trailer JEEP GLADIATOR 2023 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING205
(Continued)
(Continued)
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
OUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neutral),
automatic transmission must be in PARK, and
manual transmission must be in gear (NOT in
NEUTRAL) for recreational towing.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Four-Wheel Drive Models
Flat TowNONESee Instructions
Automatic transmission in PARK.
Manual transmission in gear(NOT in NEUTRAL [N]).
Transfer case in (N) Neutral.
Tow in forward direction.
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK
NOTE:When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
CAUTION!
DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Towing
with only one set of wheels on the ground
(front or rear) will cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Tow with all
four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the
ground (using a vehicle trailer).Tow only in the forward direction. Towing this
vehicle backwards can cause severe damage
to the transfer case.
CAUTION!
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280SAFETY
If the ABS Warning Light is on, the brake system
should be serviced as soon as possible to restore
the benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS
Warning Light does not come on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN mode, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system. This system
includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD), Electronic Roll Mitigation
(ERM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start
Assist (HSA), and Traction Control System (TCS).
These systems work together to enhance both
vehicle stability and control in various driving
conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Rain Brake
Support (RBS), Ready Alert Braking (RAB),
Selec-Speed Control (SSC), and Trailer Sway
Control (TSC).
Brake System Warning Light
The red Brake System Warning Light will turn on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,
and may stay on for as long as four seconds. If the Brake System Warning Light remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the brake
system is not functioning properly and that
immediate service is required. If the Brake System
Warning Light does not come on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN mode, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and amount
of brake application, and then applies optimum
pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by applying the
brakes very quickly, creating the most efficient
braking assistance possible. To receive the benefit
of the system, you must apply continuous braking
pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer desired. Once
the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
The EBD function manages the distribution of the
braking torque between the front and rear axles by
limiting braking pressure to the rear axle. This is
done to prevent overslip of the rear wheels to avoid
vehicle instability, and to prevent the rear axle from
entering ABS before the front axle.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
The ERM system anticipates the potential for
wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM
determines that the rate of change of the steering
wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to
potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the
appropriate brake and may also reduce engine
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. BAS cannot
prevent collisions, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of a
BAS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner, which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.

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282SAFETY
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for
most driving conditions. Alternate ESC modes
should only be used for specific reasons as noted
in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
This mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes
stuck. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily push
the ESC OFF button and the ESC OFF Indicator
Light will illuminate. To turn the ESC on again,
momentarily push the ESC OFF button and the ESC
OFF Indicator Light will turn off.
NOTE:For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, the
push and release of the button will toggle the ESC
modes. Multiple attempts may be required to
return to “ESC On”. Full Off — If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road
use only and should not be used on any public
roadways. In this mode, TCS and ESC features are
turned off. To enter the “Full Off” mode, push and
hold the ESC OFF button for five seconds while the
vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After
five seconds, a chime will sound, the ESC OFF
Indicator Light will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF”
message will display in the instrument cluster. To
turn ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF
button.
NOTE:System may switch from ESC “Full Off” to “Partial
Off” mode when vehicle exceeds a predetermined
speed. When the vehicle speed slows below the
predetermined speed the system will return to ESC
“Full Off”.
If equipped with Off Road+ and if Off Road+ is
active when "Full Off" mode is enabled by the
driver, ESC will not switch to "Partial Off" mode at
any speed and will remain in "Full Off" mode until
Off Road+ is exited or ESC is re-enabled by the
driver.WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS function
-
ality of ESC, except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section, has been
disabled and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will
be illuminated. When in “Partial Off” mode,
the engine power reduction feature of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!

In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque
reduction and stability features are disabled.
Therefore, enhanced vehicle stability offered
by the ESC system is unavailable. In an emer -
gency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will
not engage to assist in maintaining stability.
ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway
or off-road use only.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. ESC
cannot prevent all accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC
also cannot prevent collisions.

