Jeep Wrangler (2018 year). Instruction

message in the instrument cluster will inform the driver of

the more serious conditions, and indicate what actions may

be necessary.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can

be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the

following steps:

NOTE:

In cases where the instrument cluster message

indicates the transmission may not re-engage after engine

shutdown, perform this procedure only in a desired loca-

tion (preferably, at an authorized dealer).
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift

the transmission to NEUTRAL.

3. Push and hold the ignition switch until the engine turns

OFF.

4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal

operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest

possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic

equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer

service is required.

AutoStick

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-

viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the

vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,

eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-

prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also

provide you with more control during passing, city driv-

ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer

towing, and many other situations.

Operation

To activate AutoStick mode, move the gear selector into the

MANUAL (M) position (beside the DRIVE position). The

current transmission gear will be displayed in the instru-

ment cluster. In AutoStick mode, you can use the gear

selector (in the MANUAL position) to manually shift the

transmission. Tapping the gear selector forward (-) while in

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STARTING AND OPERATING

the MANUAL (M) position will downshift the transmis-

sion to the next lower gear. Tapping the selector rearward

(+) will command an upshift.
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 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 (or

third gear, in 4LO range). Tapping (+) (at a stop) will

allow starting in second gear. Starting out in second or

third gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.

• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to

over-speed, that shift will not occur.

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

a vehicle speed.

• Holding the gear selector in the (-) position will down-

shift the transmission to the lowest gear possible at the

current speed.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick is enabled.

• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault

or overheat condition is detected.

NOTE:

When Hill Descent Control is enabled, AutoStick is

not active.
To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear selector to

the DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick

position at any time without taking your foot off the

accelerator pedal.

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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311

FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

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.

Four-Position Transfer Case

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)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each

transfer case mode position, see the information below:

Rear Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal

street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.

Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range maximizes

torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear

wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides

additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.

NEUTRAL (N)

Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear

driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing

behind another vehicle.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operat-

ing” for further information.

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low

speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front

driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the

same speed. This range provides additional traction and

maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces

only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
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

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 instrument cluster alerts the driver that the vehicle is

in four-wheel drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are

locked together. The light will illuminate when the transfer

case is shifted into the 4H position.

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.

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313

Shifting Procedures

2H To 4H Or 4H To 2H

Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle

stopped or in motion. The preferred shifting speed would

be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the

transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momen-

tarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the

shift. Do not accelerate while shifting the transfer case.

Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case

lever.

NOTE:
• Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or

rear wheels are spinning. The front and rear driveshaft

speeds must be equal for the shift to take place. Shifting

while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can

cause damage to the transfer case.

• Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be experi-

enced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire

pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera-

tures.

• Shifting effort will increase with speed, this is normal.

During cold weather, you may experience increased effort

in shifting until the transfer case fluid warms up. This is

normal.

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).

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

Five-Position Transfer Case

The transfer case provides five mode positions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)

• 4H Auto (Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range)
• 4H PT (Four-Wheel Drive Part Time High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)
For additional information on the appropriate use of each

transfer case mode position, see the information below:

Rear Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal

street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.

4H AUTO

Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This range sends

power to the front wheels. The four-wheel drive system

will be automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a

loss of traction. Additional traction for varying road con-

ditions.

4H P-T

Four-Wheel Drive Part Time High Range — This range

maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front

and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range

provides additional traction for loose, slippery road sur-

faces only.

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector

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315

NEUTRAL (N)

Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear

driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing

behind another vehicle.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operat-

ing” for further information.

Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low

speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front

driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the

same speed. This range provides additional traction and

maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces

only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
This transfer case is designed to be driven in the two-wheel

drive position (2WD) or four-wheel drive position (4WD

AUTO) for normal street and highway conditions on dry

hard surfaced roads). Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have

greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle is not

engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode can

be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but the

vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive

will be automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a

loss of traction. Because the front axle is engaged, this

mode will result in lower fuel economy than the 2WD

mode.
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

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 instrument cluster alerts the driver that the vehicle is

in four-wheel drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are

locked together. The light will illuminate when the transfer

case is shifted into the 4H position.
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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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!

