power steering JEEP WRANGLER 2023 Owners Manual

2
INTRODUCTION
SYMBOLS KEY ....................................................................... 8
ROLLOVER WARNING ......................................................... 8
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS ......................... 8
SYMBOL GLOSSARY ............................................................. 9
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
KEYS ....................................................................................13
Key Fob ........................................................................ 13
SENTRY KEY ........................................................................15
IGNITION SWITCH ...............................................................15 Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ Ignition .................................... 15
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (GASOLINE)..................17 How To Use Remote Start .......................................... 17
To Exit Remote Start Mode ........................................ 18
Remote Start Front Defrost Activation —
If Equipped .................................................................. 18
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped ......... 18
Remote Start Windshield Wiper De-Icer
Activation — If Equipped ............................................. 18
Remote Start Cancel Message .................................. 18
REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED (DIESEL) ......................19 How To Use Remote Start .......................................... 19
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .................19 To Arm The System .................................................... 20
To Disarm The System ............................................... 20
Rearming Of The System ............................................ 20 DOORS ................................................................................ 20
Manual Door Locks......................................................20
Power Door Locks — If Equipped ............................... 21
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ — Passive Entry
(If Equipped) ................................................................ 21
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped ......................... 23
Child-Protection Door Lock System — Rear Doors.....23
Front Door Removal..................................................... 24
Rear Door Removal (Four-Door Models) ................... 27
Door Off Mirror Kit — If Equipped
S
........................ 29
Half-Door Installation — If Equipped
S
................... 31
STEERING WHEEL............................................................... 36 Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column ..............................36
Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped........................ 37
SEATS .................................................................................. 37 Manual Adjustment Front Seats ................................. 37
60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat —
Four Door Models ........................................................ 39
Fold And Tumble Rear Seat — Two Door Models....... 39
Heated Seats — If Equipped........................................ 41
Rear Seat Armrest — If Equipped ............................... 41
Head Restraints ........................................................... 41
UCONNECT VOICE RECOGNITION ..................................... 44 Introducing Voice Recognition .................................... 44
Basic Voice Commands............................................... 44
Get Started ................................................................... 44
Additional Information................................................. 45
MIRRORS ............................................................................ 45 Inside Rearview Mirror ................................................ 45
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors .......................................... 46
Outside Mirrors ........................................................... 46
Outside Mirrors With Turn Signal — If Equipped ........ 46
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ..................................... 46
Power Mirrors — If Equipped ....................................... 46 UNIVERSAL GARAGE DOOR OPENER
(HOMELINK®) — IF EQUIPPED

S
.................................. 47
Before You Begin Programming HomeLink® ............ 47
Erasing All The HomeLink® Channels ....................... 47
Identifying Whether You Have A Rolling Code Or
Non-Rolling Code Device............................................. 47
Programming HomeLink® To A Garage Door
Opener ......................................................................... 48
Programming HomeLink® To A Miscellaneous
Device .......................................................................... 48
Reprogramming A Single HomeLink® Button ........... 49
Canadian/Gate Operator Programming .................... 49
Security ........................................................................ 49
Troubleshooting Tips ................................................... 50
EXTERIOR LIGHTS .............................................................. 50 Headlight Switch.......................................................... 50
Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) — If Equipped ......... 51
High/Low Beam Switch............................................... 51
Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control —
If Equipped .................................................................. 51
Flash-To-Pass............................................................... 51
Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ......................... 51
Lights-On Reminder..................................................... 51
Front Fog Lights — If Equipped ................................... 52
Turn Signals ................................................................. 52
Lane Change Assist — If Equipped ............................. 52
INTERIOR LIGHTS .............................................................. 52 Interior Courtesy Lights ............................................... 52
Dimmer Control ........................................................... 53
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ........................... 53 Windshield Wiper Operation ...................................... 53
Rear Window Wiper/Washer — If Equipped .............. 54