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SAFETY283
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/
RUN mode. It should go out with the
engine running. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer
as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESC system becomes active. The ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also flashes
when the Traction Control System (TCS) is active. If
the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
and the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on
momentarily each time the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN mode.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
position, the ESC system will be on even if it was
turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive
following the maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates
that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
is in a reduced mode.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to mitigate roll back
from a complete stop while on an incline. If the
driver releases the brake while stopped on an
incline, HSA will continue to hold the brake
pressure for a short period. If the driver does not
apply the throttle before this time expires, the
system will release brake pressure and the vehicle
will roll down the hill as normal.
The following conditions must be met in order for
HSA to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The parking brake must be off.
The driver door must be closed. (If the doors are
attached, then the door must be closed. If the doors are detached then the driver's seat belt
must be buckled.)
The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward
gear; vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward
gears. The system will not activate if the trans
-
mission is in PARK or NEUTRAL. For vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission, if the
clutch is pressed, HSA will remain active.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is
not a substitute for active driving involvement. It
is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive to distance to other vehicles, people,
and objects, and most importantly brake
operation to ensure safe operation of the vehicle
under all road conditions. Your complete
attention is always required while driving to
maintain safe control of your vehicle. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision or
serious personal injury.
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284SAFETY
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting, see Ú page 215 for
further information.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
Rain Brake Support (RBS)
RBS may improve braking performance in wet
conditions. It will periodically apply a small amount
of brake pressure to remove any water buildup on
the front brake rotors. It functions when the
windshield wipers are in LO or HI speed. When RBS
is active, there is no notification to the driver and
no driver interaction is required.
Ready Alert Braking (RAB)
RAB may reduce the time required to reach full
braking during emergency braking situations. It
anticipates when an emergency braking situation
may occur by monitoring how fast the throttle is
released by the driver. The Electronic Brake
Control will prepare the brake system for a panic
stop.
Rear Seat Reminder Alert (RSRA)
RSRA alerts you through a visual and auditory
notification of the possible presence of an object,
passenger, or pet in the rear seats if a rear door
was opened up to 10 minutes before the ignition
was placed in the ON/RUN position. RSRA does not
directly detect objects, passengers, or pets in the
rear seats. When the previous conditions are met,
RSRA displays the message “Check Rear Seat” on
the instrument cluster display and sounds an
auditory alert upon the driver placing the ignition in
the OFF position to exit the vehicle.
To enable or disable RSRA, see Ú page 215.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, there
may not be enough brake pressure to hold
both the vehicle and the trailer on a hill when
the brake pedal is released. In order to avoid
rolling down an incline while resuming accel -
eration, manually activate the trailer brake or
apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to
releasing the brake pedal.
HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting your vehicle.
Also, be certain to place the transmission in
PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then shift the automatic trans -
mission into PARK and apply the parking
brake.
Always make sure the keyless ignition node is
in the OFF position, key fob is removed from
the vehicle and vehicle is locked.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving chil -
dren in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could
be seriously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle,
or in a location accessible to children, and do
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.

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286SAFETY
actively controlling SSC, the transmission will
shift appropriately for the driver-selected set
speed and corresponding driving conditions.
SSC operation is influenced by Off Road+ drive
mode if active. The differences may be notable
to the driver as a varying level of aggressive -
ness.
Driver Override
The driver may override SSC activation with throttle
or brake application at any time.
Deactivating SSC
SSC will be deactivated but remain available if any
of the following conditions occur:
The driver overrides SSC set speed with throttle
or brake application.
The vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h)
but remains below 40 mph (64 km/h).
The vehicle is shifted into PARK.
Disabling SSC
SSC will deactivate and be disabled if any of the
following conditions occur:
The driver pushes the SSC switch.
The driveline is shifted out of the 4WD Low.
The parking brake is applied.
The vehicle is driven greater than 20 mph
(32 km/h) for greater than 70 seconds.
The vehicle is driven greater than 40 mph
(64 km/h). SSC will exist immediately.
The driver door opens (Driver door opens if
doors are attached or driver seat belt is
unbuckled if doors are detached).
Feedback To The Driver
The instrument cluster has an SSC icon and the
SSC switch has a lamp that offers feedback to the
driver about the state SSC is in.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will illuminate
and remain on solid when SSC is enabled or
activated. These are the normal operating
conditions for SSC.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for
several seconds then extinguish when the driver
pushes the SSC switch but enabled conditions
are not met.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for
several seconds then extinguish when SSC
disables due to excess speed.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash then
extinguish when SSC deactivates due to over -
heated brakes.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin for
each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, the TCS may apply brake pressure to the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduce engine power to
provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A
feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential (BLD)
functions similarly to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one
wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the
other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque
to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning. BLD
may remain enabled even if TCS and ESC are in
reduced modes.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an
excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
WARNING!
SSC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when driving in
off-road conditions. The driver must remain
attentive to the driving conditions and is
responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle
speed.