Shifting Procedures

2H To 4H Auto Or 4H Auto To 2H

Shifting between 2H and 4H Auto can be made with the

vehicle stopped or in motion. The preferred shifting speed

would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the vehicle in

motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if

you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after com-

pleting the shift. Do not accelerate while shifting the

transfer case. Apply a constant force when shifting the

transfer case lever.

2H/4H Auto To 4H Part Time Or 4H Part Time To 2H/4H
Auto

Shifting between 2H/4H AUTO to 4H PART TIME can be

made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. The preferred

shifting speed would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the

vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage

faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after

completing the shift. Do not accelerate while shifting the

transfer case. Apply a constant force when shifting the

transfer case lever.

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317

NOTE:
• Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or

rear wheels are spinning. The front and rear driveshaft

speeds must be equal for the shift to take place. Shifting

while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can

cause damage to the transfer case.

• Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be experi-

enced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire

pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold tempera-

tures.

• Shifting effort will increase with speed, this is normal.
During cold weather, you may experience increased effort

in shifting until the transfer case fluid warms up. This is

normal.

4H Part Time/4H Auto To 4L Or 4L To 4H Part Time/4H
Auto

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.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

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.

Axle Lock (Tru-Lok) — Rubicon Models

The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument panel

(to the right of the steering column).

This feature will only activate when the following condi-

tions are met:
• Ignition in RUN position, vehicle in 4L (Low) range.
• Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
• Both right and left wheels on axle are at the same speed.
To activate the system, push the AXLE LOCK switch down

to lock the rear axle only (the “REAR ONLY” will illumi-

nate), push the switch up to lock the front axle and rear

axle (the “FRONT + REAR” will illuminate). When the rear

axle is locked, pushing the bottom of switch again will lock

or unlock the front axle.

Axle Lock Switch Panel

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319

NOTE:

The indicator lights will flash until the axles are

fully locked or unlocked.
To unlock the axles, push the AXLE LOCK OFF button.
Axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L

(Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF

position.
The axle lock disengages at speeds above 30 mph

(48 km/h), and will automatically re-lock once vehicle

speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h).

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 right of the steering

column).

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.

Sway Bar Switch

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STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected before
driving on hard surfaced roads or at speeds above
18 mph (29 km/h); a disconnected stabilizer/sway bar
may contribute to the loss of vehicle control, which
could result in serious injury. Under certain circum-
stances, the front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle
stability and assists with vehicle control. The system
monitors vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect
the stabilizer/sway 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.

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 may be re-
duced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over 18 mph
(29 km/h). Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) with a
disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the
loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious
injury.

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321

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-hydraulic power

steering system that will give you good vehicle response

and increased ease of maneuverability in tight spaces. The

system will vary its assist to provide light efforts while

parking and good feel while driving. If the electro-

hydraulic power steering system experiences a fault that

prevents it from providing power steering assist, then the

system will provide mechanical steering capability.

CAUTION!

Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the electrically
driven pump to reduce or stop power steering assis-
tance in order to prevent damage to the system. Normal
operation will resume once the system is allowed to
cool.

If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” message

and a flashing icon are displayed on the instru-

ment cluster screen, it indicates that the vehicle

needs to be taken to the dealer for service. It is

likely the vehicle has lost power steering assistance. Refer

to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your

Instrument Panel” for further information.

If the “POWER STEERING HOT” message and an icon are

displayed on the instrument cluster screen, it indicates that

extreme steering maneuvers may have occurred, which

caused an over temperature condition in the power steer-

ing system. You will lose power steering assistance mo-

mentarily until the over temperature condition no longer

exists. Once driving conditions are safe, then pull over and

let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light turns off.

Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know

Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE:
• Even if power steering assistance is no longer opera-

tional, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under these

conditions there will be a substantial increase in steering

effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during

parking maneuvers.

• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for

service.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

STOP/START SYSTEM — AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)

The Stop/Start function is developed to reduce fuel con-

sumption. The system will stop the engine automatically

during a vehicle stop if the required conditions are met.

Releasing the brake pedal or pressing the accelerator pedal

will automatically re-start the engine.
ESS vehicles have been upgraded with a heavy duty

starter, enhanced battery, and other upgraded engine parts,

to handle the additional engine starts. Vehicles equipped

with eTorque contain a heavy duty motor generator and an

additional hybrid electric battery to store energy from

vehicle deceleration for use on engine startup after a stop

as well as providing launch torque assist.

NOTE:

It is recommended that the Start/Stop System be

disabled during off-road use.

Automatic Mode

The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every

normal customer engine start. At that time, the

system will go into STOP/START READY and if

all other conditions are met, can go into a STOP/

START AUTOSTOP ACTIVE “Autostop” mode.

To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must
Occur:
• The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A

STOP/START READY message will be displayed in the

instrument cluster display within the Stop/Start section.

Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in “Getting To Know Your

Instrument Panel” for further information.

• The vehicle must be completely stopped.
• The shifter must be in a forward gear and the brake

pedal depressed.

The engine will shut down, the tachometer will move to

the zero position and the Stop/Start telltale will illuminate

indicating you are in Autostop. Customer settings will be

maintained upon return to an engine running condition.

Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop

Prior to engine shut down, the system will check many

safety and comfort conditions to see if they are fulfilled.

Detailed information about the operation of the Stop/Start

system may be viewed in the instrument cluster display

Stop/Start Screen. In the following situations, the engine

will not stop:
• Driver’s seat belt is not buckled.

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323

• Driver’s door is not closed.
• Battery temperature is too warm or cold.
• Battery charge is low.
• The vehicle is on a steep grade.
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and an acceptable

cabin temperature has not been achieved.

• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high blower speed.
• HVAC set to MAX A/C.
• Engine has not reached normal operating temperature.
• Engine temperature too high.
• The transmission is not in a forward gear.
• Hood is open.
• Transfer case is in 4LO or Neutral
• Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient pressure.
Other Factors Which Can Inhibit Autostop Include:
• Accelerator pedal input.
• Vehicle speed threshold not achieved from previous

auto-stop.

• Steering angle beyond threshold. (ESS Models Only)

• ACC is on and speed is set.
• Vehicle is at high altitude
• System fault present
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven several times

without the STOP/START system going into a STOP/

START READY state under more extreme conditions of the

items listed above.

To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode

While in a forward gear, the engine will start when the

brake pedal is released or the throttle pedal is depressed.

The transmission will automatically re-engage upon en-

gine restart.

Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start Auto-
matically While In Autostop Mode:
• The transmission selector is moved out of DRIVE.
• To maintain cabin temperature comfort.
• Actual cabin temperature is significantly different than

temperature set on Auto HVAC.

• HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
• HVAC system temperature or fan speed is manually

adjusted.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

• Battery voltage drops too low.
• Low brake vacuum (e.g. after several brake pedal appli-

cations).

• STOP/START OFF switch is pushed.
• A STOP/START system error occurs.
• STOP/START AUTO STOP ACTIVE time exceeds 5

minutes.

• 4WD system is put into 4LO or Neutral mode.
• Steering wheel is turned beyond threshold. (ESS Models

Only)

To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start System

1. Push the STOP/START OFF switch (located on the

switch bank). The light on the switch will illuminate.

2. The “STOP/START OFF” message will appear in instru-

ment cluster display within the Stop/Start section. Refer

to “Instrument Cluster” in “Getting To Know Your

Instrument Panel” for further information.

3. At the next vehicle stop (after turning off the STOP/

START system), the engine will not be stopped.

4. The STOP/START system will reset itself back to an ON

condition every time the ignition is turned off and back

on.

STOP/START Off Switch

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Jeep Wrangler (2018 year). Instruction - part 20