traction control JEEP WRANGLER 2023 Owners Manual

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

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 111

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL123
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With No
Target Detected Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise
Control is set and there is no vehicle in front
detected
Úpage 152.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With
Target Indicator Light — If Equipped
This will display when the ACC is set and a
vehicle in front is detected Úpage 152.
4WD Auto Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the Four-Wheel Drive auto mode. The system
will provide power to all four wheels and shift the power between the front and rear axles as needed.
This will provide maximum traction in dry and slippery
conditions.
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light —
If Equipped With A Premium Instrument
Cluster
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Cruise Control is set to the desired speed
Úpage 151.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
front fog lights are on Úpage 50.
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the
parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light —
If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the
Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated,
the turn signal indicator will flash
independently and the corresponding exterior
turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right).
NOTE:

A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven
more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
 Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indi -
cator flashes at a rapid rate.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Ready
Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light will turn on when the vehicle
equipped with ACC has been turned on, but not
set.
2WD High Indicator Light — If Equipped
With a Premium Instrument Cluster
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the Two-Wheel Drive High mode.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light —
If Equipped

This indicator shows when the HDC feature is
turned on. The light will be on solid when HDC
is armed. HDC can only be armed when the
transfer case is in the 4WD Low position and
the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these
conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC
feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.
CAUTION!
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may
cause severe damage to the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the indicator light is
illuminated, contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible to bleed the system. If the indicator comes on
immediately after refuelling, water, or AdBlue® UREA
has probably been poured into the tank: switch the
engine off immediately and contact an authorized
dealer.
3

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 123

142STARTING AND OPERATING
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 pres -
sures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold temperatures.
 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 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).
During cold weather, you may experience increased effort
in shifting until the transfer case fluid warms up. This is
normal.
FIVE-POSITION TRANSFER CASE —
I
F EQUIPPED

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector

The transfer case provides five mode positions:
 2H — Two-Wheel Drive High Range
 4H AUTO — Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range
 4H PART TIME — 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 following:
2H
Two-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 conditions.
4H PART TIME
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
surfaces only.
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.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 142

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 OPERATING155
If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(32 km/h), the set speed will default to 20 mph
(32 km/h).
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control cannot be set below 20 mph
(32 km/h).
If either system is set when the vehicle speed is above
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be the current speed of the vehicle.
On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the
ACC system cannot be set when the vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h) or when the vehicle is in FIRST gear.
NOTE:
 Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can cause
the vehicle to continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed. If this occurs, the message “DRIVER OVERRIDE”
will display in the instrument cluster display.
 If you continue to accelerate beyond the set speed
while ACC is enabled, the system will not be controlling
the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. The vehicle speed will only be determined by
the position of the accelerator pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed Speed
Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
 The CANC button is pushed
 The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) activates
 The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE position
 The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
System (ESC/TCS) activates 
The vehicle parking brake is applied
 The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over -
heated)
 The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) activates
 The vehicle speed is less than 15 mph (24 km/h)
(manual transmission only)
 The clutch is pressed for more than 10 seconds
(manual transmission only)
 The vehicle is placed in NEUTRAL for more than
10 seconds (manual transmission only)
 The driver shifts to FIRST gear (manual transmission
only)
The following conditions will only cancel the ACC system:
 Driver seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
 Driver door is opened at low speeds
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and erase the set speed in
memory if:
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button is
pushed
 The Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off button is pushed
 The ignition is placed in the OFF position
 4WD Low is engaged
To Resume
If there is a set speed in the memory, push the RES button
and then remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. The
instrument cluster display will show the last set speed. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed Cruise Control is being
used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph (0 km/h)
when ACC is active.
NOTE:

While in ACC mode, when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop longer than two seconds, the system will
cancel. The driver will have to apply the brakes to keep
the vehicle at a standstill.
 ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle
in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set speed by
pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing
the SET (-) button.
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if traffic and
road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that is
too high or too low for prevailing traffic and road condi -
tions could cause the vehicle to accelerate or deceler -
ate too sharply for safe operation. Failure to follow
these warnings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 155