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SAFETY287
NOTE:TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always
use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
trailer tongue weight recommendations. See
Úpage 197 for further information.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine
power may be reduced, and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” or “Full Off” modes.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The BSM system uses two radar sensors, located
inside the taillights, to detect highway licensable
vehicles (automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.)
that enter the blind spot zones from the rear/front/
side of the vehicle.
Rear Detection Zones

When the vehicle is started, the BSM Warning Light
will momentarily illuminate in both outside
rearview mirrors to let the driver know that the
system is operational. The BSM system sensors
operate when the vehicle is in any forward gear.
The BSM detection zone covers approximately one
lane width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft
(3.8 m). The zone starts at the outside rearview
mirror and extends approximately 10 ft (3 m)
beyond the rear fascia/bumper of the vehicle. The
BSM system monitors the detection zones on both
sides of the vehicle when the vehicle speed
reaches approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher
and will alert the driver of vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:
The BSM system DOES NOT alert the driver
about rapidly approaching vehicles that are
outside the detection zones.
The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT
change if your vehicle is towing a trailer. There -
fore, visually verify the adjacent lane is clear for
both your vehicle and trailer before making a
lane change. If the trailer or other object (i.e.,
bicycle, sports equipment) extends beyond the
side of your vehicle, this may result in the BSM
Warning Light remaining illuminated the entire
time the vehicle is in a forward gear. See
Ú page 215 for more information.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may
experience dropouts (blinking on and off) of the
side mirror warning indicator lights when a
motorcycle or any small object remains at the
side of the vehicle for extended periods of time
(more than a couple of seconds).
The BSM system can become blocked if snow, ice,
mud, or other road contaminations accumulate on
the rear fascia/bumper where the radar sensors
are located. The system may also detect a
blockage if the vehicle is operated in areas with
extremely low radar returns, such as a desert, or
parallel to a large elevation drop. If a blockage is
detected, a “Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable,
Wipe Rear Corners” message will display in the
instrument cluster, both mirror lights will
illuminate, and BSM and RCP alerts will be
disabled. This is normal operation. The system will
automatically resume function when the condition
clears. To minimize system blockage, do not block
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.6

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353
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indicator
system will remind you that it is time to take your
vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips,
trailer tow, or extremely hot or cold ambient
temperatures will influence when the “Change Oil”
or “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within the next 500 miles (805 km).
On vehicles equipped with an instrument cluster
display, “Oil Change Required” will be displayed
and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil
change is necessary. On vehicles not equipped with an instrument
cluster display, “Change Oil” will flash in the
instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is
necessary.
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the scheduled
oil change. To reset the system follow the steps
described Ú
page 122.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check the tire pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage, rotate at the first sign of irreg
-
ular wear.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and power steering, and
fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
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356SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: trailer towing, snow plowing, heavy
loading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is
at sustained high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C). X
XXXX
Change transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. X
X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
Change front and rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for police,
taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing. X
XX
1. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
Mileage Or Time Passed (Whichever Comes First)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you have
any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and affect vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE357
SCHEDULED SERVICING — DIESEL ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indicator
system will remind you that it is time to take your
vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips,
trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient
temperatures will influence when the “Oil Change
Required” message is displayed. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the scheduled
oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed
by someone other than an authorized dealer, to
reset the message Úpage 121.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or
12 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement
Residual oil in the housing may spill from the
housing when the new filter is installed if the
residual oil is not either removed from the housing
or enough time has not elapsed to allow the oil to
drain back into the engine. When servicing the oil
filter on this engine, open the filter cap
approximately six turns until the cap o-ring is
visible and stop. Wait five minutes with the cap in
this position to allow dirty engine oil to drain back
into the engine. After five minutes, the cap and
filter assembly can be removed and discarded. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check the tire pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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