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4
NORMAL OPERATION — DIESEL ENGINE ..................... 130
Cold Weather Precautions........................................ 131Engine Idling .............................................................. 131Stopping The Engine ................................................. 132
Cooling System Tips — Automatic Transmission..... 132
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS —
GASOLINE ENGINE (IF EQUIPPED) ................................ 133
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS — DIESEL
ENGINE (IF EQUIPPED) .................................................... 133
PARKING BRAKE ............................................................. 133
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .................... 134 Shifting....................................................................... 135
Downshifting.............................................................. 136
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .............. 137 Ignition Park Interlock............................................... 137Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System ...................................................................... 138
8–Speed Automatic Transmission .......................... 138
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION ............................... 140 Four-Position Transfer Case — If Equipped ............ 141Five-Position Transfer Case — If Equipped .............. 142
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped ............................ 144

Axle Lock (Tru-Lok) Front And Rear — If Equipped ... 144

Axle Lock (Tru-Lok) Rear Only — If Equipped .......... 144
Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If Equipped ...... 145
Off Road+ — If Equipped........................................... 146
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING .................... 146
STOP/START SYSTEM — AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................................. 147 Autostop Mode .......................................................... 147
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not Autostop.. 148
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode.......... 148
To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start System ......... 148
To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start System.......... 149
System Malfunction .................................................. 149 STOP/START SYSTEM — MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................................. 149
Autostop Mode.......................................................... 149
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop .................................................................... 150
To Start The Engine While In Autostop Mode ......... 150
To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start System ......... 150
To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start System ......... 151
System Malfunction.................................................. 151
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS — IF EQUIPPED ............. 151 Cruise Control ........................................................... 151
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).................................. 152
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED ...... 160 ParkSense Sensors .................................................. 160ParkSense Warning Display ..................................... 160
ParkSense Display.................................................... 160
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense ......................... 162
Service The ParkSense Rear Park Assist System... 162
Cleaning The ParkSense System ............................. 163ParkSense System Usage Precautions ................... 163
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ........................... 163
TRAILCAM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .............................. 164
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — GASOLINE ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................................. 165 Fuel Filler Cap ........................................................... 165
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............................... 166
REFUELING THE VEHICLE — DIESEL ENGINE
(IF EQUIPPED) .................................................................. 166 Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel............................... 167
Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel .............................. 167
Diesel Exhaust Fluid ................................................. 167
VEHICLE LOADING ........................................................... 169 Certification Label..................................................... 169 TRAILER TOWING ............................................................170
Common Towing Definitions..................................... 170
Trailer Hitch Classification ........................................ 172Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ..................................................................... 172
Trailer And Tongue Weight........................................ 173Towing Requirements ............................................... 173Towing Tips ................................................................ 175
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME) ...... 176 Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle ........... 176Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models ... 176
DRIVING TIPS ....................................................................178 On-Road Driving Tips ................................................. 178
Off-Road Driving Tips................................................. 178
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ......................................................184
CYBERSECURITY ..............................................................184
UCONNECT SETTINGS ......................................................184 Customer Programmable Features ......................... 184
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION ............................................ 197 System Overview ...................................................... 197Drag & Drop Menu Bar ............................................. 200Safety And General Information ............................... 200
UCONNECT MODES .......................................................... 201 Steering Wheel Audio Controls ................................ 201Radio Mode .............................................................. 201
Media Mode .............................................................. 210
Phone Mode ............................................................. 212

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9
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
Some car components have colored labels with symbols indicating precautions to be
observed when using this component. It is important to follow all warnings when operating
your vehicle. See below for the definition of each symbol
Úpage 116.
NOTE:Warning and Indicator lights are different based upon equipment options and current
vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and may not appear.Red Warning Lights
Air Bag Warning Light
Úpage 117
Brake Warning Light
Úpage 117
Battery Charge Warning Light
Úpage 117
Door Open Warning Light
Úpage 117
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light
Úpage 118
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Úpage 118
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light Úpage 118
Hood Open Warning Light
Úpage 118
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Úpage 118
Oil Temperature Warning Light
Úpage 118
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Úpage 118
Swing Gate Open Warning Light
Úpage 119
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Úpage 119
Vehicle Security Warning Light
Úpage 119
Red Warning Lights
1

