2020 Jeep Gladiator All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is strong and flexible, which improves its performance on a wide range of terrains and driving situations. The Gladiator’s AWD gives drivers the confidence to take on a wide range of tasks, from city streets to off-road trails. The AWD is designed to give drivers great traction and control. With part-time 4WD systems like Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, the Gladiator can switch between rear-wheel drive and 4WD modes smoothly, making it easy to drive in different conditions. This flexible system not only makes it easier for the Gladiator to drive off-road, but it also makes it more stable on slippery surfaces like snow and ice. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator’s All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system shows how flexible it is, making it easy and safe for drivers to enjoy the spirit of adventure.

FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

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.

FOUR-POSITION TRANSFER CASE

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)

For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.
4H
Four-Wheel Drive 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.

N (Neutral)

WARNING! You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the (N) Neutral position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case (N) Neutral 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 manualtransmission is in gear). The parking brake shoul  always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H position for normal street and highway conditions, such as hard-surfaced roads. In the event that 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 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 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. 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 stoppingspeeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

Shifting Procedures
2H TO 4H OR 4H TO 2H Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. The preferred shifting speed would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Do not accelerate while shifting the transfer case. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
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 experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures, 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 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). Avoidattempting 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 controlof your vehicle.

AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) FRONT AND REAR — IF EQUIPPED 
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument panel (to the right of the steering column).

This feature will only activate when the following conditions are met:

• Ignition in RUN position, vehicle in 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range).
• 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 (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range), or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position.
• The axle lock disengages at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h), and will automatically re-lock once vehicle speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h).

AXLE LOCK (TRU-LOK) REAR ONLY — IF EQUIPPED
The AXLE LOCK switch is located on the instrument panel (to the right of the steering column).

This feature will only activate when the following conditions are met:

• Ignition in RUN position, vehicle in 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range).
• Vehicle speed should be 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
• Both right and left wheels on the axle are at the same speed.

To activate the rear system, push the AXLE LOCK switch down to lock the rear axle only (the “REAR ONLY” will illuminate).
NOTE:
The indicator lights will flash until the axle is fully locked or unlocked. To unlock the axle, push the AXLE LOCK OFF button. Axle lock will disengage if the vehicle is taken out of 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range), or the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. The axle lock disengages at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h), and will automatically re-lock once vehicle speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h).

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 right of the steering column).

Push the SWAY BAR switch to disconnect or connect the sway bar. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light” (located in the instrument cluster) will illuminate when the bar is disconnected. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash during activation transition, or when activation conditions  are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar should remain inon-road mode during normal driving conditions.

WARNING!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is reconnected before driving on hard surfaced roads or at speeds above 18 mph (29 km/h); a disconnected stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury. Under certain circumstances, the front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle stability and assists with vehicle control. The system monitors vehicle speed and will attempt to reconnect the stabilizer/sway bar at speeds over 18 mph (29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing or solid “Sway Bar Indicator Light.” Once vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph (22 km/h), the system will once again attempt to return to off-road mode. To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4H or 4L and push the SWAY BAR switch to obtain the off-road position. Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section for further information. The “Sway Bar Indicator  Light” will flash until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fullydisconnected.

NOTE: The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked due to left and right suspension height differences. This condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar must be aligned. This alignment may require that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side to side. To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY BAR switch again.

WARNING! If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road mode, the “Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash in the instrument cluster and vehicle stability may be reduced. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than 18 mph  (29 km/h) with a disconnected stabilizer/sway bar maycontribute to the loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.

OFF ROAD+ — IF EQUIPPED

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 of which Four Wheel Drive (4WD) mode is activated.

NOTE:
Off Road+ will not function in Two Wheel Drive High (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 equipped)
• The Off Road Camera will launch (if equipped) 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 Speed 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 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.

FAQ