2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Owner’s Manual

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK is the last version of the famous JK platform, which is a tough SUV known for its ability to go off-road and its classic look. With its unique doors and roof that can be taken off, it represents freedom and fun in the open air. The 3.6-liter V6 engine in the 2018 Wrangler JK gives it enough speed for both on-road and off-road adventures. It still has the famous ability to go off-road, but it also has modern amenities and technology that make it good for daily driving. The Jeep Wrangler JK series is coming to an end with this model. The next-generation Wrangler will carry on the history of Jeep’s legendary off-road vehicles.

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 DRIVE position. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick mode will downshift the transmission to the next lower gear while using (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the current gear. When AutoStick is active, the current transmission gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver, unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition results. It will remain in the selected gear until another upshift or down-shift is chosen, except as described below.

• The transmission will automatically upshift when necessary to prevent engine over-speed.
• Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal will generate an automatic downshift (for improved acceleration) when reasonable.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to the first gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting in second gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is engaged.
• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick is enabled.

NOTE: When the transfer case is in the 4L (Low) range, the transmission will shift automatically (but no higher than the displayed gear).

To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the gear selector to the right (+) until “D” is once again displayed in the instrument cluster. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick mode at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
WARNING: Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or personal injury.

FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (COMMAND-TRAC I OR ROCK-TRAC)
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.

Operating Instructions/Precautions
The transfer case provides four mode positions:

• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)

Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H position for normal street and highway conditions, such as hard-surfaced roads.

If additional traction is required, the transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only and are not intended for normal driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on hard-surfaced roads will cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components. Refer to “Shifting Procedures” in this section for further information on shifting into 4H or 4L.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) alerts the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. The light will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into the 4H position.
NOTE: Do not attempt to shift when only the front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer, and the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for a shift to take place. Shifting while the front or rear wheels are spinning at different speeds can cause damage to the transfer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed will be approximately three times (four times for Rubicon models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each 4WD system mode position, see the information below:

2H Position
This range is used for normal street and highway driving on hard-surfaced roads.

4H Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range (4H) provides additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces and should not be used on dry pavement. The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into the 4H position.
N (Neutral) Position
This range disengages the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
WARNING: You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or the manual transmission is in gear). The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

4L Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
CAUTION: Exceeding 25 mph (40 km/h) while the transfer case is engaged in 4L may result in an engine overspeed condition and engine damage.

The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into the 4L position.
NOTE: When in 4L, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will display in the instrument cluster.

Shifting Procedures
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.

4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 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 2 to 3 mph (3 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 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
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.

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.
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.

To activate the system, push the bottom of the AXLE LOCK switch once to lock the rear axle only (the “Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light” will illuminate), push the bottom of the switch again to lock the front axle (the “Front Axle Lock Indicator Light” will illuminate). When the rear axle is locked, pushing the bottom of the 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 top of the AXLE LOCK switch.
The Axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of the 4L (Low) range, or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.

Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic disconnecting stabilizer/sway bar. This system allows greater front suspension travel in off-road situations. This system is controlled by the SWAY BAR switch located on the instrument panel (to the left of the steering column).  Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the system. Push the switch again to deactivate the system. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash during activation transition, or when activation conditions are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar should remain in on-road mode during normal driving conditions.

FAQ’s