Jeep Wrangler JK (2018 year). Instruction

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector in NEU-
TRAL, and press the clutch pedal before starting the
vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch interlocking
ignition system. It will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.

Four-Wheel Drive Models Only

In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether or
not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to press the clutch pedal.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will illuminate when the
transfer case has been shifted into this mode.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

Start the vehicle with the gear selector in the PARK
position (vehicle can also be started in NEUTRAL). Apply
the brake before shifting to any driving range.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

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275

Cycle the ignition switch to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 10
seconds, cycle the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF posi-
tion, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or −30°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables

may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

Without Tip Start — Manual Transmission Only

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” procedures,
it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. This
should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-second
periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the
floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold
Weather” procedures.

With Tip Start — Automatic Transmission Only

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” procedures,
it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. Then,
turn the ignition switch to the START position and release
it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this occurs,
release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 seconds
before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

The engine block heater cord is found under the hood
bundled in front of the battery tray.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC electri-
cal cord could cause electrocution.

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277

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Dealer
Service” in “Servicing And Maintenance”.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem.

PARKING BRAKE

Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake
is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, or manual transmission in RE-
VERSE or FIRST gear.

The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To
apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, push the center button, then lower the lever
completely.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument cluster
will illuminate.

NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the automatic

transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.

It does not show the degree of brake application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position on an automatic trans-

mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to

(Continued)

Parking Brake Lever

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279

WARNING! (Continued)

touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear
selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic trans-
mission in PARK, a manual transmission in RE-
VERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended without having the parking brake fully
applied. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an
incline.

CAUTION!

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch
pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal
wear on the clutch.

NOTE:

During cold weather, you may experience in-

creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms
up. This is normal.

280

STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting

Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal.

You should always use first gear when starting from a
standing position.

NOTE:

A certain amount of noise from the transmission is

normal. This noise can be most noticeable when the vehicle
is idling in NEUTRAL with the clutch engaged (clutch
pedal released), but it may also be heard when driving. The
noise may also be more noticeable when the transmission is
warm. This noise is normal and is not an indication of a
problem with your clutch or transmission.

Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds

To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily loaded
or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift speeds
may not apply.

Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)

Engine

Speeds

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

5 to 6

3.6L

Accel.

15 (24)

24 (39)

34 (55)

47 (76)

56 (90)

Cruise

10 (16)

19 (31)

27 (43)

37 (60)

41 (66)

Shift Pattern

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281

NOTE:

Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for 2H

and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L would be significantly
less.

Downshifting

Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is recom-
mended to preserve brakes when driving down steep hills.
In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better
acceleration when you desire to resume speed. Downshift
progressively. Do not skip gears to avoid overspeeding the
engine and clutch.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip, and the vehicle could skid.

CAUTION!

• Skipping gears and downshifting into lower gears at

higher vehicle speeds can damage the engine and
clutch systems, Any attempt to shift into lower gear
with clutch pedal depressed may result damage to

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

the clutch system. Shifting into lower gear and
releasing the clutch may result in engine damage.

• When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift

one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine
which can cause engine damage, and/or clutch dam-
age, even if the clutch pedal is pressed. If transfer
case is in low range the vehicle speeds to cause
engine and clutch damage are significantly lower.

• Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-

shifting speeds may cause the engine damage and/or
damage the clutch, even if the clutch pedal is
pressed.

• Descending a hill in low range with clutch pedal

depressed could result in clutch damage.

Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds

CAUTION!

Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-
shifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed
and/or damage the clutch disc, even if the clutch pedal
is pressed.

282

STARTING AND OPERATING

Manual Transmission Downshift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)

Gear Selection

6 to 5

5 to 4

4 to 3

3 to 2

2 to 1

Maximum Speed

80 (129)

70 (113)

50 (81)

30 (48)

15 (24)

NOTE:

Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for 2H

and 4H only, vehicle speeds in 4L would be significantly
less.

Reverse Shifting

To shift into REVERSE, bring the vehicle to a complete
stop. Press the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear
train to stop rotating. Beginning from the NEUTRAL
position, move the gear selector in one quick, smooth
motion straight across and into the REVERSE area (the
driver will feel a firm “click” as the shifter passes the
“knock-over”). Complete the shift by pulling the gear
selector into REVERSE.

The “knock-over” provides a resistance to the driver from
accidentally entering the REVERSE shift area and warns
the driver that they are about to shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Due to this feature, a slow shift to REVERSE can
be perceived as a high shift effort.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

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283

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is re-
moved, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the ignition

key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

284

STARTING AND OPERATING

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position. The key can only be removed from the ignition
when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and once
removed the transmission is locked in PARK.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the
key cannot be removed until you obtain service.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be in the
ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

Five-Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector
out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive, move the gear selector
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

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285

The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual shifts can
be made using the Autostick shift control. Moving the gear
selector to the left or right (-/+) while in the DRIVE
position will manually select the transmission gear and
will display the current gear in the instrument cluster as 1,
2, 3, etc. Refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further
information.

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:
• After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow

the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is
especially important when the engine is cold.

• If there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the

ignition to the LOCK/OFF position before restarting.
Transmission gear engagement may be delayed after
restarting the engine if the ignition is not cycled to the
LOCK/OFF position first.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

Gear Selector

286

STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

NOTE:

Be sure that the transfer case is in a drive position.

When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake
• Shift the transmission into PARK
• Turn the engine OFF
• Remove the ignition key

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is re-
moved, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the ignition

key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

287

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK

or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position (P):
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the gear selector

all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.

288

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Op-
erating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through underdrive first, second, and third gears,
direct fourth gear and overdrive fifth gear. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further information)
to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, the transmission will remain
in second gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.

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289

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (fifth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
• Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.

Autostick

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance.

This system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.

Operation

When the gear selector is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap
the gear selector to the right or left (+/-) while in the

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Jeep Wrangler JK (2018 year). Instruction - part 18