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

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 179

180STARTING AND OPERATING
SAND
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft, sandy spots in a trail,
maintain your vehicle's momentum and do not stop. The
key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire
pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers
and maintaining the vehicle's momentum. If you are going
to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce
your tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to
allow for a greater tire surface area. Reduced tire pressure
will drastically improve your traction and handling while
driving on the soft sand, but you must return the tires to
normal air pressure before driving on pavement or other
hard surfaces. Be sure you have a way to reinflate the tires
prior to reducing the pressure.
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other
High Points)
While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different types
of obstacles. Before proceeding, review the path ahead to
determine the correct approach and your ability to safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong. Keeping a
firm grip on the steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a
complete stop and then inch the vehicle forward until it
makes contact with the object. Apply the throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and ease the vehicle
up and over the object.
USING A SPOTTER
There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle
or determine the correct path. Determining the correct
path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting
many obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you
over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person
stand a safe distance in front of you where they can see
the obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and
guide you through.
CROSSING LARGE ROCKS
When approaching large rocks, choose a path which
ensures you drive over the largest of them with your tires.
This will lift your undercarriage over the obstacle. The
tread of the tire is tougher and thicker than the side wall
and is designed to take the abuse. Always look ahead and
make every effort to cross the large rocks with your tires.
CROSSING A RAVINE, GULLY, DITCH,
WASHOUT OR RUT
When crossing a ravine, gully, ditch, washout or a large rut,
the angled approach is the key to maintaining your
vehicle's mobility. Approach these obstacles at a
45-degree angle and let each tire go through the obstacle
independently. You need to use caution when crossing
large obstacles with steep sides. Do not attempt to cross
any large obstacle with steep sides at an angle great
enough to put the vehicle at risk of a rollover. If you get
caught in a rut, dig a small trench to the right or left at a
45-degree angle ahead of the front tires. Use the removed
dirt to fill the rut ahead of the turnout you just created. You
should now be able to drive out following the trench you
just created at a 45-degree angle.
CROSSING LOGS
To cross a log, approach it at a slight angle (approximately
10 to 15 degrees). This allows one front tire to be on top
of the log while the other just starts to climb the log. While
climbing the log, modulate your brake and accelerator to
avoid spinning the log out from under your tires. Then ease
the vehicle off the log using your brakes.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your
speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.
CAUTION!

Never attempt to straddle a rock that is large enough
to strike your axles or undercarriage.
 Never attempt to drive over a rock which is large
enough to contact the door sills.
WARNING!
There is an increased risk of rollover when crossing an
obstacle, at any angle, with steep sides.

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 180

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.
4

23_JL_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 181

182STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVING ACROSS AN INCLINE
If at all possible, avoid driving across an incline. If it is
necessary, know your vehicle's abilities. Driving across an
incline places more weight on the downhill wheels, which
increases the possibilities of a downhill slide or rollover.
Make sure the surface has good traction with firm and
stable soils. If possible, transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
IF YOU STALL OR BEGIN TO LOSE HEADWAY
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift into
REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing engine
braking to control the descent and apply your brakes, if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided, if possible, and only
be attempted when necessary in a safe, responsible
manner. Only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. Tread lightly and avoid damage to the
environment. Know your vehicle's abilities and be able to
recover it if something goes wrong. Never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do not
attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested water
first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. Shift into
FIRST gear (manual transmission), or DRIVE (automatic
transmission), with the transfer case in the 4L position
and proceed very slowly with a constant slow speed of {3
to 5 mph (5 to 8 km/h) maximum} and light throttle. Keep
the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate through the
crossing. After crossing any water higher than the bottom
of the axle differentials, inspect all of the vehicle fluids for
signs of water ingestion.
BEFORE YOU CROSS ANY TYPE OF WATER
As you approach any type of water, you need to determine
if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick. You
need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current and
bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy waters;
check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not be
intruding on any wildlife, and you can recover the vehicle
if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the water depth,
current and bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the
vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing the water level on
the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when determining the
depth and the ability to safely cross.
CROSSING PUDDLES, POOLS, FLOODED
AREAS OR OTHER STANDING WATER
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas
normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water
types normally contain hidden obstacles and make it
difficult to determine an accurate water depth, approach
angle, and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes
are where you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering.
This makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle
recovery. If you are able to determine you can safely cross,
than proceed using the low and slow method.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a rollover,
which may result in severe injury.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt to
turn around. To do so may result in tipping and rolling
the vehicle, which may result in severe injury. Always
back carefully straight down a hill in REVERSE. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the vehicle
brakes. Never drive diagonally across a hill, always drive
straight up or down.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can
cause permanent damage to engine, driveline or
other vehicle components, and your brakes will be
less effective once wet and/or muddy.
 When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering
as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward.
Driving through water may cause damage that may
not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system
effectiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.

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