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 9

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL111
Messages include the following, but not limited to:
NOTE:Certain messages may require dealer service.
Front Seat Belts Unbuckled Oil Change DueACC Override
Driver Seat Belt Unbuckled Fuel LowCruise Set To XXX mph or km/h
Passenger Seat Belt Unbuckled Service Anti-lock Brake SystemService Shifter
Traction Control Off Service Electronic Throttle ControlTire Pressure Screen With Low Tire(s)
Washer Fluid Low Service Power SteeringService Tire Pressure System
Oil Pressure Low Cruise OffPark Brake Engaged
Oil Level Low – If Equipped Cruise ReadyBrake Fluid Low
Engine Temperature Hot Lights OnRight Front Turn Signal Light Out
Right Rear Turn Signal Light Out Left Front Turn Signal Light OutLeft Rear Turn Signal Light Out
Ignition or Accessory On Vehicle Not In ParkRemote Start Active Push Start Button
Remote Start Canceled Fuel Low Remote Start Canceled Hood OpenRemote Start Canceled Liftgate Open
Remote Start Canceled Door Open Remote Start Canceled Time ExpiredRemote Start Disabled Start To Reset
Service Air Bag System Service Air Bag Warning LightDoor Open
Doors Open Hood OpenVehicle Speed Too High To Shift to D
Liftgate Open Shift Not AllowedVehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to R
Vehicle Speed is Too High to Shift to P Service Transmission
3

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118GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there's a
fault with the EPS system Úpage 146.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a
problem with the ETC system. If a problem is
detected while the vehicle is running, the light
will either stay on or flash depending on the
nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle
is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK (P) position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals
are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine coolant
temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the
temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime
will sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to
cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop
the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn
it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service
Úpage 300.
Hood Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when the hood is
ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate, and a chime
will sound, to indicate low engine oil pressure.
If the light and chime turn on while driving,
safely stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. After the vehicle is safely stopped,
restart the engine and monitor the Oil Pressure Warning
Light. If the Oil Pressure Warning Light is still illuminated,
turn the engine OFF and contact an authorized dealer for
further assistance. Do not operate the vehicle until the
cause is corrected. If the light is no longer illuminated, the
engine can be operated but it is recommended to take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the
engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns
on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil
temperature to return to normal levels.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the driver or
passenger seat belt is unbuckled. When the
ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn on.
When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash
or remain on continuously and a chime will sound
Úpage 261.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

144STARTING AND OPERATING
4H PART TIME/4H AUTO TO 4L OR 4L TO 4H
PART TIME/4H AUTO
With the vehicle rolling at 1 to 3 mph (2 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 1 to 3 mph (2 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 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle
moving faster than 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h).
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 proportions 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.
AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) FRONT AND
R
EAR — IF EQUIPPED
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 4L.
 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 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, 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.
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.
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.
WARNING!
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
only and should not be used on any public roadways.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 144

146STARTING AND OPERATING
To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR switch
again.
OFF ROAD+ — IF EQUIPPED

