Lamp

1. Remove the two inboard screws attaching the tail light

housing to the body. DO NOT REMOVE THE OUT-
BOARD SCREWS AT ANY TIME.

2. Separate the housing from the body by pushing the

lamp inboard while pulling the lamp away from the
body.

3. Rotate the appropriate socket 1/4 turn counterclock-

wise, then remove it from the housing.

4. Pull the bulb straight from the socket to replace.

Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL)

The stop lamp is mounted on a bracket that extends
upward from the tailgate behind the spare tire. If service is
needed, obtain the LED/Cover Assembly from your local
authorized dealer.

1. Remove the spare tire.

2. Remove the four screws holding the lens/cover in place

on the spare tire carrier.

3. Disconnect the wire harness from the back of the LED

cover.

Inboard Screw Location

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337

FUSES

WARNING!

• When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-

priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious personal
injury, fire and/or property damage.

• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is

off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.

• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-

rized dealer.

• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air

bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.

General Information

The fuses protect electrical systems against excessive cur-
rent.

When a device does not work, you must check the fuse
element inside the blade fuse for a break/melt.

Also, please be aware that when using power outlets for
extended periods of time with the engine off may result in
vehicle battery discharge.

Blade Fuses

1 — Fuse Element
2 — Blade Fuse with a good/functional fuse element.
3 — Blade fuse with a NOT functional / BAD fuse element (blown
fuse).

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Jeep Wrangler JK (2018 year). Instruction - part 21