suspension JEEP GLADIATOR 2023 Owners Manual

166STARTING AND OPERATING
To activate the system, push the AXLE LOCK switch
down to lock the rear axle only (the “REAR ONLY”
will illuminate), 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.
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 (Four-Wheel Drive 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).
AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) REAR ONLY —
I
F EQUIPPED
The rear axle may be locked in 4H if the proper
conditions are met. The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument
panel (to the right of the steering column).

Axle Lock Switch Panel

This feature will only activate when the following
conditions are met:
Ignition in RUN position, vehicle in 4H
(Four-Wheel Drive High Range).
The vehicle must be in OFF ROAD+ active
Ú page 168.
Vehicle must be in ESC “Full Off” mode
Úpage 282.
Vehicle must not be actively in a high wheel slip
or tight cornering condition.
To activate the system, push the AXLE LOCK switch
down to lock the rear axle only (“REAR ONLY” will
illuminate). To unlock the rear axle, push the AXLE LOCK OFF
button.
Axle Lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out
of 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range), OFF ROAD+
is turned off by the driver, ESC “Full Off” is exited,
or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
NOTE:The indicator lights will flash until the rear axle is
fully locked or unlocked.
The rear Axle Lock system may temporarily
disengage the rear locker under some conditions.
If this occurs, the rear axle will automatically
re-lock as soon as the system allows.
If an Axle Lock request cannot be completed by the
system within 5 seconds due to vehicle operating
conditions not being correct, the request will be
canceled and the driver may need to re-request the
locker to be activated.
ELECTRONIC SWAY BAR DISCONNECT —
I
F EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic
disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system
allows greater front suspension travel in off-road
situations.
WARNING!
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road
use only and should not be used on any public
roadways.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 166

STARTING AND OPERATING167
This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch
located on the instrument panel (to the right of the
steering column).

SWAY BAR Switch

Push the SWAY BAR switch to disconnect or
connect the sway bar. 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. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to
either 4H or 4L and push the SWAY BAR switch to
obtain the off-road position
Úpage 161. 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 condition 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!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected
before driving on hard surfaced roads or at
speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h); a discon -
nected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the
loss of vehicle control, which could result in seri -
ous injury. Under certain circumstances, the
front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle sta -
bility and assists with vehicle control. The sys-
tem 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 flash -
ing or solid Sway Bar Indicator Light. Once vehi -
cle speed is reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h),
the system will once again attempt to return to
off-road mode.
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 reduced. 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.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 167

STARTING AND OPERATING175
To Accelerate For Passing
While the Cruise Control is set, press the
accelerator to pass as you would normally. When
the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the
set speed.
USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
The Cruise 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 Cruise Control.
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 CANC
(cancel) button, or normal brake pressure while
slowing the vehicle will deactivate the Cruise
Control without erasing the set speed from
memory.
The following conditions will also deactivate the
Cruise Control without erasing the set speed from
memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
Stability event occurs
Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
Engine overspeed occurs
Clutch pedal is pressed (manual transmission
only)
Vehicle is operating at a low RPM (manual trans -
mission only)
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in
the OFF position, erases the set speed from
memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while
traveling on highways and major roadways.
However, it is not a safety system and not designed
to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control function
performs differently if your vehicle is not equipped
with ACC Ú page 173.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a
radar sensor and a forward-facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or accelerate (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled)
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you.
Always be aware of the feature selected
Ú page 432.
WARNING!
Cruise 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 Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered or
slippery.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 175

196STARTING AND OPERATING
This label contains the month and year of
manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), 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 Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Total load must be limited
so GVWR on 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 increased durability does not
necessarily increase the vehicle'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.
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 ensure 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.
WARNING!
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. Overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 196

202STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer
The weight of any other type of cargo or equip -
ment put in or on your vehicle
The weight of the driver and all passengers
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire And Loading Infor -
mation Placard for the maximum combined weight
of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended:
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow
these guidelines to make your trailer towing as
safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and that it will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a collision.
When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading
can cause a loss of control, poor performance,
or damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure,
or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the frame or hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK. Always block or "chock"
the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded:
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
CAUTION!

Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven.
The engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

WARNING!

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 202

STARTING AND OPERATING213
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 downstream
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.
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.
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, driveline, and exhaust system for
damage.
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, partic -
ularly on the chassis, drivetrain components,
steering, and suspension. 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.
NOTE:Inspect the clutch vent holes in the manual trans -
mission bell housing for mud and debris and clean
as required.
If you experience unusual vibration after driving
in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the
wheels for impacted material. Impacted mate -
rial can cause a wheel imbalance and freeing
the wheels of it will correct the situation.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the
radiator.
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.
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.
4

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 213

MULTIMEDIA225
Key Off Options/Engine Off Options
When the Key Off Options/Engine Off Options button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to vehicle shutoff. These settings
will only activate when the ignition is set to OFF.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name Description
Easy Exit Seat This setting adjusts the seats to make exiting the vehicle easier.
Doors On Engine Off Power Delay This setting will keep certain electrical features running after the engine is
turned on. When any door is opened, the electronics will deactivate. The
available settings are “0 sec”, “45 sec”, “5 min”, and “10 min”.
Doors Off Engine Off Power Delay This setting will keep certain electrical features running after the engine is
turned off. When any door is opened, the electronics will deactivate. The
available settings are “0 sec”, “45 sec”, “5 min”, and “10 min”.
Headlight Off Delay This setting will allow you to set the amount of time the headlights remain on
after the vehicle has been turned off. The “+” will increase the amount of
time. The “-” will decrease the amount of time.
Auto Entry/Exit Suspension This setting will automatically lower the vehicle ride height for easier entry and
exit of the vehicle.
5

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SAFETY281
power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel
lift occurring during severe or evasive driving
maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift due to
other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, striking objects or other vehicles.
NOTE:ERM is disabled any time the ESC is in “Full Off”
mode (if equipped). See Ú page 281 for a
complete explanation of the available ESC modes.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The ESC system enhances directional control and
stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or
understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to counteract the
above conditions. Engine power may also be
reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired
path.
Oversteer — when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
vehicle path intended by the driver and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual
path does not match the intended path, ESC
applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to
assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer
condition.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
located in the instrument cluster will start to flash
as soon as 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.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence the
chance that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM
cannot prevent all wheel lift or rollovers,
especially those that involve leaving the roadway
or striking objects or other vehicles. The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
WARNING!

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 accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC
also cannot prevent accidents resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the handling
characteristics of your vehicle, and may nega -
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
Changes to the steering system, suspension,
braking system, tire type and size or wheel size
may adversely affect ESC performance. Improp -
erly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifi-
cation or poor vehicle maintenance that
reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system
can increase the risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

6

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY351
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars
and other equipment designed for this purpose,
following equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar
or other towing device to main structural members
of the vehicle, not to fascia/bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN position, not the ACC
position.
If the vehicle's battery is discharged, instructions
on shifting the automatic transmission out of
PARK (P) in order to move the vehicle Úpage 348.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
FCA LLC US recommends towing with all wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the
vehicle raised and the opposite end on a towing
dolly.
If flatbed equipment is not available and the
transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be
towed (in the forward direction, with ALL wheels on
the ground), IF the transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N)
and the transmission is in PARK (P) (for automatic
transmissions) or in gear ( NOT in NEUTRAL , for
manual transmissions) Ú page 205.
WITHOUT THE KEY FOB
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is
towed with the ignition in the OFF position. The only
approved method of towing without the key fob is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is
necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS —
I
F EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are
mounted in the front and the rear fascia/bumpers.

Front Tow Hooks

NOTE:Depending on vehicle trim level, rear tow hooks
may vary.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may
result from improper towing.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if
the remaining wheels are on the ground).
Internal damage to the transmission or
transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel
lift is used when towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
approved requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE355
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
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, rear suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. X
XXXXXX
Inspect the front and rear axle fluid. XXXX
Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary. XXXXXXX
Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc
brakes. X
XXXXXX
Inspect transfer case fluid. XXX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air cleaner filter. XXXXX
Replace cabin air filter. To be replaced every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
Replace spark plugs – 3.6L Engine.
1X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first. X
X
8

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