OFF ROAD+ Switch

When activated, Off Road+ is designed to improve the
user experience when using specific Off Road driving
modes. To activate Off Road+, push the OFF ROAD+ switch
in the switch bank. The vehicle’s performance will improve
depending on which Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) mode is
activated.
NOTE:Off Road+ will not function in 2H mode. If the button is
pushed while in 2H mode, the cluster display will show the
message “Off Road+ Unavailable Shift to 4WD”.
When Off Road+ is active, the following features will
activate:
The Off Road+ telltale will illuminate in the instrument
cluster display
 A mode-specific message will display the instrument
cluster display
 Off-Road Pages will launch on the radio head-unit if
selected in radio settings
 The Off-Road Camera will launch if selected in radio
settings
Once in Off Road+, the vehicle will begin to behave in
different ways depending on the 4WD mode in use. The
following enhancements will occur when using Off Road+.
4L
 Engine/Transmission Calibration: Rock Crawl and
controllability focus, change in shifting schedule when
rock crawling, pedal calibration shifted to de-gain and
low range, operates at lower vehicle speeds
 Traction Control: Aggressive brake lock differential
tuning at slower speed or FIRST gear
 Off Road+: Recall the last status between ignition
cycles
4H
 Engine/Transmission Calibration: Improved sand
performance/wheel slip focus, change in shift
schedule for sport mode, pedal calibration set to
aggressive, operates at elevated vehicle speeds 
Traction Control: High wheel speed, slip tuning brake
lock differential with no engine management
 Electronic Stability Control: ESC Off with unlimited
speed
 Off Road+: Will default to OFF between ignition cycles
Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will not
function while using Off Road+. A dedicated cluster
message will display indicating this if either feature is
activated while in Off Road+.
If the ESC OFF button is pushed while in Off Road+, the
following will occur on the vehicle:
 Push of the ESC OFF Button: Traction Control will turn
off, but Stability Control will remain active.
 Hold the ESC OFF Button for five seconds: Traction
Control and Stability Control will turn off.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electro-Hydraulic Power
Steering system that provides increased vehicle response
and ease of maneuverability. The system adapts to
different driving conditions. 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.
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 discon -
nected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the loss of
vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.

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

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 146

STARTING AND OPERATING147
If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” message and a
flashing icon are displayed on the instrument cluster
screen, it indicates that the vehicle needs to be taken to
an authorized dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has
lost power steering assistance
Úpage 108.
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
steering system. You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condition no
longer exists. Once driving conditions are safe, pull over
and let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light turns
off
Úpage 108.
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 an authorized dealer for
service.
STOP/START SYSTEM — AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
The Engine Stop/Start (ESS) function is designed to
reduce fuel consumption. 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 restart 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 Stop/Start system be disabled
during off-road use.
Secondary Battery
Your vehicle may be equipped with a secondary battery
used to power the Stop/Start system and the 12 Volt
vehicle electrical system. The secondary battery is located
behind the wheel well for the front passenger wheel.

Battery Locations

AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every driver
ignition 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
Úpage 108.
 The vehicle must be completely stopped.
 The shifter must be in a forward gear and the brake
pedal pressed.
1 — Primary Battery
2 — Secondary Battery
WARNING!
 Vehicles with the Stop/Start system will be equipped
with two batteries. Both the main and the supple -
mental batteries must be disconnected to
completely de-energize the 12 Volt electrical system.
 Serious injury or death could result if you do not
disconnect both batteries. To learn how to properly
disconnect, see an authorized dealer.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING179
(Continued)
The Basics Of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-road.
You should be familiar with the terrain and area before
proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions:
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow
and ice. Every surface has a different effect on your
vehicle's steering, handling and traction. Controlling your
vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road driving, so
always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and
maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns 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.
NOTE:It is recommended that the Stop/Start system and the
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (if equipped) be
disabled during off-road use.
When To Use 4L Range
When off-road driving, shift into 4L for additional traction
and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascending 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.
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 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 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 fresh traction and help maintain your momentum.
MUD
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use DRIVE,
with the transfer case in the 4L 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.
WARNING!
 Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down cargo.
Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over
flammable substances such as dry plants, wood,
cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious
injury to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Do not use 4L when operating the vehicle on dry
pavement. Driveline hardware damage can result.
WARNING!
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.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING181
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.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good
understanding 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.
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 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 complete 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.
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,
controlled 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 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.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to cross a log with a greater diameter
than the running ground clearance or the vehicle will
become high-centered.
CAUTION!
Winching or rocking the vehicle off hard objects
increases the risk of underbody damage.
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.
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.
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